NBA News Roundup, Saturday, September 7th: DeMarcus Cousins could leave the Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets sign veteran center and more

Team USA will once again be in action today as they take on Greece at the World Cup, although most basketball fans are already focused on the upcoming 2019-20 NBA season. The likes of the LA Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers are hoping to replace the Golden State Warriors as the NBA's dominant force, and the new campaign could be the most competitive in recent memory.

The season is still just over six weeks away, although free agents such as Carmelo Anthony remain available, while big names such as Kevin Love could be traded. So, with the potential for plenty to happen in the coming weeks, here is all the latest news and rumors you need to know for September 7th.

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Lakers could release DeMarcus Cousins ahead of the trade deadline

DeMarcus Cousins spent last season with the Golden State Warriors

The Los Angeles Lakers' signing of DeMarcus Cousins was initially praised as one of the best moves of the 2019 off-season. However, the four-time All-Star has since suffered a serious knee injury that is likely to rule him out for the entire 2019-20 season, and Cousins has also made headlines due to a controversial incident with his ex-girlfriend.

Due to this, many have speculated that the Lakers may release the 29-year-old, and Luke Adams of HoopsRumors is reporting that Cousins could be waived ahead of the trade deadline:

While releasing Cousins now would create some added preseason roster flexibility, the Lakers won’t necessarily have to make this decision before the season begins waiving him in, say, January would still open up opportunities at or after the trade deadline.

Cousins hoped to attract a big payday in free agency after proving his fitness with the Golden State Warriors last season, but eventually joined the Lakers on a one-year $3.5 million deal. However, after being ruled out indefinitely with a torn ACL, the Lakers have signed Dwight Howard as a direct replacement.

Nene rejoins the Houston Rockets

Nene is returning to Houston after opting out of his contract earlier this summer

Back in June, Nene opted out of the final year of his deal with the Houston Rockets after declining his $3.8M player option. The veteran center fielded offers from both the NBA and abroad, although the Rockets have announced that the 38-year-old will be returning to the organization for the 2019-20 season:

Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey today announced that the team has re-signed center Nenê. Nenê was originally the seventh overall pick by New York in the 2002 NBA Draft and spent the past three seasons with Houston.

In his three seasons in Houston, Nene has played 161 times, averaging 6.8 points and 3.6 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game. The veteran has a field goal percentage of 58%, and he will compete with Clint Capela and Tyson Chandler for minutes in Mike D'Antoni's rotation.

Bol Bol signs two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets

Bol Bol has signed a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets

Bol Bol was selected with the 44th overall pick by the Miami Heat in this year's draft before being quickly traded to the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets have finally announced that the teenager has penned a two-year deal with the organization:

The Denver Nuggets have signed rookie center Bol Bol to a two-way contract, President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced today.

Bol Bol was initially projected as a top 5 draft pick but fell down the order after playing just nine games for the University of Oregon. While Bol Bol struggled with a foot injury, he managed to average an impressive 21.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks during his limited time on the court. His contract has $50,000 guaranteed for each season, and Bol Bol will divide his time between the G League and the Nuggets.