NBA News Roundup, Thursday, August 29th: Philadelphia 76ers target former All-Star, Update on Andrew Wiggins' future and more

Joe Johnson could be set for a return to the NBA
Joe Johnson could be set for a return to the NBA

The 2019-20 NBA season is now less than two months away, and the new campaign has the potential to be one of the most competitive in recent history. The Golden State Warriors' dominance appears to have finally come to an end after Kevin Durant left for Brooklyn in free agency, while a number of title-hopefuls have made big moves.

The LA Clippers made the biggest move by luring the superstar duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, while their Los Angeles rivals added Anthony Davis to play alongside LeBron James. Elsewhere, the Philadelphia 76ers and Utah Jazz also recruited well, and teams could still make further additions in the coming weeks.

Free agents such as Carmelo Anthony remain available, while a big name such as Steven Adams could be available via trade. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 29th.


Minnesota Timberwolves remain committed to Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves since 2014
Andrew Wiggins has been with the Minnesota Timberwolves since 2014

The Minnesota Timberwolves has lost the likes of Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose over the past 12 months, and the franchise appears on the verge of a rebuild. As the Timberwolves' highest earner, Andrew Wiggins has been among those linked with an exit, although Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic is reporting that the team still plans on sticking with the 24-year-old:

There was no indication that the team was ever even remotely close to trading him. Sources told The Athletic that the Wolves never had a deal worth considering for Wiggins and that the internal focus remains on putting him in positions to be more effective.

Wiggins has been with the Timberwolves since being drafted first overall in 2014. The Toronto native was named Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season, although he has struggled for consistency over the past few seasons.

Philadelphia 76ers interested in signing Joe Johnson

After failing to find a team during the 18-19 season, Joe Johnson has rebuilt his reputation in the BIG3
After failing to find a team during the 18-19 season, Joe Johnson has rebuilt his reputation in the BIG3

Joe Johnson has been among the most impressive performers in the Big3 league, and ESPN is reporting that the former All-Star is set to work out with the Philadelphia 76ers:

Former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson is in Philadelphia preparing for a workout with the 76ers on Thursday. Johnson, 38, also is receiving interest for potential workouts from the LA Clippers, the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets and the New Orleans Pelicans.

With interest from the Sixers and four other teams, the chances of Johnson making a return to the NBA look good. He spent time with the Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets during the 17-18 season but sat out the entire 18-19 campaign. As a seven-time All-Star, Johnson holds career averages of 16.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Enes Kanter believes Kemba Walker is a better fit for Boston than Kyrie Irving

Kemba Walker will replace Kyrie Irving as the Boston Celtics' starting point guard
Kemba Walker will replace Kyrie Irving as the Boston Celtics' starting point guard

Enes Kanter is well known for his outspoken nature, and during an appearance on 'First Things First', the new Boston Celtics man expressed his belief that Kemba Walker is a better player than Kyrie Irving:

Kyrie's definitely one of the best point guards. When I was with Portland & we played the Celtics. I could feel the chemistry wasn't there. There was like a negative energy. Kemba is a really good leader. I'll definitely pick Kemba any day over Kyrie

Irving spent two seasons with the Celtics, although his second campaign with the team was marred by constant rumors of locker room tension. The point guard refused to meet with Boston in free agency, although the Celtics moved quickly to sign his fellow All-Star, Kemba Walker.

During the 18-19 season, Walker averaged career highs in points (25.6) and rebounds (4.4), while also contributing 5.9 assists per contest. In comparison, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game.

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Edited by Sai Teja