NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, August 7th: Dwyane wade rules out linking up with LeBron James for the Lakers, Carmelo Anthony backed to return to the Nuggets and more

Dwyane Wade continues to be linked with a return to the NBA despite his apparent retirement
Dwyane Wade continues to be linked with a return to the NBA despite his apparent retirement

The 2019 offseason has already been filled with blockbuster trades and surprise free agency moves, and while things have slowed down over the past few weeks, plenty could still happen as we get closer to the 19-20 season.

Notable veterans such as Shaun Livingston and Jamal Crawford remain on the lookout for new teams, while trades are increasingly likely as the summer continues to progress. So, with the potential for plenty to happen in the coming weeks, here are the latest news and rumors you need to know for August 6th.


#1 Dwyane Wade not interested in linking up with LeBron James for the Lakers

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade previously played together for the Miami Heat
LeBron James and Dwyane Wade previously played together for the Miami Heat

After enjoying an illustrious career, Dwyane Wade finally called it quits earlier this summer. While the 18-19 season was largely viewed as a farewell tour for the former All-Star, Wade was still among Miami's best performers. Over 72 regular-season appearances, the veteran averaged 15.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game, also shooting a career-high 33 percent from beyond the arc.

Many believe that the 37-year-old could still contribute on a contending team, although during a wide-ranging interview with Sports Illustrated, Wade ruled out the prospect of linking up with LeBron James in Los Angeles:

SI: If LeBron called you tonight and said he needs 11 minutes a night, what would you tell him?
Dwyane Wade: That I can’t do it, but I’m sure there’s somebody in the NBA highly capable. But it’s not me.

Wade previously played with James in Miami, and the two combined to win back to back titles in 2012 and 2013. However, it appears that the guard is happy to move on to the next phase of his life, and a Hall of Fame induction beckons.

#2 Carmelo Anthony backed by John Wall to return to Denver with the Nuggets

Carmelo Anthony's spell with the Houston Rockets lasted just 10 games
Carmelo Anthony's spell with the Houston Rockets lasted just 10 games

Back in the summer of 2017, teams were jostling to sign Carmelo Anthony after the New York Knicks agreed to trade their biggest star. Anthony eventually completed a surprise move to the Oklahoma City Thunder but was moved after just one inconsistent season. Melo went on to link up with the Houston Rockets ahead of the 18-19 season but was told to find a new team after just 10 games.

The 35-year-old's future now hangs in the balance, although John Wall has backed Anthony to make a return to the Denver Nuggets:

"The only way it is really going to work for Melo is if he goes back to the Nuggets. It has to be a franchise you built something with."

Melo was drafted by the Nuggets back in 2003 and went on to establish himself as one of the NBA's best players during his eight-year spell with the team.

#3 Kawhi Leonard's negotiating skills surprised Western Conference executives

Kawhi Leonard enjoyed a stunning season with the Toronto Raptors
Kawhi Leonard enjoyed a stunning season with the Toronto Raptors

Earlier this summer, the majority of the NBA's top free agents promptly decided where they would spend the upcoming season, although Kawhi Leonard kept NBA teams waiting for what seemed like an eternity. The Finals MVP eventually opted to sign for the Clippers, and his ability to convince Paul George to leave Oklahoma City for LA was a huge talking point.

Heading into the summer, many doubted Leonard's ability to recruit, and an unnamed executive told The Athletic that the 28-year-old's negotiating skills were the talk of Summer League.

So much of the chatter coming out of summer league centered around a sort of dumbfounded-ness that Kawhi Leonard could operate as such a shrewd negotiator.

Leonard opted to leave the Raptors after just one-season although his ability to deliver a first title to the franchise has led to many labeling him as the NBA's best player.

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Edited by Raunak J