NBA News Roundup, Sunday, July 7th: Russell Westbrook set to be traded, Toronto Raptors set for clearout and more

Free Agents around the league can now officially sign with their new teams, and at this point, the remaining pool of available players is pretty shallow.

However, NBA teams will start to look towards trades over the coming weeks, and a number of major moves could still be in the works.

So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for Sunday, July 7th.

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Russell Westbrook could be set for an exit from the Oklahoma City Thunder

Paul George has left Oklahoma City after requesting to be traded to the LA Clippers

With Paul George leaving Oklahoma City for the Los Angeles Clippers, Russell Westbrook's future with the Oklahoma City Thunder has been called into question. Westbrook will turn 31 later this year, and it is doubtful that the 2017 MVP will want to stick around for a multi-year rebuild.

Westbrook is currently the Thunder's only star, and with the Western Conference more competitive than ever before, it is difficult to see how even an MVP-caliber season from Westbrook can guide his team to the playoffs.

Due to this, a trade makes sense, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Westbrook will meet with Sam Presti over the coming week:

Russell Westbrook and his agent, Thad Foucher, are engaged with Thunder general manager Sam Presti about the next steps of Westbrook's career, including the possibility of a trade before the start of next season, league sources told ESPN.

In terms of a potential destination, the Miami Heat are believed to be keen to bring the point guard in following their recent acquisition of Jimmy Butler. However, a trade will be difficult to pull off as Westbrook is owed $171.1 million over the next four years.

Toronto Raptors could be set for a summer clearout

Kyle Lowry could be among the players to follow Kawhi Leonard out of Toronto

Following Kawhi Leonard's decision to leave Toronto for Los Angeles, the Raptors may be looking towards a rebuild this summer. With Danny Green also leaving for the Los Angeles Lakers, the Raptors' chances of competing against the likes of the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks next season appears bleak.

And, according to Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated, the Raptors may be willing to listen to offers for Kyle Lowry, Serge Ibaka, and Marc Gasol.

Toronto’s next move will be interesting. Raptors can still field a competitive team, but with several players in the final year of deals — Lowry, Ibaka, Gasol — expect Toronto explore trades and a rebuild around Siakam, VanVleet.

— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) July 6, 2019

Lowry, Gasol, and Ibaka were all major contributors for the Raptors during their title-winning season, although the trio is on the wrong side of 30.

Due to this, a shakeup looks to be the Raptors' best possible option, and Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam have shown enough promise to establish themselves as mainstays of the future.

Lakers sign Cousins; Bring back Caruso and Rondo

DeMarcus Cousins spent the 18-19 season with the Warriors

After missing out on Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Lakers have moved quickly to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.

Despite also attracting interest from the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers have completed a deal for four-time All-Star DeMarcus Cousins. Cousins is coming off an injury-hit 18-months, however, the 28-year-old is considered one of the most dominant bigs in the NBA, and his salary worth $3.5m looks to be the biggest steal of free agency.

The Lakers have also signed free-agent guard Alex Caruso to a 2-year, $5.5 million deal, while Rajon Rondo will return on a similar deal (player-option second year).

During the 18-19 season, Rondo averaged 9.2 points, 8.0 assists, and 5.3 rebounds, and the veteran could be the Lakers' starting point guard next season. Meanwhile, Caruso averaged 9.1 points and 3.2 assists in just over 20 minutes a game.