Lakers
- While Kyrie Irving has been linked to the Lakers, the Nets wouldn’t want to take back Russell Westbrook as part of a deal. Per Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Nets would only be interested in Anthony Davis in exchange for Irving. For the record, Windhorst added he doesn’t envision such a deal transpiring.
- That said, the Hornets are said to have “real” interest in Westbrook, per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, as Charlotte looks to shed the contracts of some older veterans, most notably Gordon Hayward. (Full post.) New coach Darvin Ham and the Lakers have said all the right things about Westbrook, but league sources have stressed to Hoops Wire they’re undoubtedly looking to move him.
- In case you missed it, Westbrook or not, the Lakers are among the teams linked to John Wall, should Wall and the Rockets negotiate a buyout. That possibility is seeming more and more likely, as we relayed earlier.
Kings
Keegan Murray has no issue being drafted by the Kings. Just the opposite, actually.
“I’m excited, I feel like this is where I belong, I am excited for my future here and see where it grows from this point,” Murray told Michelle Dapper of KCRA TV. “This is the starting point of my life, so I’m excited to be here.”
Murray is 6-foot-8 and was selected by the Kings with the No. 4 overall pick out of Iowa. Some impressive pre-draft workouts helped his stock to rise.
He also had dinner with Kings cornerstones De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis prior to the draft, and was hoping Sacramento would call his name.
“It’s a dream come true,” Murray said.
- In case you missed it, new coach Mike Brown talked about his goals for the Kings, saying that “I’m here to win, first and foremost.” You can read that full story on Hoops Wire right here.
- Alabama guard Keon Ellis was among the four undrafted players the Kings have signed, as we relayed here. Seton Hall forward Jared Rhodan, Tulsa forward Jeriah Horne and Overtime Elite forward Jai Smith are the others.
Trail Blazers
No. 7 overall pick Shaedon Sharpe didn’t play a single game at Kentucky, but feels he is ready for the NBA, anyway.
“I’m prepared for anything, really,” Sharpe said, via Aaron Fentress of the Oregonian. “Just me getting out there trying to impact the game. Really, whatever to help the team.”
Blazers GM Joe Cronin indicated the team agrees with Sharpe — he’s ready. Especially after he worked out for Portland ahead of the draft.
“We thought there were a few teams ahead of us that could take him,” Cronin said, via Fentress. “So, through those moments, those are the stressful/enjoyable parts of the draft where the unknown is so prevalent that you’re waiting and waiting. Then when you hear a certain name called and you know your guy gets to you, that creates that energy in that room. That celebration. That happiness.”
- The Blazers were reportedly very open to trading the No. 7 pick ahead of the draft, but after landing Jerami Grant in a trade with the Pistons, felt comfortable bringing in a rookie, Fentress wrote. You can check out more notes on the Grant deal right here.