Cousins, his replacement on Lakers both ejected

As expected, new Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul was asked at Media Day if it matters to him if he starts or not. Paul was diplomatic in his answer, while reminding everyone that came off the bench for Team USA at the 2008 Olympics.

“I think anybody who knows me knows I’m all about winning,” Paul said. “Whatever I can do to help our team win. I know Coach (Steve Kerr) and us, we are going to talk about it and see what he likes. We’ve been hooping all summer. I think for the season it’s going to be whatever to help our team win, and I think I’ve at least tried to show or prove that my entire career.”

After so many battles against the Warriors throughout his career, Paul never expected to suit up with them. But he’s making the most of the opportunity to be a part of competing for a title.

“I’ve got a friend who always says, ‘When everybody does a little, no one has to do a lot,'” Paul said. “That’s what I hope to bring to this team.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ pursuit of Kevin Durant leading to the trade deadline was serious enough where they began calling rival teams to help facilitate a deal. The Wolves had to get under the NBA’s second apron in order to aggregate contracts to acquire Durant and his $51 million contract.

While Durant is more than a decade older than Anthony Edwards, the Wolves have operated with a sense of urgency in building around him evidenced by their decision to send control of their upcoming drafts to the Utah Jazz for Rudy Gobert in 2022.

But there had been little sense Tim Connelly had interest in a significant in-season deal so soon after trading away Karl-Anthony Towns, but he saw a unique opportunity with the sudden availability of Durant.