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Free Agents around the league can now officially sign with their new teams, and at this point, the remaining pool of available players is pretty shallow.
However, NBA teams will start to look towards trades over the coming weeks, and a number of major moves could still be in the works. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know.
Carmelo Anthony's move to the Lakers appears to be in doubt
Less than a week ago, the Los Angeles Lakers had just a handful of players remaining on their roster. However, the team has since added a number of names including DeMarcus Cousins, Jared Dudley, Troy Daniels and Danny Green.
The Lakers are now putting the finishing touches on what they hope will be a championship caliber roster, although many fans still want to see Carmelo Anthony link up with LeBron James. However, according to James Harbert of CBS Sports, Melo's move to Los Angeles is in doubt:
Another offensive-minded forward cut loose by Houston and harmed by the league-wide emphasis on defensive versatility. While there has been noise about the Lakers for obvious reasons, count me as skeptical about that fit.
Anthony has been linked with a move to the Lakers since leaving the Houston Rockets back in November. The 35-year-old was expected to join for the final months of the 18-19 season, however, talks were 'paused' after the Lakers fell out of playoff contention.
If Anthony is to finally link up with James, the veteran would have to settle for both a minimum deal and a limited role in the reserve unit.
Clippers complete signings of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard
Nearly a week ago, the NBA world was stunned by the news that both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George would be joining the Los Angeles Clippers.
By adding Leonard and George, the Clippers are among the most feared teams heading into the 19-20 season, and the franchise will go head to head with the Lakers.
Shams Charania of The Athletic is reporting that Leonard has opted to sign a shorter deal than first reported.
George also has a player option in two years' time and will be eligible to sign a $254 million deal with the Clippers. Meanwhile, Leonard has also put himself in a position to secure a huge payday in 2021, as the two-time Finals MVP will be able to receive a four-year, $196 million contract from Los Angeles.
Toronto Raptors won't trade away their existing veteran stars
The Toronto Raptors are coming off their first-ever championship-winning season, although the team's chances of competing next season appear in doubt after losing Kawhi Leonard in free agency.
Danny Green also left for the Lakers, and a number of veterans such as Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka have been linked with a trade.
However, according to Toronto Raptors Beat reporter Josh Lewenberg, the Raptors are happy to keep their veteran core for the 19-20 season.
Without Green and Leonard, the Raptors should still be good enough to reach the NBA playoffs due to the lack of depth in the Eastern Conference.
However, the team will struggle to compete with the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics, and a first-round postseason elimination appears likely.
