Lakers interested in acquiring Dwight Howard
Dwight Howard and the Los Angeles Lakers could be reuniting for the upcoming NBA season, per Shams Charania. Howard, an eight time NBA all-star, is considering a second stint with the Lakers following the ACL injury that will sideline Demarcus Cousins for the 2019-2020 campaign. Currently a member of the Grizzlies, Howard would need express permission from his current franchise to enter talks with Los Angeles ahead of a deal. Howard is a three time defensive player of the year and five time All-NBA first team selection, and is coming off an injury riddled season in which he averaged 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in just 9 games.
Jeremy Lin nearing potential deal with Beijing Ducks
Jeremy Lin may be headed overseas after facing a dry NBA free-agency market. Lin, fresh off of an NBA championship, is reportedly close to finalizing a deal with the Beijing Ducks. This news comes just weeks after Lin touched on his free-agency hardships in a well-documented video that went viral, where the 9-year NBA veteran broke down when discussing his future in the league. Despite the opportunity to play overseas, Lin has made it apparent that playing basketball in China is a temporary solution, and that his underlying intentions are to rejoin the NBA if given the opportunity. Lin averaged 7 points and 2.2 assists in 23 appearances for the Toronto Raptors last season.
De’Aaron Fox parts ways with Team USA
News broke late Friday that De’Aaron Fox would be departing from Team USA, the latest in a string players who have dropped out of the global competition to focus on the upcoming regular season. Fox, coming off a breakout year with the Sacramento Kings, left the team immediately ahead of their trip to Australia for scrimmages. Fox’s departure will undoubtedly open the door for other young guards to make the final roster, with Marcus Smart speculated as the most obvious replacement for the 21-year-old phenom from Sacramento.