NBA News Roundup, Friday, September 27th: Steven Adams set to remain with Oklahoma City Thunder, Wizards not worried about losing Bradley Beal and more

Is Steven Adams set to remain with the Thunder?
Is Steven Adams set to remain with the Thunder?

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, although plenty could still happen ahead of opening night. Big names such as Kevin Love and Chris Paul continue to be linked with trades, and the Miami Heat are believed to be among the teams eager to make a major move.

Meanwhile, experienced individuals such as Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith remain available as free agents, and it possible that a team could bring them in after training camp. So, with the potential for plenty to happen over the coming weeks, here is all the latest NBA news you need to know for September 27th.


#1 Washington Wizards believe Bradley Beal is still committed to the team

Bradley Beal's future with the Washington Wizards has been called into question
Bradley Beal's future with the Washington Wizards has been called into question

The Washington Wizards offered Bradley Beal a new contract extension earlier this summer, although the All-Star recently revealed that he 'hasn't even thought about' re-signing. Beal's comments led to increased speculation that he could be traded this season, although according to NBC Sports Washington, Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard is not worried about the prospect of losing his prized asset:

We have until October 21st. I think it's up to him, whenever he wants to make a decision on that. I haven't been worrying about it all... Knowing that he has two more years under contract with us is valuable information. I take my cues on how he's interacting. He has shown time and time again how committed he is to D.C.

Beal has been named as an All-Star in each of the past two seasons, and the 26-year-old is quickly establishing himself as one of the best guards in the NBA.

During the 2018-19 season, he averaged 25.6 points, 5.5 assists, and 5.0 rebounds per game. Beal is under contract until 2021, and he has until October 21 to sign a max contract extension worth $111 million over three years.

#2 Oklahoma City Thunder planning to keep Steven Adams

Steven Adams has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2013
Steven Adams has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2013

After losing in the first round of the playoffs for the third consecutive season back in April, the Oklahoma City Thunder opted to enter rebuild mode. The Thunder have since traded Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Jerami Grant, while Steven Adams is among the remaining high earners that have been backed to leave before the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, according to Erik Horne of The Oklahoman, general manager Sam Presti still has plans to keep the Kiwi center:

Adams was drafted by the Thunder back in 2013 and has been a regular starter since the 2014-15 season. The 2018-19 campaign was the best of Adams' career as he averaged career highs in points (13.9) and rebounds (9.5). The 26-year-old still has two years left to run on the four-year, $100 million contract he signed back in 2016.

#3 Raptors discussing contract extension with Pascal Siakam

Pascal Siakam continued his excellent form during the 2019 NBA Finals
Pascal Siakam continued his excellent form during the 2019 NBA Finals

Pascal Siakam enjoyed a stunning 2018-19 season as he averaged 16.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists for the Toronto Raptors during the regular season while also taking home the 2019 Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

After losing Kawhi Leonard earlier this summer, the Raptors are keen to sign Siakam to a new deal, and Josh Lewenberg of TSN is reporting that the two sides have entered negotiations:

The Raptors have engaged in preliminary talks with Siakam’s representatives, according to sources, but there’s no indication that a deal is imminent. Siakam’s camp is surely looking for an extension at or close to his maximum of roughly $130 million over four years, as they should.

Without Leonard, Siakam is expected to play an even bigger role with the Raptors this season, although the 25-year-old is set to earn just under $2.5 million.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram