NBA News Roundup, Thursday, September 19th: Washington Wizards won't sign a replacement for Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Durant 'wasn't feeling' Steve Kerr in Golden State and more

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, and the new campaign is expected to be among the most exciting in recent memory.

The Golden State Warriors' recent dominance appears to have come to a drastic end after the team lost Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and Andre Iguodala in free agency, and the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers will all be confident of contending for a championship.

The offseason has hit a lull following several high-profile moves over the first few weeks of the summer, although the likelihood of trades will increase as the new season approaches.

Players such as Kevin Love and Steven Adams continue to be linked with a move, and plenty could happen over the next five weeks. So, with this in mind, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for September 19th.

#1 Steph Cury eyes third MVP title

Steph Curry won the last of his two MVP awards in 2016

Steph Curry won his first MVP award during the 2014-15 NBA season as he led the Golden State Warriors to their first title since 1975. Curry was once again named MVP a year later as he became the first player in NBA history to be elected by a unanimous vote.

Nevertheless, Curry fell out of the MVP conversation after the Warriors added Kevin Durant in 2016, although Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer. Without the presence of Durant, many have backed Curry to re-emerge in the race to be named 2020 MVP, and the 31-year-old told ESPN that he was keen to capture a third title:

At the end of the day, winning an MVP would be special. And it's something that -- I've experienced before and would love to experience again. I'd love to push the envelope and push the limits a little bit.

During the 18-19 season, Curry averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. In addition to the departure of Durant, the Warriors will be without Klay Thompson for much of the season, and Curry could post some huge numbers.

#2 Washington Wizards unlikely to sign a replacement for Isaiah Thomas

Thomas spent last season with the Denver Nuggets

The Washington Wizards signed Isaiah Thomas as a cover for the injured John Wall earlier this summer, although the former Boston Celtics star has recently undergone surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb and will miss the start of the 2019-20 season. Despite Thomas' setback, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington is reporting that the team has no plans to sign a replacement point guard:

Thomas will miss all of training camp, the preseason and possibly several weeks of the regular season. Despite their current issues at point guard, the Wizards do not have plans to bring in significant reinforcements, according to a source.

Thomas has struggled with injuries over the past few years, and the 30-year-old played just 12 games for the Nuggets last season. Without Wall and Thomas, the Wizards may have to field the undrafted Justin Robinson.

#3 Kevin Durant and Steve Kerr's relationship was 'not good'

Steve Kerr and Kevin Durant spent three years together with the Golden State Warriors

Before signing with the Brooklyn Nets in free agency, Kevin Durant spent three years playing under Steve Kerr for the Golden State Warriors. During that period, the Warriors made three straight trips to the NBA Finals - winning the title in 2017 and 2018.

Nevertheless, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith has previously claimed that Durant didn't enjoy playing under Kerr, and the analyst doubled down on his comments during yesterday's episode of First Take.

KD's relationship with Steve Kerr was not good. And I'm not saying Steve Kerr did anything. And I'm not saying there was some fallout or anything that happened. From what I was told, KD was not feeling Steve Kerr at all. At all. To the point where, that's why you saw Bob Myers around him.

Durant will now be hoping to compete for a title alongside Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, while Kerr will refocus around the trio of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green.