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NBA News: Preseason Tip-Offs This Week

While it seems like we were just crowning the Los Angeles Lakers as the NBA champions, NBA training camps are in full swing, with preseason games set to begin later this week. While teams are focusing on their play on the court, there is still plenty of news around the league. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories from around the NBA.

Harden Shows Up To Camp, But How Long Will He Be In Houston?

There is no hiding the fact that James Harden wants out of Houston, but that did not keep him away from the team for long.

Earlier this offseason, Harden requested a trade from the Rockets and said that his preferred destination was the Brooklyn Nets. Harden’s thought process is that a move to Brooklyn would team him up with old teammate Kevin Durant and guard Kyrie Irving as Harden seeks an NBA championship.

After not getting his wish, Harden showed his dismay by not reporting to the Rockets’ training camp for the first couple of days. Despite being disgruntled, Harden finally reported to the Toyota Center on Tuesday to begin the COVID-19 protocols for returning to play.

Unlike most players, reports from Shams Charania of The Athletic indicate that Harden will have to have six consecutive days of negative tests before he can begin practices. This is because while he was away from the team’s camp, he was seen partying in Las Vegas and Atlanta.

Despite reporting, Harden still wants to be traded and has indicated that it doesn’t have to be the Nets, as long as it is a trade to a contender. One destination mentioned was Philadelphia, interestingly where former general manager Daryl Morey now resides.

The former MVP averaged 34.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists last season. Despite his success, he has seen the organization around him make a lot of changes. Morey is gone, the Rockets have a new head coach in Stephen Silas, Russell Westbrook was traded for John Wall, and there have been some new additions to the roster. The only question left is if a trade of Harden will also be part of the team’s turnover this season.

Zion Finally 100%

Before the beginning of last season, the top overall pick in the draft, Zion Williamson, underwent knee surgery that slowed down not only the beginning of his season, but how much he could play during the season as well.

This year, it appears that he is finally 100% and ready to go. Williamson has long been considered one of the greatest talents since LeBron James, whether it was his high-flying dunks in high school or his continued dominance at Duke.

After getting a glimpse of his potential last season, New Orleans is excited to see it on full display this year. In 24 games last year, Williamson averaged 22.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

The Pelicans should be an exciting team to watch this season based around Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, JJ Reddick, and newcomers Steven Adams and Eric Bledsoe. Not only should their starting five be solid, but they should have a strong bench as well.

Barea On His Way Out

According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, it appears that the Dallas Mavericks will be waiving a franchise fixture in backup guard J.J. Barea. While he signed a veteran’s minimum contract last month, it appears that Barea was just not in the plans for the Mavericks this season.

While it may not be the most popular decision with fans, the Mavericks are in a bit of a roster crunch, and it made sense letting the 36-year-old go. Last season, in 29 games, he averaged 7.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.

Barea has been in the league since the 2006-07 season, and with the exceptions of three seasons, all of those have been with the Mavericks. If he doesn’t continue playing, don’t be surprised if owner Mark Cuban finds a place for him somewhere in the organization.

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