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With teams around the NBA now back in training, preparations for the 2019-20 season are well underway. Following a busy summer, the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers and Philadelphia 76ers will be confident of contending, although the Golden State Warriors will be out to prove that people have wrongly ruled them out.
While much of the player movement happened in the opening weeks of free agency, several veterans including Carmelo Anthony remain available on the market. Meanwhile, a team such as the Miami Heat may still launch an ambitious trade ahead of the new season.
So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 3rd.
#1 Oklahoma City Thunder facing difficulty as they look to trade Steven Adams and Chris Paul
The Oklahoma City Thunder opted to hit the reset button earlier this summer after losing in the first round of the postseason for the third consecutive time. Paul George was the first to leave as he completed a blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Clippers, while Russell Westbrook and Jerami Grant soon completed trades to contending teams.
With the Thunder now looking to focus on youth, a number of their remaining high-earners are expected to be traded ahead of the trade deadline. However, Sean Deveney of Heavy is reporting that the team is having difficulty moving Steven Adams and Chris Paul:
Just as with (Chris) Paul, the Thunder have two problems in moving Adams: The price is too steep and his contract is too hefty. The added issue of Adams’ fit in the modern NBA—he has attempted seven 3-pointers in his career and made zero—complicates matters.
Adams has two years and $53 million remaining on his current deal, although the 26-year-old managed to post career highs in points (13.9) and rebounds (9.5) last season. Meanwhile, Paul joined the Thunder in the trade that sent Westbrook to Houston, and the 34-year-old is owed more than $120 million over the next three seasons.
#2 Kyle Kuzma pens long-term deal with Puma
Upon being selected with the 27th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, Kyle Kuzma signed a two-year deal with Nike. Nevertheless, Kuzma's stock has grown considerably after establishing himself as a starter for the Los Angeles Lakers, and ESPN is reporting that the 24-year-old has signed a substantial contract with Puma:
Los Angeles Lakers forward Kyle Kuzma has signed a five-year footwear and apparel endorsement deal with Puma. It is expected to pay him more than $20 million over the life of the contract, with additional incentives that could escalate the total value, according to industry sources.
Puma's decision to sign Kuzma follows their trend of sponsoring some of the NBA's most promising young talent. DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, and Kevin Knox all signed with Puma last summer, while the company also made a substantial offer to Zion Williamson before he signed with the Jordan brand.
#3 Anthony Bennett to undergo knee surgery
Anthony Bennett was selected with the 1st pick of the 2013 NBA draft but has not played in the NBA since his brief stint with the Brooklyn Nets during the 2016-17 season. Nevertheless, Bennett has rebuilt his career in the G-League and last season averaged 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds with Agua Caliente.
Bennett's form resulted in a spot on the Houston Rockets' roster, however, Jonathan Feigen of Houston Chronicle has confirmed that the 26-year-old has suffered a serious injury:
Rockets forward Anthony Bennett will undergo have an arthroscopic surgery on his sore left knee that is expected to prevent him from earning a roster spot this month, a person with knowledge of the decision to have the procedure said on Wednesday.
The Rockets already have a maximum of 20 players on the roster, and it is unlikely that Bennett will be retained ahead of the 2019-20 NBA season.
