Zion Williamson has signed a three-year endorsement deal with 2K, reported Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.

Williamson will make his video game debut in NBA 2K20, which releases on September 6th.

“Zion represents the best of the NBA’s up and coming talent and we are excited to welcome him to Team 2K. ... We’re excited to grow with him,” said NBA 2K Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Jason Argent.

The Los Angeles Lakers officially presented Frank Vogel's coaching staff heading into next season, a group that included former NBA coaches Jason Kidd and Lionel Hollins.

Phil Handy, Miles Simon, Mike Penberthy and Quinton Crawford round out the coaching staff.

Greg St. Jean, Dru Anthrop, and Jon Pastorek were hired in player development roles. 

The Minnesota Timberwolves unveiled Sachin Gupta as the team's Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations.

Gupta spent last season Assistant General Manager for the Pistons.

“Sachin is an extremely talented basketball mind who brings a diverse and unique background to our staff. Known as a pioneer of basketball analytics and one of the leaders in the CBA, I’m thrilled to partner with Sachin as we aim to build the Timberwolves into one of the most modern and dynamic franchises in the NBA," said President of Basketball Operations Gersson Rosas.

The NBA announced a five-year extension with Tencent, the NBA's digital partner in China. 

Tencent also represents the largest digital partner outside of the U.S., and has partnered with the league since 2009. 490 million fans watched the NBA on its platform last season, nearly tripling the amount for four years ago. 

"Tencent's commitment to NBA basketball in China is unparalleled. The enormous reach and popularity of Tencent's platforms have been a driving force behind the growth of basketball in China, and we look forward to deepening our connection with NBA fans across the country through this expanded partnership," said Adam Silver. 

Steve Ballmer discussed the potential of changing the brand identity of the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of their potential move into a new arena in 2024, calling the opportunity a "once-in-a-lifetime chance."

Ballmer did not rule out changing the logo, the colors, or even the team name in the buildup to the Clippers moving into a new arena. 

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to really step our identity up another level. I don’t anticipate making a change, but we have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and that is the kind of thing you somehow do in consultation with your fans," said Ballmer.

Ballmer also addressed his desire to create a more immersive viewing experience for fans, focusing on digitally streaming Clippers game - though Ballmer would need to get around the current TV deal limiting streaming capabilities. 

“I want to at least try to make digital technology a vehicle for pushing the sports viewing experience forward. If that’s not part of a relationship we can have with our partner — because most of the partners want digital rights in addition to cable rights — that to me is an issue.”

Jeremy Lin opened up about the difficulties he's faced finding a new team this summer in free agency.

Lin played in 74 games last season, averaging 9.6 points.

“Every year it gets harder...rock bottom just seems to keep getting more and more rock bottom for me. So, free agency has been tough. Because I feel like in some ways the NBA’s kind of given up on me," said Lin.

CSKA Moscow is reportedly interested in signing Lin.

Bobby Portis discussed his bench role with the New York Knicks this upcoming season in an interview with Marc Berman of the New York Post.

“I don’t care about starting or coming off the bench. I envision myself being a Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Last year I was in the running at the beginning of the season, playing well. That’s in the back of my mind for sure," said Portis. 

Portis also compared the depth of the Knicks bench with the Clippers bench from last season, while adding that he was told beforehand that he will back up Mitchell Robinson 

Portis added that he can make his impact on a game in a short amount of time. 

“I think we’ll be a top-ranked [bench] after the Clippers with Lou [Williams] and Montrell Hazell — that’s pretty strong. With our bench we have really good weapons in me, Marcus [Morris], Taj [Gibson], Allonzo Trier, Wayne Ellington. The list goes on... I go out and play with a ton of passion and play the right way. In the amount of minutes, 20 to 26, I can affect the game in a lot of positive ways.”

Sam Presti wrote an open letter published in The Oklahoman addressing the future of the Oklahoma City Thunder after trading Russell Westbrook.

Presti wrote of the team transitioning into a new phase while emphasizing their commitment to the city.

"This summer, the story of the Oklahoma City Thunder is transitioning to a new phase. Over the last few weeks, we have parted ways with foundational players — people who have represented our city to the world, who have sacrificed for us and flourished on our behalf. Although this has been painful, I also believe that — given the circumstances — it was necessary. In saying goodbye to the past, we have begun to chart our future. The next great Thunder team is out there somewhere, but it will take time to seize and discipline to ultimately sustain," wrote Presti.

Presti also addressed the difficulty of building a team in a small market. 

"Despite our city’s rapid rise and growth, Oklahoma City remains the second-smallest market in the NBA. While this brings many benefits, it also poses strategic challenges. Given the way the league’s system is designed, small market teams operate with significant disadvantages. There is no reason to pretend otherwise. This in no way means we cannot be extraordinarily successful — we, and several other small to mid-market teams, are our own best examples of the ability to overcome these realities," added Presti. 

Ryan West, the Director of Player Personnel for the Los Angeles Lakers, is leaving the organization after 10 years, according to Bill Oram of The Athletic.

West, the son of Jerry West, is credited for drafting D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson.

David Griffin discussed a range of topics surrounding Zion Williamson in an interview with Jeff Duncan of The Athletic, including addressing concerns about Williamson's conditioning. 

Griffin added that Williamson is still getting taller. 

"I don’t know that we can determine a weight yet. Zion’s still growing...We’re not exactly sure what he’ll look like in the end. So a playing weight is not what you look for. What you look for is to be in top condition, to have the kind of core strength and stability that you need to control all of the incredible torque that his athleticism can generate," said Griffin.

Griffin then compared the role of Williamson in Alvin Gentry's offense to a Draymond Green-esque facilitator.

"The thing about Zion, though, that excites us is, it’s not that he’s going to carry you offensively, it’s that he’s going to be able to facilitate offense. If you look at him as an extremely athletic Draymond Green type who may be able to facilitate all things for others and get out in transition and make plays … that’s exciting. And because that’s what he natively really does, we’re not going to ask him to carry an undue burden (offensively)."