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The 2018-19 NBA season is still more than a month away, although there is already plenty to be excited about. A large portion of the NBA's top talent opted to switch teams in free agency, and the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Clippers both managed to position themselves as forces in the league thanks to the acquisitions of two All-Star talents.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers managed to pick up a second star in Anthony Davis, whereas Russell Westbrook and James Harden will re-unite in Houston after the pair previously linked up in Oklahoma City.
All this makes for a fascinating season, and further trades are likely to happen in the weeks leading up to the new campaign. So, with plenty going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 15th.
Draymond Green speaks out on Kevin Durant's move to the Nets
Kevin Durant opted to leave the Golden State Warriors for the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, and Draymond Green was widely cited as one of the determining factors.
The two famously came to blows early last season when Green told Durant that the 'Warriors were already winning before you arrived', and despite putting on a united front, the duo's relationship is believed to have never fully recovered.
Nevertheless, during an interview with ESPN, Green wished Durant well following his move to the Nets:
That’s my brother and I’m happy for him. Not many times in life do you get to do what you want to do. He’s worked hard and had the opportunity to do exactly what he wanted to do. He deserves to do exactly that.
Durant will be joined in Brooklyn by his close friend and fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving. Meanwhile, the Warriors moved quickly to bring in D'Angelo Russell after Durant informed the organization of his decision to move on.
Jonas Jerebko signs with Russian team
The Golden State Warriors have already lost Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, Shaun Livingston, and Andre Iguodala during a summer of transition. Jonas Jerebko's future was also in doubt after entering free agency, and the Swedish star took to social media last night to confirm his move to Russia.
Jerebko is believed to have penned a two-year contract with Khimki Moscow Region. The 32-year-old was an important role player for the Warriors during the 18-19 season, averaging 6.3 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists across 16.7 minutes in 73 games.
The power forward was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 39th overall pick of the 2009 draft, and Jerebko also spent time with the Boston Celtics and Utah Jazz during a decade-long career in the NBA. He has racked up almost 650 regular-season appearances, averaging 6.2 points and 4.0 rebounds.
Terry Rozier feeling the pressure following his move to the Charlotte Hornets
After the Charlotte Hornets refused to offer Kemba Walker a max deal in free agency, the All-Star guard opted to finally leave the franchise that drafted him almost a decade ago. The Hornets responded by signing Terry Rozier to a three-year, $56 million deal, and the 25-year-old told Jonathan Abrams of Bleacher Report that he is feeling the pressure as he looks to replace Walker:
I’d be lying if I told you there’s no pressure. But the pressure’s part of the game. Pressure is something that I deal with on a daily basis, but I’m always finding ways to get past it. That’s not easy going in, replacing a guard like Kemba.
During the 18-19 season, Rozier averaged 9.0 points, 2.9 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game.
Guess the Lakers players!
