NBA News Roundup, Wednesday, Oct 16: Russell Westbrook addresses Paul George's trade request, Gerald Green to miss entire 19-20 season and more

The 2019-20 NBA season is less than seven days away, and there is plenty to look out for in the days leading up to opening night. Notable free agents such as Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith remain without teams, while it is possible that the Miami Heat could launch a bold trade to secure a second star to play alongside Jimmy Butler.

So, with plenty going on around the NBA ahead of the new season, here are all the latest news and rumors you need to know for October 16th.

#1 Russell Westbrook says he was 'not surprised' when Paul George requested a trade from the OKC Thunder

Russell Westbrook and Paul George spent two seasons together with the Oklahoma City Thunder

The biggest surprise of an unforgettable 2019 offseason came when Paul George requested a trade away from the Oklahoma City Thunder. The All-Star had only signed a new long-term deal with the organization the prior season, and many analysts suggested his trade request came as a surprise to Russell Westbrook.

However, during an interview with Sports Illustrated, Westbrook revealed that he was not surprised by George's trade request as the two had been in communication the entire time:

"I can’t be surprised if me and Paul were in communication the whole time. So I wouldn’t say I was surprised at all. I’m all for doing what’s best for my teammates. If Paul felt like it was time for him to move on and explore options, then I’mma back him."

After requesting a trade, the Thunder quickly sent George to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal. Meanwhile, Westbrook soon followed PG13 out the door as he completed a move to the Houston Rockets. The Thunder have since entered rebuild mode as the team looks to build around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Terrance Ferguson.

#2 Gerald Green is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season

Gerald Green is expected to miss the entire 2019-20 season with a foot injury

Gerald Green suffered a foot injury during the Houston Rockets' recent preseason win over the Toronto Raptors, and the 33-year-old was expected to miss a few months with a sprain. However, ESPN is reporting that the veteran is now set to miss the entire 2019-20 season after the injury turned out to be worse than first reported:

Key Houston Rockets reserve wing Gerald Green likely suffered a Lisfranc fracture in his left foot that would require season-ending surgery, league sources told ESPN.

Green has been a critical member of Mike D'Antoni's rotation over the past two seasons, averaging 10.2 points in 20.9 minutes per contest. Green's injury means that the Rockets could be forced to tap into the free agent market as the team is currently short on wing depth.

#3 Bogdan Bogdanovic in no rush to sign a new deal with the Kings

Bogdan Bogdanovic enters the new season following a breakout year

Earlier this week it was reported that the Sacramento Kings were willing to wait until the summer to sort out Bogdan Bogdanovic's future. However, The Sacramento Bee is now reporting that the Kings have offered Bogdan Bogdanovic a $51.4 million contract extension, although the 27-year-old is in no rush to commit his future to the team:

Bogdanovic told The Sacramento Bee he wants to take his time with the decision. He would prefer to remain in Sacramento, but he could receive more lucrative offers if he waits to become a restricted free agent this summer.

During the 18-19 season, Bogdanovic averaged 14.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds while playing prominently from the bench. As an upcoming restricted free agent, the Kings have until June 30 to re-sign the Serbian.