NBA News Roundup, Saturday, August 3rd: Carmelo Anthony offers an update on his future, NBA Christmas Day schedule revealed and more

The 2019 offseason is now well underway, and NBA fans have already been treated to plenty of blockbuster moves. Superstars such as Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis have been traded to title-contending teams, whereas the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and Al Horford all opted to seek a new challenge in free agency.

Due to this, the 2019-20 campaign is quickly gearing up to be among the most exciting seasons in recent memory, and additional offseason moves are likely in the coming weeks. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 3rd.

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#1 Carmelo Anthony reaffirms his desire to return to the NBA

Carmelo Anthony's spell with the Rockets lasted just 10 games

The NBA offseason has reached August, and the majority of big-name free agents have long been snapped up by teams hoping to contend. However, Carmelo Anthony has yet to secure a deal for the upcoming season, and some analysts have cast doubt on his NBA future. Yet, during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Melo reaffirmed his commitment to return to the league next season:

"I love the game too much to be away from it. I don't think it's about basketball anymore. I think it's about me as a person willing to accept certain roles on basketball teams. Am i willing to accept a certain role on a basketball team? Yes."

Anthony has not played since being cast aside by the Houston Rockets back in November. During his brief spell with the team, the veteran played just 10 times and received criticism for his defense. Anthony has been linked with a move to the Los Angeles Lakers, although reports earlier this week suggested that the 35-year-old was unlikely to link up with LeBron James.

#2 Puma made Zion Williamson a huge offer before he signed with Nike

Zion Williamson is expected to make a huge impact with the New Orleans Pelicans

After the fallout of the opening week of free agency finally settled, many fans began to speculate on which sportswear company Zion Williamson would sign with. After much consideration, the 19-year-old linked up with the Jordan brand on a 5-year deal worth $75 million. Nevertheless, Nick DePaula of ESPN is reporting that Williamson could have signed a much larger deal with Puma:

They (Puma) offered him an impressive financial commitment: a deal that soared as high as $15 million per year, plus the potential to add an additional $3 million a year in bonuses.

Williamson is believed to have accepted less money with the Jordan brand after growing up idolizing Michael Jordan. The teenager enters the NBA as the most exciting talent to emerge since LeBron James back in 2003. He will form part of a promising New Orleans roster that also features Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Josh Hart.

#3 NBA Christmas schedule reportedly revealed

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers

Following a busy summer, the 19-20 season is quickly approaching, and reports from Adrian Wojnarowski, Malika Andrews, and Tim MacMahon, all from ESPN, combined to give us the much anticipated Christmas schedule. As always, a number of matchups stand out, although the clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers is unlikely to be upstaged.

The Los Angeles rivals enter the season among the favorites to capture a championship, and fans will get the chance to see the likes of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard.

Meanwhile, the Celtics will travel North to take on the reigning champions in the Toronto Raptors, while Russell Westbrook and James Harden will face off against Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. The Greek Freak will also be in action as the Bucks travel to Philadelphia, and in the most surprising matchup, the Nuggets will host the Pelicans.