Latest Rumors, LeBron James Predictions, Other Notable Names

The 2024 NBA Playoffs begin Tuesday night, but much of the league is already looking forward to the offseason.

Ten teams played their final regular-season game on Sunday, and four more will be eliminated in the coming days when the play-in tournament begins.

While there won't be a massive cap increase this offseason and not too many top superstars are looking to leave their current home, there are still some possible moves bubbling under the surface. Let's take a look at some of the latest rumors coming out of the NBA.

LeBron James seems to be immortal, but he apparently isn't immune to trade rumors.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst said James will likely seek a no-trade clause in his next contract with the Los Angeles Lakers after hearing rumors of a deal in the 2023-24 season.

“I think LeBron is going to get out no matter what. And the reason I think he'll get out no matter what happens is that even if he only signs for one year, the only viable way for LeBron to get a no-trade clause is to sign. “A new contract,” Windhorst continued The Hoop Collective (8:30 p.m.). “If he extends the contract he’s in or takes that option and extends it to it, he can’t get a no-trade clause. And I think for a variety of reasons, LeBron would ask for, demand and probably get a no-trade clause.

Bradley Beal is the only NBA player who currently has a no-trade clause in his contract. Ironically, Beal waived his clause to facilitate a deal that sent him to the Phoenix Suns last offseason. While a no-trade clause doesn't mean a deal will never happen, Beal was able to create a favorable situation and ensure the Suns didn't have to give up much to sign him.

James saw his name appear in legitimate trade rumors for the first time in his career this season. As the Lakers battled for the All-Star break and James sent out cryptic posts on social media, the speculation he wanted to put out reached the point where agent Rich Paul had to release a statement denying all the rumors.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski and Ramona Shelburne later reported that the Golden State Warriors even went so far as to call the Lakers to check James' availability. James showed no interest in a move, so the talks never got far, but the Lakers' willingness to even pick up the phone is apparently enough for James to demand contractual security.

James isn't leaving Los Angeles at this point in his career, so there's little reason to pay much attention here. But the years of his next contract and whether he gets a no-trade clause are worth noting.

When the Los Angeles Clippers signed Kawhi Leonard to a contract extension in January, most assumed Paul George and James Harden would be next.

These people have now been proven wrong.

George and Harden appear destined for free agency this summer after failing to reach long-term deals to remain in Los Angeles, and it appears at least one team is poised to poach a Clippers All-Star.

Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Investigators reported that George would be the Sixers' top priority if he makes it to the open market.

The Sixers will have max cap space this summer, but it won't last long. Tyrese Maxey will receive a new max contract this offseason, which will kill Philly's chances of adding a third star without a future trade. Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey will have to work quickly to land a co-star — be it George or another player who becomes available — before Maxey's cap hold reaches the maximum.

There's a good chance George will stay in Los Angeles, but it's not a 100 percent certainty. Clippers owner Steve Ballmer is paying a heavy price for a squad that failed to stay healthy or get to the NBA Finals. If the Clippers come up short again, Ballmer may want to cut back on spending.

Klay Thompson may play his final game as a Golden State Warrior on Tuesday.

The Warriors and Thompson failed to reach a long-term contract extension, and the future Hall of Famer will be eligible for unrestricted free agency for the first time this offseason.

Although Thompson could return to Golden State, the team doesn't appear to be as committed to him as Draymond Green would be in a similar scenario. Thompson may be looking for financial validation on the open market, and it looks like the Orlando Magic are just waiting to give it to him.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported that Orlando has been “increasingly mentioned as a potential suitor” for Thompson should he decide to leave Golden State.

The Magic made the playoffs this season for the first time since 2020 and have a roster full of young, promising players. However, their lack of shooting and spacing is an issue that will likely prevent them from having success in the playoffs.

Even adding a diminished version of Thompson could help address some of those concerns. It might just take a while firmly overpaying to get a deal done.