NBA News Roundup, Thursday, August 1st: Update on Carmelo Anthony's future, Lakers finalize coaching staff and more

The 2019 offseason is now well underway, and NBA fans have already been treated to plenty of blockbuster moves. 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 campaign is quickly gearing up to be among the most exciting seasons in recent memory, and additional offseason moves are likely in the coming weeks. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 1st.

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Carmelo Anthony didn’t want to leave the Houston Rockets; could return with the Knicks

Carmelo Anthony has not played since leaving the Rockets back in 2018

Carmelo Anthony has not played since being released by the Houston Rockets back in November, although Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that many feel that the former All-star was made a scapegoat in Houston:

A lot of the blame was put on Carmelo, but he really should have thrived with the offense... Melo was the scapegoat

During his brief time with the Rockets, Anthony showed his willingness to come off the bench and averaged 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. However, the veteran was released following the team's slow start to the season, and a subsequent move to the Los Angeles Lakers fell through.

In regards to his next move, The Athletic is reporting that Anthony may have no other option but to sign a short deal with the Knicks:

Executives around the league believe one strong scenario could emerge: Signing a one-day contract to retire with the Knicks

Anthony joined the Knicks back in 2011 and went on to spend seven seasons with the team. He left back in 2017 but is believed to be on good terms with his former side.

CJ McCollum expects to build something special with Damian Lillard in Portland

CJ McCollum has struck up a potent partnership with Damian Lillard

The Portland Trail Blazers were not among the most active teams in free agency, although the franchise successfully signed Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum to new long-term deals.

Lillard was the first to commit his future to the franchise, while McCollum followed suit on Tuesday by signing a new three year $100 million deal. After committing his prime years to the franchise, McCollum revealed that he expects to build something special with his backcourt partner:

We’ve crossed off a lot of goals individually and collectively, but I think that both of us being here for the long haul, and both of us being able to grow together and win together is something that people will remember for a long time.

The Trail Blazers are coming off a campaign in which they exceeded expectations to reach the Western Conference Finals. Individually, McCollum averaged 21.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game

Lakers finalize coaching staff for the 19-20 season

Frank Vogel will lead the Los Angeles Lakers this season

Following an underwhelming season in which the team finished outside of the playoffs, the Los angles Lakers opted to part ways with Luke Walton. The young coach was replaced by Frank Vogel, a decision which surprised many, and the organization has finally announced their coaching staff for the upcoming campaign.

Jason Kidd, Lionel Hollins, Phil Handy, Miles Simon, Mike Penberthy, and Quinton Crawford will work as assistant coaches under Vogel, while Greg St., Dru Anthrop, and Jon Pastorek will contribute to the development aspects of the team.

Kidd's appointment as an assistant is perhaps the most interesting, as the NBA legend has already experienced head coaching stints in Brooklyn and Milwaukee. Some have suggested that the 10-time All-Star could replace Vogel if the Lakers' season doesn't advance as planned, although the franchise is at least for now willing to give Vogel the platform to succeed.