Rumors and reports have been swirling for months but, today marks the official beginning of negotiations between players and teams. Contracts cannot be officially signed until July 6^th.

Two of the biggest names the league (and everybody else) is monitoring are 2-time Finals MVP winners, Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant. Leonard is coming off of an NBA Finals win with the Toronto Raptors and Durant is going to miss the entire 2019-2020 season after suffering an Achilles injury. Both players have a lot of mystery surrounding their free agency decisions but, are reported to be taking meetings with multiple teams. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported early Sunday morning that both players are seriously considering the Los Angeles Clippers.

While we’re on the topic of Los Angeles, let’s talk Lakers free agency. Just a few months ago, saying “Los Angeles Lakers” was met with laughter and now they are in the front of the pack to potentially land another star. After landing Anthony Davis, there are still a lot of roster spots that need to be filled and with players like J.J. Redick, Jimmy Butler and De’Angelo Russell available, do the Lakers opt for depth over another superstar?

Another story to keep a close eye on is the Houston Rockets. In the last two years, the Rockets have made it to the playoffs but, lost some close ones to the Golden State Warriors. They seemingly have all the right pieces but, just can’t put it together consistently on the floor in the post season. It’s been reported that the Rockets are looking to land Jimmy Butler from the Philadelphia 76ers. The reason to keep a close eye on this developing story is what the Rockets will have give up to get Butler. The Rockets can offer Clint Capela, Eric Gordon or a number of other players but, given Capela’s improved play and Gordon’s sniper-like shooting, will they be able to get complementary replacements?

The Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets have also been discussed destinations for Kemba Walker and Kyrie Irving respectively, the two top sought after PGs. Walker has spent his career with the Charlotte Hornets and averaged almost 26 points per game last season.  Boston will be looking to replace the departing Irving, who at the start of the season was all in on Boston and then decided that was no longer the case a few months ago. It has been reported that Irving is seriously considering the Nets as his next destination. The Celtics also have another asset in Terry Rozier, who might be willing to stay due to the departure of Irving but, will gain interest from other PG-needy teams.

There are a slew of other free agents that are available including Al Horford, Danny Green, Patrick Beverly, J.J. Redick and Deandre Jordan. All veteran guys that could add depth and solid minutes wherever they land.