NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, August 21st: Los Angeles Lakers consider veteran trio, P.J. Tucker hopeful of Rockets extension and more

The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, although plenty could still happen before opening night. While the likes of Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler were snapped up just minutes after hitting free agency, notable names such as Joakim Noah, Carmelo Anthony, and Kenneth Faried remain available.

Trades are also likely to be conducted in the weeks leading up to the season, and rebuilding teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder may be willing to cash in on their top talent in exchange for draft picks. So, with plenty going on around the league, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 21.

#1 Lakers consider veteran trio

Joakim Noah spent the 18-19 season with the Memphis Grizzlies

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently on the search for a replacement for DeMarcus Cousins, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the franchise is considering three veteran bigs:

The Los Angeles Lakers are bringing in two former All-Star centers, Joakim Noah and Dwight Howard - to evaluate in individual workouts in Los Angeles.

Another center under consideration, per sources: Marcin Gortat, who is currently overseas in Europe.

Howard is currently signed with the Memphis Grizzlies, although both parties are believed to be working towards a buyout. The former Laker played just nine times during the 18-19 season but has expressed his desire to return to Los Angeles.

Meanwhile, Noah spent the 18-19 season with the Memphis Grizzlies, making a solid impact from the bench. Over 42 appearances, Noah averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in just 16.5 minutes per contest.

Gortat spent much of last season as a starter for the Clippers but was released ahead of the trade deadline. The 35-year-old played 47 times, averaging 5.0 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.

#2 P.J. Tucker hopeful of agreeing to an extension with the Houston Rockets

P.J. Tucker has been among the Houston Rockets' most consistent performers

P.J. Tucker signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Houston Rockets back in 2017, although Tucker's deal is not fully guaranteed for the 20-21 season. Despite turning 34 earlier this year, Tucker remains an important player for the Rockets, and the veteran told Kelly Iko of The Athletic that he is set to enter talks with Houston over a contract extension:

It’s time for my extension right now, so we’ll see. We’ll see what happens. I’m optimistic, we’ll see.

During the 18-19 season, Tucker averaged 7.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in 34.2 minutes per game. It was also the second-straight campaign that he appeared in all 82 regular-season games. As one of Houston's most reliable performers, Tucker will have some leverage in negotiations, and the Rockets are likely to offer the veteran an improved deal.

#3 Gordon Hayward is looking forward to returning after a successful offseason

Gordon Hayward is facing a big season after a disappointing 18-19 campaign

Gordon Hayward suffered a serious injury on the opening night of the 17-18 NBA season and subsequently missed the entire campaign. The injury was also serious enough to impact his 2018 offseason training, although the Celtics man is now fully fit, and is looking forward to the new campaign following a successful offseason:

That’s been really nice, being able to train exactly how I’m used to training, not having to worry about doing stuff for only 10 minutes or only doing certain amount of reps. Going into a summer training as hard as I want to, it’s a lot better for my confidence this year and expectations-wise as well.

The 18-19 season was a disappointment for Hayward as he dropped down to the Celtics bench. However, with a full summer of training behind him, the 29-year-old will be confident of rediscovering his old form.