NBA News Roundup, Friday, May 17th: Zion Williamson 'excited to play for Pelicans', Chicago Bulls want Terry Rozier and more

With the NBA Finals now upon us, the playoffs are currently the talk of the basketball world, although there is no shortage of other stories emerging from around 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, and a host of stars including Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, and Kemba Walker are about to hit free agency.

So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here are the biggest news stories and rumors you need to know for May 17th.

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Zion's stepdad says his son is 'excited' about a future with the Pelicans

Williamson is projected to be the first pick of the upcoming 2019 draft

Entering the NBA lottery, the New Orleans Pelicans had just a 6% chance of landing the number one pick. However, fortune was on the Pelicans' side, as the franchise managed to pick up their first number one pick since 2012.

The Pelicans are expected to use their pick on Duke sensation Zion Williamson, yet rumors have emerged that Williamson could resist a move to the franchise. However, appearing on ESPN Baton Rouge, Zion's stepfather declared that the teenager was excited about the prospect of linking up with the Pelicans:

We're excited (about coming to New Orleans). We're excited about that. And you said about returning to Duke ... there has been a lot of speculation, but that is nothing that we have even considered.

I spoke with Coach Gentry the other night and we met with, David Griffin, and then I spoke with him again last night. We had a great conversation and we're excited about the prospects of coming down there and getting settled and looking for a place to stay and all of these good things.

The Pelicans finished the 18/19 season with a 33-49 record, and Anthony Davis is believed to be still looking to exit the franchise.

Terry Rozier is interesting the Bulls

Terry Rozier has had to settle for a bench role due to the presence of Kyrie Irving

Since the Boston Celtics exited the playoffs following a disappointing season, Terry Rozier has been active in voicing his concerns regarding his role on the team.

After spending two seasons playing as a backup to Kyrie Irving, Rozier has expressed his desire to leave, and The Athletic's Daniel Mayberry is reporting that the Chicago Bulls are interested in the point guard:

Aside from (Patrick) Beverley, Boston guard Terry Rozier is on the Bulls’ radar, commanding Chicago’s attention with fearless play and hard-nosed defensive effort.

Inside the Advocate Center, there is genuine belief that Rozier could be exactly who the team needs. Chicago could make a run at the restricted free agent this summer, but it’s unclear who holds the edge between Rozier and Beverley on the organization’s wish list.

Rozier is six years younger, making him a more ideal fit with the current building blocks.

During the 18/19 season, Rozier averaged 9.0 points on 39% shooting, including 35% from three-point range.

RJ Barrett has a preference for either New York or Los Angeles

Following an impressive year with Duke, RJ Barrett is widely expected to be a top three pick

Duke forward RJ Barrett is widely projected to be a top-three pick in the 2019 NBA draft. The 18-year-old averaged 22.6 points and 7.6 rebounds during his lone season at Duke, and Marc Berman of the NY Post is reporting that Barrett has his sights on either the Lakers or Knicks:

According to an NBA source, the 6-foot-7 Duke swingman prefers if he drops past Memphis, to No. 3 or No. 4, to get to play with either the Knicks or Lakers. Memphis has the No. 2 pick, but the source told The Post the Grizzlies are leaning toward Murray State point guard Ja Morant.

If Memphis opt to take Ja Morant with the number two pick, it is likely that only a trade will stop Barrett from playing his rookie season with either the Lakers or Knicks.