Hello and welcome to the Evening News.
As we get set for the NBA draft, we’ll keep you updated every evening.
What’s happening today?
Bulls and Wizards discuss Deng for No. 3 pick
ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Chicago Bulls have held exploratory talks with the Washington Wizards about a possible trade that would send Luol Deng to Washington in exchange for the third overall pick in Thursday’s draft. 
While Stein says that the most likely possibility of a trade with the Wizards would involve Emeka Okafor and his $14.5 million contract for next season, others say the trade has no chance of going through — even with Okafor in the deal.
You can put @LuolDeng9 to the Wiz for @BigMek50 and the 3rd pick on ice. No chance.
— David Aldridge (@daldridgetnt) June 24, 2013
Still, the fact that Chicago is open to the possibility of trading Deng is noteworthy. Deng led the NBA with 38.7 minutes per game and has been an integral star with the Bulls ever since he was drafted in 2004.
Along with his top-notch defense, Deng is a capable shooter and scorer. He has averaged over 15 points per game for six of the past seven seasons. Regardless, with Jimmy Butler’s emergence in the playoffs, the Bulls might feel as though Deng is expendable.
Sources indicate that the Bulls are highly intrigued with Ben McLemore and are trying to find creative ways to move up in the draft.
Cavaliers and Celtics talk Pierce
According to Baxter Holmes of the Boston Globe, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have held preliminary conversations regarding a possible Paul Pierce trade. 
With the Celtics heading into a rebuilding phase following the Doc Rivers trade and with a decision about Pierce’s contract looming, the Celtics are listening to offers for their 10-time All Star.
Boston has until June 30 to decide on whether to extend Pierce for one year at $15 million or to buy him out for $5 million.
Several teams have expressed interest in Pierce and with the Celtics looking to stockpile as many draft picks as possible, it appears inevitable that the team will trade its captain.
Cleveland has reportedly offered the Celtics both of its second round picks (31 and 33) for Pierce. Cleveland, who won only 24 games last season, wants to bring in a veteran star to mentor Kyrie Irving and whomever they draft with the first overall selection.
LeBron talks 2014 free agency
In a sit down interview with CNN’s Rachel Nichols, James told her that he does not know about his future in Miami beyond 2013-2014. James can opt out of his current deal and test free agency after next season. 
“I don’t know,” admitted James when asked about 2014 free agency, “because I haven’t really even thought about it. So when that moment comes up, I will approach it, like a professional, and we’ll see what happens.”
Many believe James’ repeat in Miami has ensured that he will remain with the Heat for the rest of his career. Still, fans suspect that James might return to Cleveland to team up with Kyrie Irving or might even go to Los Angeles and take the Lakers’ throne from Kobe Bryant.
One thing is certain: James will not have an hour long “Decision” next time he becomes a free agent. After expressing regret for how he handled free agency last time around, James promised things will go differently if and when he becomes a free agent again.
“You learn from your mistakes,” he said. “That’s something I’ve been able to do. That’s something I’ve lived with, and if the opportunity comes [again], if I’m in that position, I’ll be able to handle it much better.”
