Kawhi Leonard Not Expected To Miss Much Time With Back Spasms

The Golden State Warriors believe they remain in the mix on a trade for Jimmy Butler, sources told The Athletic on Monday. This follows ESPN’s report on Sunday evening that it had been communicated to the Warriors that Butler was unwilling to sign an extension with the team should they trade for him.

Butler prefers a trade to the Phoenix Suns as they are the team most willing to meet his asking price on an extension. The Suns, however, are limited in their ways of trading for him unless they can find a team to trade for Bradley Beal while he also waives his no-trade clause.

The Warriors have also inquired with the Suns about the availability of Kevin Durant. Durant’s agent, Rich Kleiman, sat next to Joe Lacob at Friday’s game between the Warriors and Suns. They were seen conversing during the game, at halftime and postgame.

It is unclear how open Durant would be to a return to the Warriors, or if the Suns would entertain trading him during this transaction cycle.

The Los Angeles Lakers have gotten off to a 3-0 start under new head coach JJ Redick. But that better-than-expected start doesn’t mean the Lakers aren’t still looking at ways to upgrade the roster.

One player Los Angeles has interest in is center Walker Kessler of the Utah Jazz. The Lakers are looking for frontcourt depth around Anthony Davis. Jaxson Hayes has been the team’s primary backup big, as Jarred Vanderbilt and Christian Wood are recovering from injuries to open the season.

Kessler would fill the backup center spot. He would also allow the Lakers to open games with a bigger lineup, should Redick choose to go that direction. In addition, Kessler makes just $2.9 million this season and $4.9 million next season in the final year of his rookie scale deal. That type of salary is easily acquirable for Los Angeles, who is working against some tight margins with the tax aprons.