Tony Parker’s time in San Antonio is over, after 17 seasons and four NBA titles.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations says Parker has agreed to sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the Charlotte Hornets. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity Friday because the deal has not been signed.
Parker’s move was confirmed by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who thanked his now-former point guard in a statement released by the team.
‘‘It’s difficult to put into words how important Tony Parker has been to the Spurs franchise over the past two decades,’’ Popovich said. ‘‘From his first game in 2001 at age 19, TP has impressed and inspired us — day-after-day, game-after-game, season-after-season — with his passion, dedication and desire. We are grateful to Tony for 17 years of truly amazing memories.’’
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Parker lost his starting role with the Spurs last season. The move to Charlotte reunites him with former Spurs assistant James Borrego, who became the head coach in Charlotte earlier this offseason.
Parker averaged career-lows of 7.7 points and 19.5 minutes last season. The six-time All-Star is the No. 4 all-time scorer in Spurs history and the franchise’s career assists leader.
He was part of 137 playoff wins with Popovich, the second most by any coach and player in NBA history. Popovich and Spurs legend Tim Duncan combined for 157 playoff wins. Parker has also appeared in 17 consecutive postseasons; only Karl Malone and John Stockton’s run of 19 straight playoff trips are longer.
Anthony on the way out
Carmelo Anthony has played his last game for the Oklahoma City Thunder, barring a massive change of plans.
Anthony and the club have mutually decided that he will not be on the team next season. It remains unclear how that departure will actually happen, as in whether it will be through a buyout, the Thunder waiving him, or a trade for Anthony. A person with knowledge of the negotiations told the AP that Anthony would prefer to sign with a contender if he becomes a free agent.
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Anthony is due to make $28 million this season, his last in a five-year, $125 million contract he signed with New York before getting moved to Oklahoma City. He has said he will not accept a reserve role, and by parting with him — somehow — the Thunder could save more than $90 million in luxury tax payments.
Anthony averaged 16.2 points on 40 percent shooting last season, both career-lows.
Moving day for Howard
Dwight Howard began Friday as a member of the Charlotte Hornets. He was then traded to Brooklyn, which will buy him out, paving the way for him to sign with the Washington Wizards.
A person familiar with the terms told the AP that Howard would play on a one-year, $5.3 million deal. Later Friday, ESPN reported that Howard will actually be signing a two-year, $11 million deal in Washington — with the second year at his option.
Howard’s trade from the Hornets to the Nets in exchange for Timofey Mozgov, the draft rights to Hamidou Diallo, a 2021 second-round draft pick and cash considerations was approved by the NBA on Friday — the first day such a move could be executed now that the offseason moratorium on player movement is over.
Howard has played for five NBA teams and averaged 16.6 points for Charlotte last season.
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Jordan is a man of his word
DeAndre Jordan followed through on a commitment to sign with the Dallas Mavericks in free agency three years after backing out on the same pledge. Jordan signed a one-year contract expected to be worth around the $24.1 million he was set to get before opting out of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. In 2015, Jordan agreed to sign with Dallas before changing his mind thanks in part to the urging of former teammates Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. The Houston native stayed with the Clippers and was going into the final year of that four-year contract before opting out. Jordan, who turns 30 this month, gives the Mavericks a rebounding and defensive presence they've mostly lacked since winning their only title in 2011. Dallas hasn’t won a playoff series since then.
Offers are in
Guard Zach LaVine signed a four-year, $80 million offer sheet with Sacramento, with a person with direct knowledge confirming the terms to The AP on condition of anonymity because neither the Kings nor the Bulls announced the deal. League sources told ESPN that Chicago plans to match the offer sheet. LaVine, who missed 91 of a possible 162 games over the last two seasons, averaged 16.7 points in 24 games last season . . . Kyle Anderson signed a $37 million, four-year offer sheet from the Grizzlies, according to a person who spoke to The AP on condition of anonymity because neither Memphis nor San Antonio publicly confirmed the deal. The Spurs have 48 hours to decide whether to keep Anderson, who averaged 7.9 points in his first year as a full-time starting forward . . . Center Jusuf Nurkic is staying with the Trail Blazers, agreeing to a four-year deal, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The AP. The person did not disclose financial terms, but ESPN reported it is worth $48 million . . . Big man Kyle O'Quinn is joining the Pacers. A person familiar with the terms tells The AP that O'Quinn has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million deal. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity. O'Quinn averaged a career-high 7.1 points per game last season with the Knicks . . . Guard Isaiah Briscoe has finally reached the NBA, signing with the Magic. Briscoe agreed to terms with Orlando several days ago after impressing the team during a minicamp for free agents. He spent last season playing in Estonia, averaging 18.5 points per game, and was MVP of the Estonia-Latvia All-Star Game after a 50-point effort. Briscoe was undrafted in 2017 after two seasons at Kentucky.
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