Rumors are swirling ahead of the NBA Draft this evening and free agency involving some of the league’s biggest stars. Reports state James Harden wants out of Houston, while The Athletic reports the Rockets and Washington Wizards have discussed a Russell Westbrook-for-John Wall swap. The Boston Celtics and Gordon Hayward are reportedly extending the deadline for the forward to make a decision on his 34.2-million-dollar player option.
NBA players could be back on the practice court as soon as December 1st. The Athletic reports players must report to their team’s market no later than November 30th to begin COVID-19 testing. Individual workouts can start December 1st through 5th after players have three negative PCR tests. Group practices will begin either December 4th or 6th.
The NBA will release the 2020-21 schedule in two parts. The first half of the season will run from December 22nd through March 4th, with that schedule to be unveiled around the start of training camp on December 1st. The second half slate will be released sometime during the first half and will include the remainder of the 72-game schedule as well as any feasible makeup games. That portion will run from March 11th to May 16th. The All-Star break is March 5th through the 10th.