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The 2019-2020 NBA season is quickly approaching, and there is plenty of buzz surrounding the new campaign. The Los Angeles Lakers have successfully acquired a second All-Star in Anthony Davis, while the Clippers have emerged as a huge threat after adding two of the NBA's best two-way players in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference continues to improve, and the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics head into the season with huge aspirations. It is also worth keeping an eye on the Toronto Raptors, who want to avoid losing their title without putting up at least some resistance.
At this point of the summer, most rosters are set heading into training camps, although further trades could yet materialize in the coming weeks. So, with plenty to look out for around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 12th.
#1 Marvin Bagley III withdraws from Team USA
Following an impressive performance against Team USA team last week, Marvin Bagley III was among the young players upgraded from the Select team to the senior squad.
The promotion offered Bagley the chance to impress Gregg Popovich ahead of the upcoming World Cup, although Marc Stein of the New York Times is reporting that the young Sacramento star has ruled himself out of contention in order to focus on the upcoming NBA season.
Bagley was selected with the second overall pick by the Kings last summer and went on to average 14.9 points and 7.6 rebounds during an impressive rookie season. While Team USA remain among the favorites for the upcoming tournament, Bagley joins a growing list of players that have ruled out representing Team USA. Among them are James Harden, DeMar DeRozan, Damian Lillard, and Kevin Love.
#2 Mississippi State guard Lamar Peters signs for the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks hoped to sign an All-Star guard such as Kyrie Irving this summer, although the team ultimately missed out on a number of their primary targets. Due to this, the Knicks look set for another disappointing season, although there is no shortage of young talent on a roster that continues to develop.
The Knicks already have one of the NBA's biggest talents from the 2019 draft in RJ Barrett, and Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the team will also add Lamar Peters.
Peters was undrafted out of Mississippi State but impressed during his junior year, averaging 11.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 30.1 minutes per game. The 21-year-old will now compete for minutes with several young guards that includes Dennis Smith Jr, Frank Ntilikina, and Elfrid Payton.
#3 Michael Beasley turned down a guaranteed deal to sign with the Detroit Pistons
Michael Beasley was on the verge of a move to China last week, although the veteran eventually turned down a $2.7 million deal in order to prolong his NBA career. Beasley now looks set to sign with the Pistons, although the Detroit Free Press is reporting that the veteran's deal will be non-guaranteed:
The Pistons are working toward an agreement on a one-year deal with free agent forward Michael Beasley.
When finalized, the deal would be non-guaranteed, meaning he would have to make the team to earn a veteran minimum salary.
Beasley spent much of the 18-19 season with the Lakers but failed to find a regular spot in Luke Walton's rotation. Over 26 contests, Beasley averaged 7.0 points per game despite averaging just over 10 minutes per game.
