The NBA and NBPA are holding discussions about a possible second site for the eight teams not participating in the Orlando restart. The Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors face a scenario where they will go nearly six months without playing a competitive game.

Sources tell Sam Amick of The Athletic that there is significant support from most of those eight teams about the concept. 

Those eight teams could even play televised games.

The Cavaliers, Pistons and Hawks have been the most vocal among the group in support of the idea. The Knicks have expressed reservations, at least in part because they have a roster with several pending free agents.

One of those teams could serve as host, or they could also play in a city such as Las Vegas or Houston.

The Minnesota Timberwolves announced a partnership with Excel Sports Management to expand the team’s search for its next jersey patch sponsor. Excel Sports Management will serve as Minnesota’s exclusive third-party agency to help secure a new jersey patch partner in advance of the 2020-21 NBA season.

The Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls previously retained Excel with their jersey patch deal.

“Our team partners are an extension of our organization. The NBA jersey patch is one of the most iconic placements in modern marketing, and we know Excel Sports Management will help find a partner for the historic 2020-21 NBA season,” said Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, Ryan Tanke. “Minnesota is known for many things – our four seasons, our reputation for health and wellness, our plethora of Fortune 500 companies and our commitment to innovation and social advancement. We are excited to welcome a new partner into our Timberwolves family and as part of the future of our franchise.” 

The Timberwolves selected Excel Sports Management to assist in the search, as Excel has negotiated four NBA jersey patch deals to-date and is considered the go-to agency for guidance and execution on such searches.

A majority of the NBA teams left out of the league's restart of the regular season have proposed putting on their own mini summer leagues and training camps to continue to develop their young players.

The teams, which include Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Minnesota, and New York, could possibly go nine months in between games. There is concern that young, developing players will struggle as they are separated from their teams for an extended period of time.

Several teams have proposed training camps and organized team activities in lieu of regular season games. 

The Pistons and Cavs are discussing the possibility of having joint practices, as well as a mini-pod of games.

The teams have presented several ideas to the league, including: mandatory and voluntary workouts in July, regional minicamps in August that include joint practices and three televised games, and for their 2020-21 training camps to start 7-10 days earlier than teams competing in Orlando.

The league said it would work with the teams in question to help reach a solution.