NBA Free Agency Rumors: Kemba, Butler, Kawhi, Knicks, Lakers

Big names and big markets are in the thick of NBA Free Agency rumors. Let’s check in on the latest before it all kicks off on Sunday:

• The Boston Celtics are the “frontrunner” in the Kemba Walker sweepstakes, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Walker and the incumbent Charlotte Hornets hit a “stalemate” in extension talks, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
• Jimmy Butler may have interest in joining the Los Angeles Lakers, per Bleacher Report’s Ric Bucher:

But Butler, the Western Conference executive said, has interest in being the third star with the Los Angeles Lakers, even if it means accepting slightly less than a maximum salary.

• Kawhi Leonard will meet with the Lakers and LA Clippers to start free agency, per Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes; but Leonard will close with a meeting with the Toronto Raptors, per Wojnarowski.
• The New York Knicks could seek short-term deals this summer if they strike out on big names, per the New York Times’ Marc Stein. Part of this strategy may include offering DeMarcus Cousins a one-year deal, per Stein.
• The Lakers are trading Mo Wagner, Isaac Bonga and Jemerrio Jones to the Washington Wizards — making the Anthony Davis trade with New Orleans a three-team deal now — to increase cap room and roster spots, per Wojnarowski.
• Anthony Davis is also waiving his $4 million trade kicker, per Wojnarowski, giving the Lakers $32 million in cap room to start free agency — enough to sign a max player.