NBA Rumors And News Include Updates On Jimmy Butler, Damian Lillard, Kevin Durant, As Knicks And Clippers Hope For Deals

A flurry of NBA free agent announcements are on the way, as teams and players are close to agreeing to deals at the start of July. NBA free agency officially begins Sunday at 6 p.m. amid plenty of excitement.

In 2018, it was LeBron James not wasting time and announcing that he was on his way to the Los Angeles Lakers. This year, it's Kevin Durant who will generate big headlines with a possible departure from the Golden State Warriors.

While the likes of Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler and others have yet to announce their plans, one elite player has already ended any drama before it could start.

Damian Lillard, who had been the subject of unsubstantiated rumors of a possible exit from Portland, has agreed to a four-year, $196 million super maximum extension to remain with the Trail Blazers, according to reports.

The 28-year-old had two years and roughly $61 million remaining on a deal he signed in 2015. The extension keeps him in Portland through the 2024-25 season.

There had been little doubt that Lillard would remain with the Blazers, as the star guard has repeatedly voiced his displeasure with players joining "super teams."

Butler, meanwhile, may avoid a super team and join the Miami Heat. The star swingman was slated to meet with the Heat ahead of a meeting with the Houston Rockets, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Butler famously expressed his displeasure with playing with the Minnesota Timberwolves, leading to a multi-player trade with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers could see major changes to their roster, as Butler could be on his way out, along with free agents Tobias Harris and J.J. Reddick. The Sixers have not ruled out a sign-and-trade deal involving Butler, which could be a necessity to acquire him for salary-cap purposes.

Meanwhile, Durant, who may sit out the entire 2019-20 season with an Achilles injury, reportedly will announce where he is headed Sunday night on the Instagram page of "The Boardroom."

Teams that are reportedly in the market to land Durant include the New York Knicks, Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, Lakers and potentially even re-signing with the Warriors.

Durant opted out of his $31.5 million player option with the Warriors on Wednesday.

Both the Knicks and Clippers are hoping for big signings. There has been speculation that Durant would take a deal with New York, while the Clippers are looking to land Leonard, the NBA Finals MVP.

The two teams have seen their crosstown rivals make big moves this offseason. The Lakers traded for Anthony Davis, while there have been reports of Kyrie Irving joining the Nets.