NBA Rumors: Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, Rockets, Marcus Smart, Kings, Magic

Clippers

The Raptors continue to be the team most frequently linked to Clippers star Kawhi Leonard.

According to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Toronto remains a legitimate possibility if the Clippers ultimately decide to move the two-time Finals MVP. Dallas has also expressed interest, but the Mavericks aren’t currently viewed as a realistic landing spot.

One reason the Raptors continue to surface is Leonard’s reported willingness to sign a contract extension there. Stein and Fischer add that Clippers officials are believed to have some interest in Brandon Ingram, who could help Los Angeles remain competitive while also getting younger.

Elsewhere, the Clippers are still weighing multiple roster-building paths. League sources tell Stein and Fischer the team hasn’t ruled out operating with cap space this offseason and also remains open to bringing back free-agent forward John Collins.

Rockets

The Rockets’ pursuit of Marcus Smart appears to be gaining momentum.

After first being linked to the former Defensive Player of the Year earlier this weekend, Stein and Fischer report Houston’s interest is “only sounding more serious.”

The Athletic’s Dan Woike is hearing similar chatter, with the expectation that the Rockets could present Smart with a three-year contract after he declines his player option.

Kings

The Kings may be the latest team to enter the Mitchell Robinson sweepstakes.

According to Stein and Fischer, Sacramento would like to pursue the veteran center alongside the Lakers and Nets, though creating enough financial flexibility remains the biggest hurdle.

As things stand today, the Kings project to be above the first tax apron, meaning additional moves would likely be needed before they could make a competitive offer.

Magic

The Magic aren’t expected to move Goga Bitadze.

While the Clippers reportedly checked in on the veteran center, Stein and Fischer report Orlando plans to keep him, largely because the organization is preparing for the possibility of losing Moritz Wagner in free agency.

Wagner is expected to draw significant interest on the open market, making Bitadze an even more valuable piece of the Magic’s frontcourt depth.