NBA News Roundup, Monday, September 23rd: Update on Chris Paul's future, Jerian Grant could be released and more

Will Chris Paul remain with the Thunder?
Will Chris Paul remain with the Thunder?

The 2019-20 NBA season continues to draw closer, and plenty could happen in the final month leading up to the new campaign. Free agents such as Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith remain without teams, while several players will be cut following training camps.

We have already seen some blockbuster trades this summer, and the likes of Kevin Love, Steven Adams, and Bradley Beal are among the players that could still move ahead of the new season. So, with the potential for plenty to happen in the coming weeks, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 23rd.


#1 Chris Paul appears determined to succeed in Oklahoma City

Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the deal for Paul George
Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the deal for Paul George

Following two seasons with the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the blockbuster trade for Paul George earlier this summer. Nevertheless, the Thunder are in rebuild mode after also losing Russell Westbrook and Jerami Grant, and it had been suggested that CP3 is less than thrilled with the prospect of playing for the team.

However, Erik Horne of The Oklahoman is reporting that Paul has already been training with his teammates and is committed to making the situation work:

What’s certain is Paul’s commitment to winning, even if how he’ll mesh in OKC is unknown. Since being traded, Paul has spent four days in Oklahoma City working with teammates. Thunder coach Billy Donovan believes the nine-time All-Star wants to succeed, and it's also in Paul’s best interest to play well to help his stock.

Paul is expected to be a starter in Oklahoma City, although he will be competing for minutes with the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dennis Schroder.

#2 Jerian Grant could be released by Qingdao

Jerian Grant spent the 2018-19 season with the Orlando Magic
Jerian Grant spent the 2018-19 season with the Orlando Magic

After he didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Orlando Magic earlier this summer, Jerian Grant failed to attract much interest from NBA teams in free agency. Grant eventually agreed on a deal to play in China with the Qingdao DoubloeStar Eagles, although Emiliano Carchia of Sportando is reporting that Grant could be released without making an appearance for his new team:

Chinese team Qingdao Doubloe Star Eagles are considering the release of Jerian Grant, a source told Sportando.

The Washington Wizards selected Grant with the 19th pick of the 2015 NBA Draft, although he was shipped to the Knicks on draft night. Since leaving New York after just one season, Grant has spent spells with the Bulls and the Magic.

During the 2018-19 season, Grant averaged just 4.2 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists over 60 regular-season appearances.

#3 Glenn Robinson III is hoping to make an impact for the Golden State Warriors

Glenn Robinson III made 47 appearances during his season in Detroit
Glenn Robinson III made 47 appearances during his season in Detroit

The Golden State Warriors were among the most active teams during the early weeks of free agency. Kevin Durant, Andre Iguodala, and Shaun Livingston all exited the franchise, although the Warriors managed to sign All-Star D'Angelo Russell and a number of squad players.

Glenn Robinson III was among the lesser names signed, and the 25-year-old is looking forward to playing alongside some of the NBA's biggest stars:

When I was with the Pacers, I guarded the best player on the court whenever they came on, and I look forward to doing that this year with a defender like Klay

During the 18-19 season, Robinson played 47 times for the Pistons, averaging 4.2 points and 1.5 rebounds per game. He signed a two-year deal with the Warriors earlier this summer and could see time at both shooting guard and small forward this season

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Edited by Sai Teja