NBA News Roundup, Tuesday June 4th: Kevin Durant to join Clippers? Klay Thompson injury update and more

With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are the talk of the basketball world - although there is no shortage of other stories emerging across the league.

The 2019 draft is just weeks away and teams will be hoping to strike gold by drafting either Zion Williamson or Ja Morant. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis continues to be linked with a blockbuster trade, while a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.

With plenty happening around the NBA, here's a look at the biggest news stories and rumours you need to know for June 4th.

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LA Clippers favourites to sign Kevin Durant?

Kevin Durant could head to the Clippers this summer

Kevin Durant's future with the Golden State Warriors remains in serious doubt.. After spending three seasons sharing the floor with Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Klay Thompson, Durant is believed to be keen on leading his own team with many expecting him to leave during free agency.

The 30-year-old has been linked with the Lakers and Knicks, although Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report believes that KD will head to the LA Clippers:

Durant doesn't have to elevate a club from the ground level like the New York Knicks, though. He can remain in the Western Conference and sign with the squad that unexpectedly pushed the Warriors to six games this year: the Los Angeles Clippers.

Durant would become the focal point of a starless Clippers team that won 48 games and claimed the eighth seed this year. With him, head coach Doc Rivers should have a 50-plus-win squad in contention for a top-four seed in the conference.

Durant has missed the Warriors' past seven games through injury, although he is still hopeful of playing some part in the NBA Finals.

Kawhi Leonard sues Nike over 'Klaw' logo

Kawhi Leonard was a Nike endorser until 2018

Kawhi Leonard is currently battling against the Warriors in the NBA Finals, and ESPN is reporting that the Toronto man is also going up against Nike as he tries to reclaim his 'Klaw' logo:

Kawhi Leonard filed a lawsuit against Nike on Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California in an attempt to reclaim control over a logo Leonard says he created.

The lawsuit goes on to say that Leonard intends to use the "Klaw" logo in various capacities - including clothing lines, footwear and in connection with sports camps and charity functions - but that Nike has objected to him doing so. Leonard, therefore, wants to regain control of the logo, which he created while he was part of Jordan Brand's stable of athletes.

Leonard and Nike introduced the logo back in 2011, although the 27-year-old's sponsorship with the company ended last year. He is now sponsored by New Balance.

Klay Thompson injury boost, Looney out for remainder of the season

Klay Thompson is expected to play in Game 3 of the NBA Finals

Kevon Looney and Klay Thompson both left Golden State's Game 2 win over Toronto on Sunday night. The duo had scans on Monday evening, and the Warriors released the following update:

Warriors guard Klay Thompson, who exited last night’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals with 7:59 remaining in the fourth quarter due to left hamstring tightness, underwent an MRI exam today in the Bay Area. The MRI indicated a mild strain of the hamstring. At this point, Thompson is listed as questionable for Game 3 on Wednesday.

Forward Kevon Looney, who did not play in the second half of last night’s Game 2 of the NBA Finals due to an upper body injury, underwent an MRI exam today in the Bay Area. The MRI indicated that Looney has suffered a non-displaced first costal cartilage fracture (right side). He will be out indefinitely.

The series is currently tied at 1-1, with Game 3 taking place on Wednesday evening.