The 2018/19 NBA regular season has now come to a close, although basketball fans only have a short wait until the playoffs begin on Saturday.
Eliminated teams are also busy as they gear up for both the upcoming NBA draft and a potentially pivotal offseason. So, here is all the latest news from around the league that you need to know for April 12th.
Warriors would consider trading Draymond Green
Explore the NBA Draft 2024 with our free NBA Mock Draft Simulator & be the GM of your favorite NBA team.
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2012 draft, Draymond Green has spent his entire career with the Golden State Warriors. Despite flying under the radar during his first few years in the NBA, Green has transformed into one of the league's best players -- playing an influential role in the Warriors' championship wins in 2015, 2017 and 2018.
Nevertheless, Green's contract will expire next season, and the three-time All-Star has repeatedly stated his intentions to pen a maximum deal. Having just turned 29, it is unknown if the Warriors will be willing to meet Green's demands, and according to Matt Burke of Metro Bet - Golden State may consider trading Green to the Lakers:
Regarding the Warriors, it’s not looking like Klay Thompson is going anywhere. But if Golden State can find a trade partner for Draymond Green this summer they will no doubt jump at the opportunity.
The Lakers have wanted to steal some of Golden State’s mojo for a while now and could also wind up calling Bob Myers. Or if Myers takes the Lakers job, which has been rumored in recent days, maybe he tries to bring Draymond with him.
During the 18/19 regular season, Green averaged 7.4 points, 7.3 rebounds and 6.9 assists per game.
Luke Walton is interesting the Sacramento Kings
Despite playing some of the NBA's most exciting basketball this season, the Sacramento Kings fired coach Dave Joerger on Thursday. The decision came as a surprise as the Kings had shown plenty of improvement this season, although Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting that the team may turn to Luke Walton:
The Kings just announced that, as suggested here yesterday, they have indeed extended GM Vlade Divac's contract through 2022-23. Amid reports that Kings coach Dave Joerger's job is in jeopardy, league sources say that Sacramento would have interest in Luke Walton should they decide to go through with a coaching change
Walton is currently the head coach of the Lakers, however, after missing out on the playoffs for a third consecutive season -- Walton is expected to be fired in the coming weeks.
Cam Reddish declares for the NBA draft
Cam Reddish has become the latest Duke player to declare himself for the upcoming 2019 draft. In a post uploaded to his official Instagram page, the 19-year-old explained his intent to play in the NBA next season:
This season was epic, and I am so thankful to have had Duke as a part of the foundation that prepared me to play at the next level. Never forget – I am a Blue Devil for life. Proud to announce that I will be entering the 2019 NBA Draft.
Reddish's announcement came just a day after his Blue Devils teammate R.J. Barrett also declared for the draft. During his year at Duke, Reddish averaged 13.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game. Most draft experts believe that the forward will be a top 10 pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Fan? Check out the latest Lakers depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.