NBA Rumors: Rockets, Hawks, Luke Kennard, Knicks, Tyus Jones, Heat, Raptors

The Houston Rockets are preparing to move aggressively when NBA free agency opens this evening, with meetings reportedly in the works for Dorian Finney-Smith, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard, according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Houston is considered the favorite to land Finney-Smith after the veteran forward declined his $15.4 million player option with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Stein Line’s Marc Stein has reported that the Rockets are expected to offer the 32-year-old a four-year contract worth most of their $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Meanwhile, Alexander-Walker appears unlikely to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves following their high-dollar commitments to Naz Reid and Julius Randle. The Atlanta Hawks are believed to be the front-runners for the versatile guard, but several teams remain in the mix.

Atlanta is also among the clubs with interest in Kennard, who ranks third in NBA history in three-point percentage at 43.8%. The sharpshooter has spent the past two-plus seasons in Memphis, but is not expected to re-sign with the Grizzlies.

Here’s more buzz as the start of free agency draws closer:

• Tyus Jones is a name to watch for the New York Knicks, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. He reports that there was mutual interest between the two sides last offseason and that Jones was even willing to take a pay cut to come to New York. After a disappointing stint in Phoenix, the veteran point guard is back on the market. The Knicks will likely be limited to offering either the taxpayer mid-level exception or the veteran’s minimum.

• Josh Robbins of The Athletic confirms the Magic also had prior interest in Jones. If Orlando doesn’t pursue him, Robbins expects the team to target another veteran point guard who can help improve their shooting and offensive flow.

• According to Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald, Dru Smith is expected to return to the Miami Heat on a two-way deal. Smith was nearing a promotion to a standard NBA contract last season before suffering a torn Achilles in December.

• Michael Grange of Sportsnet.ca reports the Toronto Raptors are expected to remain relatively quiet in free agency, focusing instead on minimum-salary depth signings. An extension for center Jakob Poeltl remains a possibility.