NBA News Roundup, Sunday, July 28th: Carmelo Anthony backed to make return with Team USA, Kawhi Leonard denies Lakers rumors 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 season is quickly gearing up to be among the most exciting in recent memory, and plenty could still happen in the latter stages of the postseason.

A number of notable free agents remain available, while players such as Bradley Beal, Steven Adams, and Serge Ibaka continue to be linked with moves. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for July 28th.

Carmelo Anthony backed for Team USA

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

Carmelo Anthony has not played a competitive game of basketball since mutually agreeing to leave the Houston Rockets back in November, although the 10-time All-star has been mentioned as a possible member of Team USA's upcoming FIBA roster.

Several major names have already pulled out of the competition, and Kendrick Perkins believes Melo would embrace a return with the national team.

Since we’re on the subject, there’s report going around that there wasn’t interest in adding Melo to team USA. Not sure if it’s true but USA basketball should be welcoming him with open arms. He could use the platform more than anyone and it’s a “brotherhood” right?
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 27, 2019

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Anthony has won three Olympic Medals with Team USA, and the 35-year-old also leads the team in points and rebounds. The veteran has also been applauded for his willingness to take a lesser role with the national team, and Anthony is one of only a few individuals that has always made himself available for selection.

The Team USA training camp starts on August 5th in Las Vegas, while the competition itself will take place in September.

Kawhi Leonard denies Lakers rumours

Kawhi Leonard enjoyed a stunning 18-19 season with the Toronto Raptors

After more than a week of intense speculation, Kawhi Leonard opted to join the Los Angeles Clippers during free agency. Since heading to Los Angeles' 'other team', a number of sources have reported that the Finals MVP grew up supporting the Lakers, although Leonard told Yahoo Sports that this wasn't the case:

Whatever media outlet was out there saying that Kawhi prefers the Lakers over the Clippers, or Paul (George) loves the Lakers, was wrong. I wasn’t a fan of the Lakers growing up.

Leonard will be joined in Los Angeles by Paul George, who earlier this week revealed that he was a boyhood Clippers fan. Ironically, the All-star duo will now face off against LeBron James and the Lakers, with the two LA sides expected to be among the Western Conferences best teams.

Jeremy Lin attracting interest from Europe

Jeremy Lin spent the second half of the 18-19 season with the Toronto Raptors

Despite hitting free agency earlier this summer, Jeremy Lin has yet to find a new team, and Sportando is reporting that the veteran guard is attracting interest from the current Euroleague champions:

Jeremy Lin is CSKA Moscow’s top target at guard position, a source told Sportando. (CSKA) need a guard to finalize the roster for next season and they made an offer to the NBA champion who is actually free agent

Lin started the 18-19 season with the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 10.7 points and shooting 34.7 percent from three over 51 appearances. The 30-year-old was waived around the trade deadline and subsequently joined the Toronto Raptors.

Lin quickly found a spot in Nick Nurse's regularseason rotation, although the former Knicks star made just eight appearances during the postseason, averaging 3.4 minutes per game.