BS Meter on Latest NBA Trade and Offseason Rumors

The NBA playoffs have advanced to the second round, which means we're getting closer to what promises to be an action-packed offseason.

Paul George's future with the Los Angeles Clippers is in doubt, Klay Thompson has interest from one Eastern Conference playoff team, and the price for Lauri Markkanen in a trade has reportedly been revealed.

It's time to use the BS meter to detect truth or lies on the latest offseason rumors.

A first-round sweep should be considered a failure of a season for a Phoenix Suns team that has remade the roster around Devin Booker over the past 15 months.

Phoenix still has most of its core under contract for next season, including its Big Three of Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal.

"The Suns' intention, from what I've been told, is to keep their Big Three together," ESPN's Brian Windhorst told Get Up on Monday. "Which they should. They don't have much of an option otherwise."

Booker, 27, is under contract for the next four seasons and still has plenty of All-Star-caliber seasons left. Durant will be 36 by the time the 2024-25 season begins, though, and Beal will turn 31 next month.

The trio stands to earn $150.7 million next year, with Beal's deal (three years, $160.9 million) described as the "most toxic contract in NBA history," according to ESPN's Bobby Marks.

Phoenix is likely stuck with Beal and shouldn't want to trade Booker or Durant, a player they gave up four unprotected first-round picks, Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson and Jae Crowder for just 15 months ago.

Windhorst is right in saying the Suns don't have much of an option. Durant, despite his age, is still playing at an extremely high level, and Beal was good when he was on the floor even if the fit wasn't perfect.

This summer is about trying to find the best role players around this trio and trying to move up in the West standings so as not to have to face a team as good as the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round.

BS Meter: No BS here. Phoenix needs to build out the roster around Booker, Durant and Beal.

Following a season in which he was benched at times and the Golden State Warriors finished 10th in the West and missed the playoffs, could Klay Thompson's career in San Francisco truly be over?

"One name to keep an eye on, Klay Thompson, I'm told there is mutual interest between the (Orlando) Magic and Klay Thompson," Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium told Run It Back.

Charania pointed to Orlando's potential cap space (around $60 million) and need for shooting as two factors that could lead to Thompson signing.

There's no denying that the fit is ideal.

Signing Joe Ingles last summer and featuring Gary Harris in a big role helped elevate the Magic into the playoffs and nearly pull off a first-round series win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thompson would be an upgrade over both as their starting shooting guard.

The 34-year-old ended his regular season in Golden State on a high note, averaging 21.1 points on 41.2 percent shooting from three over his last 15 games. A stinker of a game against the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament overshadowed this recent strong play, though.

Orlando desperately needs shooting prowess. The Magic shot just 30.9 percent from three in seven games against the Cavs, including 26.9 percent on the road.

Still, if the Warriors make a similar offer, it's difficult to envision Thompson leaving Stephen Curry and Draymond Green behind. Golden State has draft picks and young players to dangle in trades to improve the roster and get this core back to the playoffs.

Thompson could certainly use the Magic and their cap space as leverage, netting himself one last big payday from the Warriors.

BS Meter: BS that Thompson leaves the Warriors for the Magic, even if the fit makes sense.

There's been a lot of Paul George and 76ers buzz over the past few months. Don't expect it to go away anytime soon.

Philadelphia president of basketball operations Daryl Morey was quite clear when discussing his offseason wish list, stating his desire for "someone at the wing who can play and deliver in the playoffs."

George has averaged 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals in 114 total playoff games with the Indiana Pacers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers. He's coming off back-to-back All-Star appearances and played in 74 regular-season games this past year, his most since 2018-19.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that he is "at the top of their list" and that he thinks the 76ers are going to "come out with a max offer" to try and land the veteran wing.

The Clippers haven't offered George the max after getting Kawhi Leonard to agree to a sub-max extension earlier this season.

There's understandably concerns about giving the 34-year-old a four-year deal worth over $200 million, especially given his list of injuries over the past five years. Joel Embiid's durability is continually a concern, as he's averaged just 43.3 games played over a 10-year career. Giving George a max would limit the depth the team could build up, especially with Tyrese Maxey signing his own max deal this summer.

Getting a talent like George without giving up any players or draft picks isn't something a star-hunter like Morey is going to turn down, though.

Consider George leaving L.A. to sign in Philly a real possibility.

BS Meter: No BS, as George could take the money from the Sixers if the Clippers don't offer a max.

The Utah Jazz haven't committed to a rebuild, yet they seem years away from being a contender in the West following a 31-win season.

The future of Lauri Markkanen should be their main concern, as he will be an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Plenty of teams should call about the forward, who fits a number of contenders as an offensive force who can put the ball on the floor or knock down threes at a near 40.0 percent clip.

The asking price for the 26-year-old is reportedly astronomical, though.

"In a big picture, Markkanen's value to the Jazz is so great that it's going to take an offer that is probably not going to come to pry him from the Jazz," Tony Jones of The Athletic wrote. "Something like four or five first-round picks, and a star-level talent coming over."

Markkanen is good, but this would be a ridiculous price to pay for someone with one year left on their contract who wasn't even named an All-Star this past season. He averaged 23.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists and shot 39.9 percent from three, with his scoring ranking 26th overall.

A fair value would be closer to two quality first-round picks and a promising young player, not four or five and a star.

If this is truly the price, Markkanen isn't leaving Utah.

BS Meter: Total BS that someone would pay this for Markkanen, especially going into free agency next year.

Like in 2010, 2014 and 2018, all eyes will be on LeBron James this summer.

His free agency won't have the ripple effects of previous years, although what he does will have a significant impact on the Lakers and the West in general.

Remaining years until retirement will be a factor for the first time, as will what Bronny James decides to do with the draft or a transfer from USC.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported on the #thisleague UNCUT podcast (starts at 15:00 mark) that "all signals" at this point are that James will sign a new deal with the Lakers.

This would be the most lucrative option for the 39-year-old, as he can max out his salary by picking up his player option and signing a two-year extension for a total of $164.3 million over the next three seasons.

It would also be the most comfortable option by staying put, especially with two kids still in school.

The Lakers aren't title contenders, but with Anthony Davis under contract and three first-round picks available to trade this summer, they do have the opportunity to chase a third star.

In the end, staying in Los Angeles makes the most sense for James and his family.

BS Meter: No BS, expect James to sign one last max deal and stay with the Lakers.