Due to this, the 2019-20 season is quickly gearing up to be among the most exciting in recent memory, and plenty could still happen in the latter stages of the postseason.
A number of notable free agents remain available, while players such as Bradley Beal, Steven Adams, and Serge Ibaka continue to be linked with moves. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for July 26th.
Sam Presti expected Russell Westbrook and Paul George to remain with the Thunder
In Russell Westbrook and Paul George, the Oklahoma City Thunder boasted one of the NBA’s best All-Star duos. However, the team allowed George to leave after being informed of his desire to join the L.A. Clippers, while Russell Westbrook was later traded to the Houston Rockets.
Nevertheless, Sam Presti revealed on Thursday that the Thunder initially had plans to bring back both players for the 19-20 season, and expressed his belief that the team was on track to win 50 regular-season games.
Despite showing plenty of promise at times, the George and Westbrook era ends as a failure. During their two seasons together, the Thunder failed to win a postseason series despite favorable matchups against the Trail Blazers and Jazz.
However, Presti did at least manage to land an array of future picks, and the Thunder will be hoping to rebuild around the likes of Terrance Ferguson and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Tacko Fall to join the Boston Celtics
Tacko Fall was one of the most unique players to enter the 2019 NBA draft, although the 7 ft 7 inch center went undrafted. However, following an impressive summer league showing with the Boston Celtics, Fall has earned a contract for the 19-20 season.
Fall made five summer league appearances, averaging 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. The 23-year-old’s huge frame led to him becoming the hottest ticket during the annual event, and Fall is believed to have also impressed a number of NBA scouts and executives.
Fall could still be waived at the end of Boston’s training camp, and the UCF graduate still has plenty of aspects of his game to improve. However, the Dakar native seems to be well on his way to forging a path within the NBA.
Shaun Livingston could join the L.A. Clippers
Following a widely successful spell with the team, Shaun Livingston was released by the Golden State Warriors just over two weeks ago. The 33-year-old is currently searching for a new team ahead of the 19-20 season, and when asked by Dave Reynolds about his future, Livingston expressed his desire to head back to the Clippers:
Livingston was drafted by the Clippers back in 2004, and the guard went on to spend three seasons in Los Angeles. The veteran is expected to be available on a minimum deal.
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