NBA News Roundup, Sunday, September 29th: Kyle Lowry could be set for long-term Raptors stay, Erik Spoelstra extends contract with the Miami Heat and more

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, and the new campaign is set to be among the most competitive in recent memory. With the Golden State Warriors' recent dominance coming to an end, the likes of the LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks will all be hopeful of becoming the NBA's new dominant force.

Every NBA team will head to training camp by Tuesday, and several teams could make moves in the coming weeks as they look to improve ahead of the new season. Both the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons are believed to be looking to make bold moves, while the likes of Carmelo Anthony remain available as free agents. So as the new season draws ever closer, here is all the latest news and rumours you need to know for September 29th.

Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry is entering the final year of his deal with the Toronto Raptors, and many analysts have suggested the 33-year-old could be traded before the trade deadline.

Nevertheless, Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun is reporting that Raptors president Masai Ujiri is willing to give Lowry special treatment over the likes of Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka as they discuss a new contract:

No question. Kyle has an incredible legacy here that I think we all have underrated. We’ll always pay Kyle that respect. What he’s done for this city, for this ball club, is remarkable.

Lowry will be 34 by the conclusion of the 2019-20 season, although the point guard continues to be among the NBA's best backcourt players. During the 2019 playoffs, Lowry averaged 15 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.6 assists - while also delivering an excellent offensive performance during Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Erik Spoelstra signs new contract to extend his reign as Miami Heat head coach

Erik Spoelstra has led the Miami Heat since 2008

After spending more than half a decade as an assistant coach of the Miami Heat, Erik Spoelstra replaced Pat Riley as head coach back in 2008. Spoelstra's near 12-year tenure puts him only behind Gregg Popovich, and ESPN is reporting that the 48-year-old has penned a new long-term deal:

Two-time championship coach Erik Spoelstra has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the Miami Heat, league sources told ESPN. Spoelstra, who would have been entering the final season of his deal, quietly negotiated a new contract. The extension will keep him under contract through the 2024-25 season.

Spoelstra has a .590 regular-season winning record with the Heat, and he led his side to NBA titles in both 2012 and 2013. While Miami missed out on the playoffs last season, Spoelstra will be hoping for a better season after the Heat bought in four-time All-Star, Jimmy Butler.

Ryan Anderson aiming for bounce-back season with the Houston Rockets

Ryan Anderson enjoyed an excellent two-year spell with the Rockets

Ryan Anderson endured a disappointing 2018-19 season as he made just 25 appearances over spells with the Phoenix Suns and Miami Heat. However, the 31-year-old returned to the Houston Rockets earlier this week, and Anderson told Jonathan Feigen of Houston Chronicle that he is confident of rediscovering his former form:

I would like to bounce back from last year. It was a tough year. It was a year that I could not have imagined happening. I mean, going from a veteran team to an all young team that’s trying to find themselves, find an identity. It feels good to be back with a group that has an identity.

Anderson previously represented the Rockets between 2016 and 2018, enjoying a particularly impressive spell during the 16-17 season as he averaged 13.6 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.