NBA News Roundup, Sunday, September 22nd: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George discussed Clippers move ahead of free agency, Alex Abrines praises Russell Westbrook and more

Paul George left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the LA Clippers
Paul George left the Oklahoma City Thunder for the LA Clippers

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, and the new campaign is gearing up to be among the most competitive in recent memory. The Golden State Warriors' recent dominance appears to have come to an end following the departure of Kevin Durant, and the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz will all be confident of competing for this season's title.

Much of the major offseason moves were completed during the opening weeks of free agency, although a big name such as Kevin Love or Steven Adams could still be on the move ahead of the new campaign. So, with the potential for plenty to happen, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for September 22nd.


#1 Kawhi Leonard and Paul George discussed a move to the Clippers ahead of free agency

Los Angeles Clippers Introduce Kawhi Leonard & Paul George
Los Angeles Clippers Introduce Kawhi Leonard & Paul George

The Los Angeles Clippers entered the offseason with the hope of landing two All-Stars and the organization was able to pull off huge deals to sign Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Leonard was available as a free agent, although PG13 was still signed to a three-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed on his podcast that Leonard and George were engaged in talks prior to free agency opening - with George eventually requesting a trade to the Clippers:

“The idea that Kawhi Leonard first introduced the idea of trading for Paul George in his meeting with the Clippers, from a list, we know that days before free agency started, well days before, Kawhi and Paul George were talking.
"Paul George’s agent went to Oklahoma City prior to the start of free agency and said Paul would like to be traded to the Clippers. He wants to play with Kawhi. But, at that point, Kawhi wasn’t allowed to be talking with the Clippers. They couldn’t officially have contact with him until after June 30, 6 p.m.

The NBA is currently in the process of introducing harsher new anti-tampering rules, although Windhorst's insight into the George-Leonard situation highlights the difficult task that the NBA faces. Nevertheless, the All-Star duo will now form a potentially lethal partnership in Los Angeles as the Clippers begin the new season as favorites.

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#2 Alex Abrines reveals support he received from Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook and Alex Abrines spent three seasons together at the Thunder
Russell Westbrook and Alex Abrines spent three seasons together at the Thunder

Alex Abrines left the Oklahoma City Thunder due to personal matters last season, although the Thunder remained supportive of his decision to leave. During an interview with Movistar+, via Eurohoops, Abrines detailed his exit from the organization, and noted the support that Russell Westbrook had offered during their time together in Oklahoma City:

He’s a very nice guy. He helped me a lot especially in the first year. When I went through all this and did not travel with the team, he kept in touch. He asked me to meet him for dinner. He cared for the person beyond the player. He calmly told me what I should do, noting that he would support me if I decided to leave.

Abrines spent three seasons with the Thunder, averaging 5.3 points and 1.5 rebounds over 174 appearances. He has since signed with FC Barcelona.

#3 Cleveland Cavaliers likely to hand starting spots to Collin Sexton and Darius Garland

Collin Sexton will have a big role to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers
Collin Sexton will have a big role to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers enter the new season in rebuild mode following an underwhelming 18-19 campaign that followed the departure of LeBron James. While the Cavs roster is still home to plenty of senior players, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com is reporting that the team will continue to look towards youth this season:

The Cavs will prioritize youngsters Sexton and Darius Garland - the likely starting backcourt. Jordan Clarkson is one of the team's most reliable scoring options and will get plenty of minutes off the bench. The means Knight will be battling Matthew Dellavedova for the other guard spot.

Sexton enjoyed a promising rookie season with the Cavs, while Garland was selected with the fifth pick earlier this summer. The Cavs' continued emphasis on youth could also see the likes of Kevin Love traded over the coming months.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram