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The 2019 FIBA World Cup is currently the focus of the basketball world, although with Team USA fielding one of its most underwhelming rosters in memory, NBA fans are already looking forward to the much anticipated 2019-20 season. After half-a-decade of dominance from the Golden State Warriors, the likes of the L.A. Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers are all hoping to become the NBA's new dominant force.
The majority of NBA teams plan to work around talent that was signed during free agency's chaotic opening week, although the likes of the Miami Heat and Detroit Pistons are believed to be keen to make further additions. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers may be open to trading away their remaining high-earners away in the weeks leading up to the season.
Elsewhere, big-name free agents such as Carmelo Anthony remain without a team, and plenty could happen in the weeks leading up to the new NBA campaign. So, with a lot going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 5th.
#1 Steve Nash was 'surprised' that Kevin Durant left the Golden State Warriors
Following three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer. While many expected the 2014 MVP to move on, Steve Nash told The Bill Simmons Podcast that he thought that KD would remain with the Warriors for more than three seasons:
I think I would have thought he would have had such a great experience there that he wouldn't want to leave. That would be the surprise.
Nash went on to state his belief that Durant opted to leave due to his desire to experience something new after three incredibly successful seasons with the franchise. KD will link up with fellow All-Star Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, although the 31-year-old is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season due to injury.
#2 Oklahoma City Thunder sign Devon Hall
The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently rebuilding their roster after losing Paul George, Russell Westbrook, and Jerami Grant earlier this summer. While the likes of Chris Paul, Steven Adams, and Danilo Gallinari could also exit Oklahoma City, the Thunder have confirmed the signing of Devon Hall to a two-way deal:
The Oklahoma City Thunder has signed guard Devon Hall to a Two-Way Contract, it was announced today by Executive Vice President and General Manager Sam Presti.
Hall was selected by Oklahoma City with the 53rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, although the University of Virginia product didn't feature for the Thunder and instead spent a season in Australia with the Cairns Taipans. Hall averaged 9.2 points per game during his lone season in Australia, and he will now split his time between the Thunder and its G League affiliate the Oklahoma City Blue.
#3 Chris Paul names LeBron James as a role model as he attempts to extend his career
Chris Paul turned 34 earlier this year, although the former All-Star still has three year's remaining on his huge four-year $160 million contract. Nevertheless, during an interview for ESPN's Body Issue, CP3 revealed that he is trying hard to remain in peak physical condition, and named LeBron James as a role model when it comes to taking care of his body:
Steve Nash took really good care of his body. Bron takes really good care of his body. The biggest thing all those guys have in common is discipline. I’m 34. I’m going to be chasing around a bunch of 19- and 20-year-olds. There’s no excuse. If you get a routine and you stick to it, the sky’s the limit.
Paul was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder earlier this summer after spending the past two seasons with the Houston Rockets. During the 18-19 season, the point guard averaged 15.6 points and 8.2 assists, while James is still widely considered as the NBA's best player as he embarks on his 18th season in the league.
