NBA News Roundup, Thursday, April 25th: Clippers backed to beat Lakers in race to sign Kevin Durant, Jason Kidd's NBA return and more

Clippers backed to sign Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard

ESPN's Stephen A. Smith is backing Durant to head to the Clippers

Both Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant are set to become unrestricted free agents this summer, and according to ESPN's Stephen A Smith, both player's could head to the Clippers:

I haven't spoken to KD (Kevin Durant) about this. I haven't spoken to Kawhi (Leonard) about this. I could tell you that's the scuttlebutt circulating in certain areas, particularly in Los Angeles, where I was just a few days ago.

The Clippers are incredibly, incredibly optimistic that they’re going to get one of them and they're going to have a good shot at both. They like their chances. Certainly better than the Lakers. Certainly better than both teams in New York City.

The Clippers have the cap space to add both Durant and Leonard, and Leonard, in particular, is believed to be keen on a return to his native Los Angeles.