The new NBA season keeps inching closer and closer. Training camp is set to begin in just a few days’ time and the new season will officially tip-off in less than a month.
The NBA just witnessed the wildest offseason in history as numerous big-name stars switched teams. Reigning Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard headlined that list as he joined forces with Paul George on the Los Angeles Clippers, while Chris Paul was part of the blockbuster trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets.
However, Paul could be on the move yet again, along with another former Finals MVP in Andre Iguodala. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ plans for managing Kawhi have been revealed.
Those three are at the centre of the biggest NBA 2019 news of the past few days that SBOBET NBA fans ought to know.
Heat still interested in trading for Chris Paul
Chris Paul could be on the move yet again. The star point guard, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Russell Westbrook, remains a target of the Miami Heat, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
But as Charania notes, “Miami will likely elect to see how it starts the season before gauging a new pursuit of Paul.”
The Heat already pulled off a blockbuster trade earlier in the offseason by acquiring All-Star Jimmy Butler in a four-team deal. And now, they are looking to pair him up with another star with the hope of contending in the Eastern Conference.
Paul spent the last two years with the Rockets and played 58 regular-season games in both seasons in Houston. His efficiency took a notable dip last season as he averaged just 15.6 points per game on 42 per cent shooting from the field — both career-lows.
At 34 years old, Paul is clearly no longer the All-Star-calibre point guard he was in his prime and his acquisition isn’t likely to alter their NBA 2019 odds that drastically.
But if he can start the season with the Thunder looking better than he did last season with the Rockets, the Heat could still be convinced to take a chance on the future Hall of Famer.
Clippers won’t “load manage” Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi Leonard’s “load management” was a major storyline during his lone year in Toronto last season. After his acrimonious exit from San Antonio stemming from his quad injury, the Raptors decided to put Leonard on a conservative plan which saw him play just 60 regular-season games.
As a result, Leonard managed to stay relatively healthy throughout the season and the playoffs and was able to lead the Raptors to their first championship in franchise history.
But despite the success of the Raptors’ plan, the Clippers apparently do not intend to be as aggressive in resting Leonard this season.
That doesn’t necessarily mean Leonard won’t rest at all this season, though. Given his injury history, the Clippers will still likely exercise caution with their superstar. And with the Clippers looking to contend for a championship this season, they will need to keep their star duo of Kawhi and Paul George as healthy as possible.
But with George possibly set to miss a good portion of the season after shoulder surgery coupled with the demand from the LA fans to watch one of the best players in the league, Leonard will likely see more action in the regular season this year with the Clippers.
Andre Iguodala to stay away as Grizzlies look for trade
Andre Iguodala may still a member of the Memphis Grizzlies, but he doesn’t figure to play any part in the team moving forward.
Iguodala and the Grizzlies have agreed to a deal that will allow him to stay away from the team while they look to trade him.
The Grizzlies do not intend to buy out Iguodala, who arrived in Memphis from Golden State in order for the Warriors to create the cap space to bring in D’Angelo Russell. However, there’s a possibility that Iguodala won’t get dealt until well into the season.
Iguodala, 35, was a key member of the Golden State Warriors’ title-winning teams and could be a capable contributor to a championship contender. The Lakers, Clippers, and Rockets have been linked with acquiring the veteran wing defender.
But with his $17.2 million salary for this upcoming season, the Grizzlies could have a difficult time making a trade work.
Until then, Iguodala will have to wait and work out on his own since he seemingly has no plans of playing a single game with the Grizzlies.
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