Even though the Lakers said repeatedly that they wouldn't entertain a sign-and-trade for Dwight Howard this summer, many believed that the Warriors would have been able to change their minds with a package involving Klay Thompson if D12 chose Golden State. Thompson has obvious ties to L.A., but he stayed even-keeled as the speculation was going on, writes Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News. “If it happened, it happened,” Thompson said. “That’s nothing you can control. I’m happy where I’m at.” Here's more out of the Pacific Division..
- Kings big man DeMarcus Cousins says that he's not worried about a potential contract extension and he's only focused on Team USA at the moment, tweets Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee. Cousins added (link) that new GM Pete D'Alessandro has asked for his input on free agents, which hasn't happened before under previous management.
- When asked if he wants to stay with the Kings, Cousins answered in the affirmative without hesitation, writes Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee.
- Despite a disappointing rookie year, Suns guard Kendall Marshall is working to play a key role in the club's rotation this season, writes RealGM's Shams Charania. He'll have his work cut out for him as he'll jockey for time with Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Shannon Brown, and Malcolm Lee.