Free agents: Seven to watch
Kevin Durant, Warriors
Durant has a $31.5 million player option, so he could opt in for one more year with the Warriors. After having surgery on his ruptured Achilles, he’ll miss all of next season, but plenty of teams will line up to give him a max contract, especially the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Kawhi Leonard, Raptors
It remains to be seen if winning a title in his first season in Toronto changes his mind about heading to a team closer to his Southern California roots, either with LeBron James and the Lakers or the deeper Clippers.
Kyrie Irving, Celtics
The Boston Herald already has reported that Irving is leaning toward the Nets, but the Knicks are another possibility. What is sure, however, is it appears he won’t be back in Boston.
Klay Thompson, Warriors
Thompson’s father, Mychal, said there’s “no question” that Klay will re-sign with the Warriors. It’s hard to see part of the Splash Brothers leaving after the emotional end to the season. Thompson will be out a good while after tearing his ACL in Game 6.
Jimmy Butler, 76ers
After being traded from Minnesota to Philadelphia last season, he is ready for a max contract.
Tobias Harris, 76ers
The Brooklyn Nets are showing a lot of interest in the forward who grew up in New York City.
Khris Middleton, Bucks
The former Texas A&M star has a $13 million player option with the Bucks but will draw more than that as a free agent. Milwaukee would like to keep him.