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The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, although teams around the league still have plenty of time to make further changes to their roster. Several notable free agents such as Jeremy Lin, Jamal Crawford, and Carmelo Anthony remain available, while big names such as Bradley Beal and Kevin Love continue to be linked with a trade.
So, with plenty going on around the league, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 16.
DeMarcus Cousins suffers another injury setback
DeMarcus Cousins has suffered more than his fair share of injuries over the past 24 months, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the former All-Star has suffered yet another setback ahead of the new season, and could be set to miss the entire campaign:
Los Angeles Lakers center DeMarcus Cousins has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, agent Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports told ESPN, putting his availability for next season in jeopardy.
Cousins ruptured his Achilles during the 2017-18 campaign with the New Orleans Pelicans and didn't return until more than 12 months later. He spent last season with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists over 30 regular-season appearances.
After overcoming a potentially career-ending injury, the 29-year-old then suffered a quad injury during the first round of the postseason. However, Cousins defied expectations to return during the NBA Finals and was particularly impressive in Game 2 as he recorded 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Cousins signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers in July and was expected to compete for a starting spot with JaVale McGee.
Markelle Fultz making good progress
Markelle Fultz was selected with the first overall pick of the 2017 draft, although injuries have restricted the 21-year-old to just 33 appearances over two seasons. Fultz has also struggled for form during his limited time on the court, and the Philadelphia 76ers sent him to the Orlando Magic ahead of the trade deadline.
Fultz has yet to make his debut for the Magic, although during an interview with Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel, team president Jeff Weltman revealed that the point guard was making good progress:
I’m not going to put a timetable on it, as we haven’t before, but he continues to work hard and make progress. He’s got everything that it takes to be a great player in this league.
Fultz is expected to be a starter upon his return and will be part of a young roster that includes Aaron Gordon, Mo Bamba, and Jonathan Isaac.
Patrick Patterson to join the L.A. Clippers
At the start of the summer, Patrick Patterson opted into the final year of his three-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, although the 30-year-old recently agreed to a buyout following the departures of Paul George and Russell Westbrook.
Upon his departure, Patterson was immediately linked with a move to Los Angeles with the Clippers, and ESPN is reporting that a deal has now been agreed:
Free-agent forward Patrick Patterson has agreed to a one-year, $2.3 million deal with the LA Clippers, league sources told ESPN.
Patterson joined the Thunder back in 2017 following an impressive spell with the Toronto Raptors. However, the veteran struggled to find a consistent role in Billy Donovan's rotation and Patterson averaged less than 15 minutes per game during his two seasons in Oklahoma City.
Guess the Lakers players!
