NBA trade news: Kevin Durant prediction, LeBron James decision, Miami Heat deal agreed
NBA trade news is coming thick and fast with teams assessing their options for next summer already and Express Sport is on hand to bring you all the latest gossip.
Durant challenge
Golden State Warriors star Andre Iguodala has challenged Kevin Durant to become the best player in the world and surpass LeBron James.
“So at this point, he’s arguably the best player in the world,” Iguodala said of James.
“Kevin Durant is right there, I’m going to keep pushing Kevin to finally take him over this season.
“He’s doing some great things in the community.
“He’s representing not just himself, not just his team, but the entire NBA in the endeavours he has off the court.”
James, 33, quit the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.
And Iguodala says he’s excited to face James with the new-look Lakers this season.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to see him a whole lot more than I would like to, but actually, you prefer to play against the best competition,” he added.
Haslem signs
Udonis Haslem has signed a one-year, $2.4m contract with the Miami Heat.
The Miami native, 38, is entering his 16th NBA season - all with the Heat.
"For the hometown kid in me, that means the world," Haslem said.
"I wish I understood how big that is right now, because I really don't, but I know it's big."
James decision
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Luke Walton is ready to rest LeBron James this season, adding he’ll be constantly communicating with the small forward about his minutes.
“We’ve talked about the idea of it, and I’ll be in constant communication with him all year long,” he said.
“If it’s a night off, if it’s a back-to-back, whatever it is, if it’s practice.
“Preferably if he’s going to take something off, take a practice off to stay fresh.”