NBA News Roundup, Saturday, Oct 19: Oklahoma City Thunder set to trade star duo, Bradley Beal explains his decision to remain in Washington and more

The NBA preseason schedule concluded last night, and all eyes now turn to the opening night of the 2019-20 season. Following a chaotic offseason, the new season is expected to be among the most exciting in recent memory, and the likes of the Clippers, Lakers, Rockets, Jazz, and Sixers will be in contention for the title.

Nevertheless, plenty could still happen in the coming days as teams around the league finalize their rosters for the start of the season. So, with plenty going on, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 19th.

Bradley Beal explains his decision to sign a new deal with the Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal will remain with the Wizards for at least the 2019-20 season

Heading into the new season, Bradley Beal had been among the players linked with an impending trade. Just last month, the 26-year-old had stated that he was in no rush to sign a new deal with the Washington Wizards, while also hinting at a potential move to the Miami Heat.

However, Beal surprised many around the NBA earlier this week by penning a new two-year extension in Washington. When explaining his decision to remain with the Wizards, Beal told David Aldridge of The Athletic that he wanted to help return his long-time team to contention:

This is where I’ve been for the last seven years, going on eight. I have an opportunity to be able to turn this thing around. A lot of people doubt that. I view it as a challenge. I view it as something that I feel a lot of D.C. sports have been a part of, rebuilding something and kind of building them into championship-caliber teams.

Washington finished 11th in the Eastern Conference standings last season with a 32-50 record. They also face an uphill battle to qualify for the 2020 playoffs as they will be without John Wall for the entire season.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will explore trading veteran duo

Danilo Gallinari has featured in the preseason for the Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered rebuild mode earlier this summer after trading Paul George and Russell Westbrook. The Thunder landed a number of players in return for the All-Star duo, although only Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is believed to have a long-term future in Oklahoma City.

And, according to Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer, the Thunder will explore trades for Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari:

But league sources fully expect the Thunder to explore trading Chris Paul and Danilo Gallinari. Trading Gallinari wouldn’t be difficult, provided he’s healthy. Finding a new home for Paul will be tough. He’s 34, has an injury history, and is owed $124 million over the next three years.

Gallinari is available on an expiring deal and is coming off the best season of his career. During the 18-19 campaign, the 31-year-old averaged 19.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Paul once again struggled with injuries last season but managed 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists over 58 regular-season appearances.

Sacramento Kings showing 'some remorse' over handing Harrison Barnes a five-year, $88 million deal

Harrison Barnes signed a long-term deal with the Kings earlier this summer

The Sacramento Kings are currently facing a significant battle to lock down the long term futures of Buddy Hield and Bogdan Bogdanović. Both players have been offered new deals, although the influential duo is holding out for a higher salary. Due to this, Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that the Kings regret giving Harrison Barnes a significant deal earlier this summer:

The Kings also have set a precedent in talks with Hield based on the five-year, $88 million deal given to Harrison Barnes in the offseason, a deal sources say the franchise has already expressed some remorse over due to its impact on contracts to come.

Through 28 games with the Kings last season, Barnes averaged 14.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. If Hield doesn’t reach a deal with the Kings by next week, he will become a restricted free agent next summer. Meanwhile, Bogdanovic has until June to pen a new extension.