NBA News Roundup, Monday, Oct 28: Rockets explored keeping Chris Paul before Russell Westbrook trade, Jimmy Butler set for Miami Heat debut and more

The first week of the 2019-20 NBA season is now in the books and there has already been plenty to get excited about. Both the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers have made strong starts to the season, while unfancied teams such as the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to lose. Meanwhile, the era of the dynamic duos is well and truly here, with Dallas' young pairing of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis among those that have already made a huge impression.

While the action on the court is relentless, plenty could also happen off the court in the coming weeks with Carmelo Anthony among the free agents looking for a route back to the NBA. So, with plenty going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for 28th October.

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Jimmy Butler will make his Miami Heat debut on Tuesday night

Jimmy Butler is set to make his debut for the Heat after missing the first three games of the season

One of the most surprising moves of the 2019 offseason came when the Miami Heat emerged from nowhere to complete an unlikely sign-and-trade for Jimmy Butler. The 30-year-old had attracted interest from a number of the NBA's top teams, although Butler was eventually swayed by a successful meeting with the organization.

Butler has been absent for the Heat's opening three games after becoming a father for the first time, although head coach Eric Spoelstra has confirmed that the four-time All-Star will make his debut on Tuesday against the Atlanta Hawks:

He’s our guy. He’ll be playing. I’m not planning on resting him.

Butler missed out on All-Star selection last season following his move to a stacked Philadelphia team, however, he is expected to put up significant numbers as the focal point of Miami's offense.

James Harden wanted Houston to sign Russell Westbrook in addition to keeping Chris Paul

Chris Paul played alongside James Harden in Houston for two

Prior to trading Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul, there were rumors circulating that James Harden had demanded that the Rockets trade his backcourt partner. Nevertheless, Daryl Morey told Sam Amick of The Athletic that this wasn't the case, and says that Harden wanted to keep CP3 while also adding Westbrook:

Obviously he felt like (Westbrook) could be a good fit here. He was curious if there was a way to do it where we could keep everyone and not have to give up anything. Unfortunately the math of the deal required Chris going out.

Paul has managed just 26.3 minutes per game through three appearances for the Thunder, although he has performed well during his time on the court. He continues to be linked with a trade and a contender such as the Miami Heat could make a move ahead of the deadline.

Gerald Green ruled out for six months following surgery

Gerald Green is set to miss the rest of the 19-20 NBA season

Gerald Green underwent successful surgery to repair his broken left foot earlier today, although Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle is reporting that the veteran is set to miss the rest of the 2019-20 season.

Rockets guard Gerald Green, who underwent surgery Monday on his broken left foot, likely will miss the season according to a timetable the team announced after the procedure. Green is expected to be out for roughly six months which would cost him the rest of the regular season.

Green suffered the injury in a preseason game against the Toronto Raptors, and the Rockets were hopeful that he would return after four months. However, with Green now set to be unavailable for the rest of the season, the Rockets may be forced to look towards signing a free agent that can help add depth on the wing.