NBA News Roundup, Tuesday, August 27th: Los Angeles Lakers waive forward to complete Dwight Howard signing, Brooklyn Nets confirm Caris LeVert extension, and more

Dwight Howard spent last season with the Washington Wizards
Dwight Howard spent last season with the Washington Wizards

Following one of the most exciting starts to free agency in NBA history, the 2019 offseason is currently experiencing a lull. With few notable free agents remaining on the market, most teams are now fully focused on working with what they already have during upcoming training camps.

However, as the season draws ever closer, contending teams may realize that they are short in certain areas, and trades will start to flow. Big names such as Andre Iguodala and Chris Paul will push for a move to a contending team, and teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Washington Wizards are known to be open to dealing their high earners.

So, with the potential for plenty to happen in the coming weeks, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for August 27th.


Los Angeles Lakers waive Aric Holman to seal Dwight Howard deal

Dwight Howard has completed his return to the Los Angeles Lakers
Dwight Howard has completed his return to the Los Angeles Lakers

After completing a move to the Los Angeles Lakers back in 2012, Dwight Howard was expected to eventually become the face of the franchise. However, the then All-Star clashed with Kobe Bryant and decided to leave for the Houston Rockets after just one season.

Nevertheless, Howard agreed to a contract with the Lakers on Monday after the team released Aric Holman.

The upcoming season will be Howard's 16th in the NBA, and the 33-year-old owns career averages of 17.4 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per game. However, Howard played just 9 times last season, and ESPN is reporting that if the former All-Star disrupts the team, he could be released.

Howard will compete with JaVale McGee for a starting place in the Los Angeles lineup, in what could be one of the most interesting battles of the season.

Brooklyn Nets confirm Caris LeVert extension

Caris LeVert will spend his prime years with the Brooklyn Nets
Caris LeVert will spend his prime years with the Brooklyn Nets

Reports over the weekend suggested that Caris LeVert was on the verge of signing a new long-term deal with the Brooklyn Nets, and the franchise has now confirmed LeVert's new contract. The 25-year-old has signed a three-year, $52.5 million extension, and General Manager Sean Marks believes that LeVert has a vital role to play in Brooklyn:

Caris personifies what it means to be a Brooklyn Net, and we firmly believe his best basketball is in front of him. The growth he has displayed in his first three seasons is a testament to his tireless work ethic. Our entire organization is excited to continue to have Caris as one of the leaders of our program moving forward.

Injuries restricted LeVert to just 40 appearances last season, although the small forward set career highs in points per game (13.7) and rebounds per game (3.8).

New York Knicks could consider trading Frank Ntilikina

Frank Ntilikina's options appear limited heading into the 19-20 season
Frank Ntilikina's options appear limited heading into the 19-20 season

Frank Ntilikina was selected by the New York Knicks with the 8th pick of the 2017 draft, although the young point guard has struggled to make much of an impact during his first two seasons in the NBA.

With Dennis Smith Jr. expected to start this season, Hoops Rumors believes that the Knicks will consider trading their young French guard:

Shortly after the regular season begins, the Knicks will have to decide whether or not to exercise Ntilikina’s fourth-year option for 2020/21. But if the club revisits the trade market this fall, it’s possible another team will be making that decision on the the former lottery pick.

Ntilikina has made 121 appearances for the Knicks during his two seasons with the team but has averaged just 5.9 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 21.6 minutes per contest.

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Edited by Arvind Sriram