NBA Rumors: Chris Paul Trade? Caris LeVert Extension, Howard vs. Embiid & James Harden's New Shot

Dwight Howard beat out Joakim Noah for the Lakers’ replacement for Boogie Cousins but not without clearing a thorough interview process. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, 76ers center Joel Embiid was at the forefront of the Lakers process of bringing back Howard. Lakers players asked the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, “can we trust you to guard the likes of Joel Embiid? Can we trust you to embrace your role?” It’s no secret that Anthony Davis isn’t keen on playing center so is Dwight Howard still capable of going up against today’s elite centers? James Harden isn’t content just being the top scorer in the league two seasons in a row. According to latest reports, Harden is working on adding a “one-legged, running three-point shot” to his repertoire. Going into his 11th season, Harden stressed the importance of staying creative in basketball, and in life. Perhaps adding a new shot will help him secure the 2020 MVP. The Rockets’ superstar believes he should’ve taken home the award over Giannis Antetokounmpo and he isn’t the only one in that camp. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas is team Harden when it comes down to the 2019 NBA MVP award, explaining “I’m just going to be blunt, I don’t think [Giannis] should have won it this year.” Will Harden get his chance at redemption or will someone else take home the 2020 NBA MVP? The New York Nets had a busy offseason, signing Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, DeAndre Jordan and Spencer Dinwiddie to new deals. Yesterday, Caris LeVert added his name to the list of Nets’ who secured the bag after signing a 3-year, $52.5 million extension. This new deal will keep LeVert with the Nets through the 2022-23 season. The same can’t be said for Chris Paul and the Oklahoma City Thunder. While it is expected for the Thunder to shop the 9-time all star, execs don’t want to appear panicd. ESPN's Brian Windhorst reported that OKC wants to give off the impression they’re not desperate to force a Paul trade as a means of maintaining leverage. As of now, Chris Paul will open the season in a Thunder Jersey but will he play there all season? Thomas Mott, host of NBA Now, throws out his top 4 landing spots for CP3. Subscribe to the Chat Sports YouTube Channel here for all the latest NBA news and rumors: https://www.youtube.com/chatsportstv?sub_confirmation=1 Follow Thomas Mott on Twitter: https://twitter.com/realthomasmott Get all of your NBA content needs on the Chat Sports website: http://www.chatsports.com/NBA/ Download the Chat Sports app for iPhone or Android to follow 49ers news, rumors, and scores: https://www.chatsports.com/app Follow Chat Sports on social media: https://www.facebook.com/chatsports https://www.twitter.com/chatsports https://www.instagram.com/chatsports #NBA #NBANews #NBARumors