NBA News Roundup, Thursday, 25th July: Chris Paul Oklahoma City Thunder update, Pau Gasol joins the Trail Blazers 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 25th.

Chris Paul hints at Thunder stay

Chris Paul has spent the past two seasons with the Houston Rockets

Chris Paul joined the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this month as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Westbrook to Houston. Since heading to OKC, Paul has been linked with an imminent trade due to Sam Presti's desire to build around upcoming young players.

Nevertheless, Paul has revealed his excitement to link up with the Thunder:

I'm excited to be joining Thunder next season and for this new opportunity to compete alongside my Thunder teammates. I started my NBA career playing in Oklahoma City with the New Orleans Hornets and I look forward to returning!

During the 18-19 season, Paul managed a respectable 15.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. However, the 34-year-old still has 3 years and more than $110 million remaining on his current contract, and there appears to be no market for the former All-Star.

Pau Gasol joins the Portland Trail Blazers

Pau Gasol will be hoping to contend with the Portland Trail Blazers

After reaching the 2019 Western Conference Finals, the Portland Trail Blazers are hoping to be contenders once again next season. The team has already made several additions over the past month and ESPN is reporting that Pau Gasol is set to head to Portland on a one-year deal:

Free agent Pau Gasol has agreed to a one-year, $2.6 million deal with the Portland Trail Blazers, league sources told ESPN on Wednesday. Gasol will join a center rotation that includes Hassan Whiteside, Zach Collins and Jusuf Nurkic.

Gasol played last season for the San Antonio Spurs and the Milwaukee Bucks. The veteran hoped to play a big role in the Bucks' postseason run, but was kept out by a foot injury. Over his 18 season NBA career, Gasol has averaged 17.0 points and 9.2 rebounds per game.

Steve Kerr backs Golden State's decision to trade Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala impressed during the 2019 NBA Finals

Among the most surprising moves of the off-season was Golden State's decision to trade Andre Iguodala. Iguodala played a vital role in the Warriors' five straight trips to the NBA Finals, although Steve Kerr has backed the front office's decision to trade the veteran star:

I have the ultimate faith in Bob and his staff. If you just look at it on paper, we went from a 35-year-old star player who’s got a year or two left to a 23-year-old talent who has a long career ahead of him. That makes perfect sense.

Iguodala is currently with the Memphis Grizzlies, but the 34-year-old is expected to be either traded or bought out before the end of the year. He has been linked with a move to the likes of the Rockets, Lakers, and Clippers.