NBA Rumors: Raptors, RJ Barrett, Rockets, Kevin Durant, Hornets

Raptors

The Raptors continue to gauge trade interest in forward RJ Barrett, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto. With Brandon Ingram expected to make his debut in a Raptors uniform this fall, Barrett may be the odd man out in Toronto’s starting lineup.

The 24-year-old former No. 3 overall pick hasn’t come off the bench since his rookie season in 2019-20. But as the Raptors look to reshape their rotation under coach Darko Rajakovic, Barrett’s role could be in flux. He was acquired from New York in the OG Anunoby trade last season and averaged 21.1 points over 58 games with the Raptors in 2024-25.

Rockets

Rockets coach Ime Udoka has long been an advocate for Kevin Durant and pushed for his acquisition when he was with the Celtics, Scotto reports. That interest c;early hasn’t cooled — as Udoka once again lobbied for a run at the 35-year-old star, whom he coached during a brief stint together in Brooklyn.

Durant also has ties to Rockets assistant Royal Ivey, a close friend and fellow Texas Longhorn. Ivey interviewed for the Suns’ head coaching job this spring and declined assistant coaching interest from both the Grizzlies and Spurs, suggesting his place in Houston’s plans remains significant.

Durant, of course, was acquired in a trade that sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the draft, and five second-rounders to Phoenix.

The Rockets and Durant could discuss an extension in the coming months, as we relayed here.

Hornets

Hornets guard Tre Mann has fully recovered from a back disc herniation and has been participating in Charlotte’s offseason workouts and 5-on-5 scrimmages, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Mann appeared in only 13 games last season but impressed coach Charles Lee, who spoke glowingly about the 23-year-old guard shortly after the season ended.

“Tre, he’s a phenomenal player, even better teammate and person,” Lee said, via Rod Boone of the Charlotte Observer. “He brings so much value. It’ll be nice to have him back in the mix hopefully next year.”

The Hornets hold Mann’s Bird rights and must extend a $6.96 million qualifying offer to make him a restricted free agent. His cap hold currently stands at just under $14.73 million. Whether Charlotte views him as part of its long-term core will soon become clear.