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While the FIBA World Cup will get underway this weekend, plenty could still happen in the NBA. Kevin Love, Bradley Beal, and Chris Paul are among the names being linked with a trade, while notable free agents such as Kenneth Faried and Carmelo Anthony remain available ahead of the new campaign.
The ongoing World Cup also gives individuals playing overseas a chance to impress NBA teams, and it is possible that a breakout star could earn a move to the league ahead of the new season. So, with the potential for much to happen in the coming weeks, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for Friday, August 30th.
#1 Carmelo Anthony could link up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn
Carmelo Anthony has not played since November, although the 10-time All-Star has worked hard as he attempts a comeback. Anthony has been linked with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, although The Athletic is reporting that the veteran could be on the verge of joining the Brooklyn Nets:
The Brooklyn Nets remain interested in potentially signing Anthony, who recently trained with a group of their players in Los Angeles, including Kyrie Irving. In fact, one source told The Athletic that Irving and Kevin Durant, who both joined the Nets in July, are "pushing" the club to sign Anthony.
Melo joined the Houston Rockets ahead of the 2018-19 season but made just 10 appearances during a disappointing short spell with the franchise. Nevertheless, a move to Brooklyn would give the 35-year-old perhaps one final chance to chase the title that has so far eluded him.
#2 Wilson Chandler facing 25-game suspension after testing positive for PED use
The Brooklyn Nets signed Wilson Chandler as a free agent back in July, although the team will be without him for the start of the season after the NBA banned the center for 25-games. Wilson received the ban testing positive for the performance‐enhancing drug Ipamorelin, and the 32-year-old quickly owned up to his mistake:
I was prescribed a treatment that included small doses of a substance recently added to the NBA's prohibited substance list.
I accept responsibility and apologize to my Nets teammates, coaches, front office and fans for this mistake.
Wilson spent last season with the Philadelphia 76ers and LA Clippers, averaging 6.0 points and 4.2 rebounds. The veteran is expected to play an important role in the Brooklyn rotation, but won't be able to play until December 15th.
#3 Darius Miller set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines
Darius Miller suffered an injury while practicing earlier this week, and the New Orleans Pelicans have confirmed that the small forward has ruptured his right Achilles tendon:
The New Orleans Pelicans announced today that forward Darius Miller underwent successful surgery this morning to repair a ruptured right Achilles tendon. A timeline for Miller’s return to basketball activities will be made available at a later date.
While the Pelicans didn't specify how long Miller will be out for, ESPN is reporting that the 29-year-old is likely to miss between 7 and 8 months.
Miller played 69 times for the Pelicans last season, averaging 8.2 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Miller was expected to compete for a starting spot with E’Twaun Moore and Brandon Ingram, and the Pelicans may now seek a replacement.
