NBA News Roundup, Sunday, August 25th: Isaiah Thomas backs Carmelo Anthony for NBA return, Jodie Meeks attracting interest and more 

The 2019-20 NBA season doesn't get underway until October and plenty could still happen in the weeks leading up to the new campaign. Following their decision to enter rebuild mode, the Oklahoma City Thunder may be willing to trade the likes of Steven Adams, Chris Paul, and Andre Roberson, while the Cleveland Cavaliers may look to offload Kevin Love.

Meanwhile, plenty of notable free agents remain available, with Joakim Noah, Carmelo Anthony, and Kenneth Farried among the individuals hoping to find a new home ahead of the new season. So, with plenty going on around the NBA, here is all the latest NBA news and rumors you need to know for August 25th.

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Kyle Kuzma withdraws from Team USA due to ankle injury

Kyle Kuzma played in Team USA's warm-up game against Australia

The 2019 World Cup will tip-off next week, and Team USA continues to struggle. Saturday's defeat to Australia marked the team's first defeat since 2006, and USA Basketball has since announced that Kyle Kuzma will miss the tournament due to injury:

The 12-man USA Men’s World Cup Team roster was finalized Saturday after it was determined that Kyle Kuzma’s (Los Angeles Lakers) left ankle injury would prevent him from participating in the upcoming competition.

Kuzma missed USA's surprise defeat to Australia on Saturday but scored 12 points as Gregg Popovich's team overcame the same opposition on Thursday. Kuzma's withdrawal finalizes USA's squad for the tournament, which can be found below.

Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings); Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics); Joe Harris (Brooklyn Nets); Brook Lopez (Milwaukee Bucks); Khris Middleton (Milwaukee Bucks); Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz); Mason Plumlee (Denver Nuggets), Marcus Smart (Boston Celtics); Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics); Myles Turner (Indiana Pacers); Kemba Walker (Boston Celtics); Derrick White (San Antonio Spurs).

Isaiah Thomas backs Carmelo Anthony for NBA return

Carmelo Anthony played just 10 times for the Houston Rocket during a disappointing 18-19 season

Despite not making an appearance since November, Carmelo Anthony's future remains a hot topic around the league. A number of notable analysts have urged Anthony to retire after disappointing spells with the Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder, although Melo still retains plenty of support from his peers.

Among them is Isaiah Thomas, who took to social media to express his belief that Anthony should still be playing in the NBA.

The great @carmeloanthony should be on a team right now!!!

— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) August 24, 2019

Anthony recently appeared on ESPN's First Take to reveal his desire to return to the NBA, while expressing his surprise at being released by the Houston Rockets after just 10 games. The 10-time All-Star has been linked with the Los Angeles Lakers, Detroit Pistons, and Miami Heat, although Anthony has yet to recieve a firm offer.

Jodie Meeks is attracting interest from a number of teams

Cleveland Cavaliers v Washington Wizards

It was reported earlier this month that the Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets had reached out to sign Jodie Meeks, and Ben Stinar of Amico Hoops is reporting that the Milwaukee Bucks are the latest team to team to target the veteran guard.

League source: The Milwaukee Bucks in addition to the Hornets and Clippers have also expressed interest in free agent guard Jodie Meeks.

— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) August 25, 2019

Meeks made just eight regular-season appearances last season, averaging 6.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assist. However, the 32-year-old played 14 times during the Toronto Raptors' title-winning postseason run.

Milwaukee's interest in Meeks comes as somewhat of a surprise due to his complicated history with the team. The Bucks drafted the shooting guard back in 2009 but opted to trade him after just 40 games.

The veteran rejoined Milwaukee last October, although the front office opted to waive the former Lakers man after he had served a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy.