NBA News Roundup: Sunday, August 4th: Oklahoma City Thunder star planning exit, Draymond Green signs new long term deal with the Warriors and more

The 2019 off-season is now well underway, and NBA fans have already been treated to almost a month of excitement. 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 gearing up to be among the most exciting seasons in recent memory, and we could still see plenty of trades ahead of opening night. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 4th.

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#1 Danilo Gallinari is already planning for a future after the Thunder

Danilo Gallinari has spent the past two campaigns with the Clippers

Danilo Gallinari joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the deal that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers, and the Italian is expected to play a big role for the rebuilding franchise during the 19-20 season. However, it appears that the Italian is already planning for a future away from Oklahoma City:

Next summer, when I will become free agent, I will privilege a team that can fight for the NBA Finals. I won’t chase money, but the chance to play for the title. NBA taught me to be a more selfish player on the court but I have not really succeeded yet.

Before his trade to OKC, Gallinari enjoyed the best 18 months of his career with the Clippers. The 18-19 season was particularly strong, as the 30-year-old averaged 19.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. As an impending free agent, it appears that the veteran is prioritizing a championship, and the Thunder won’t be able to provide him with that platform after entering a rebuild earlier this summer.

#2 Draymond Green pens long-term contract extension with the Warriors

Draymond Green has played a vital role in the Golden State Warriors' sustained period of success

After a sustained period of success, the Golden State Warriors have endured a turbulent summer. Kevin Durant and DeMarcus Cousins moved on during free agency, while the Warriors also decided to trade Andre Iguodala and Shaun Livingston. However, the Warriors have now received a much-needed boost as Draymond Green has committed his remaining prime years to the franchise.

Green was taken as a second-round pick back in 2012, and the 29-year-old has excelled alongside Steph Curry and Klay Thompson. Widely regarded as the heartbeat of the team, Green has regularly contributed triple-doubles during the Warriors’ five straight trips to the NBA Finals. The shooting guard is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the league and is coming off a postseason campaign in which he averaged 13.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game.

#3 Troy Daniels says it was an easy decision to join the Lakers during free agency

Troy Daniels made a positive impact from the Phoenix Suns bench

While the Los Angeles Lakers took plenty of time to bring in major additions during free agency, the team made a reasonably early move to secure the signing of Troy Daniels. Daniels had attracted interest from the Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder, although the shooting guard told HoopsHype that it was an easy decision to join a Los Angeles team that is expected to contend for the title:

It was a vet minimum deal, but it was almost a no-brainer. They’re trying to build a championship team for this season and opportunities like that don’t come along very often. I felt like it was the best decision for my career.

Daniels has spent the past two seasons with the Phoenix Suns, appearing primarily from the reserve unit. Over 130 appearances (16 starts), Daniels averaged 7.9 points while shooting 39% from beyond the arc.