NBA News Roundup, Thursday, September 19th: Washington Wizards won't sign a replacement for Isaiah Thomas, Kevin Durant 'wasn't feeling' Steve Kerr in Golden State and more
The 2019-20 NBA season is quickly approaching, and the new campaign is expected to be among the most exciting in recent memory.
The Golden State Warriors' recent dominance appears to have come to a drastic end after the team lost Kevin Durant, DeMarcus Cousins, and Andre Iguodala in free agency, and the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Philadelphia 76ers will all be confident of contending for a championship.
The offseason has hit a lull following several high-profile moves over the first few weeks of the summer, although the likelihood of trades will increase as the new season approaches.
Players such as Kevin Love and Steven Adams continue to be linked with a move, and plenty could happen over the next five weeks. So, with this in mind, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for September 19th.
#1 Steph Cury eyes third MVP title
Steph Curry won his first MVP award during the 2014-15 NBA season as he led the Golden State Warriors to their first title since 1975. Curry was once again named MVP a year later as he became the first player in NBA history to be elected by a unanimous vote.
Nevertheless, Curry fell out of the MVP conversation after the Warriors added Kevin Durant in 2016, although Durant left for the Brooklyn Nets earlier this summer. Without the presence of Durant, many have backed Curry to re-emerge in the race to be named 2020 MVP, and the 31-year-old told ESPN that he was keen to capture a third title:
At the end of the day, winning an MVP would be special. And it's something that -- I've experienced before and would love to experience again. I'd love to push the envelope and push the limits a little bit.
During the 18-19 season, Curry averaged 27.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. In addition to the departure of Durant, the Warriors will be without Klay Thompson for much of the season, and Curry could post some huge numbers.