Tony Parker went to San Antonio as a teenager nearly two decades ago
Jerome Baker Jersey Dolphins , quickly became part of the Spurs’ legendary Big Three and celebrated four championships while wearing silver and black.
He’s not done playing.
He’s just done in San Antonio.
Parker agreed to a two-year, $10 million contract with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday, ending a 17-year run with the Spurs. And he’s not the only veteran on
the move, with Oklahoma City and Carmelo Anthony having mutually agreed they
will part ways and Dwight Howard set to sign with the Washington Wizards once he
clears waivers.
All of those deals were confirmed Friday to The Associated Press by people involved in the negotiations. Each of the people spoke on condition of anonymity
because none of the moves were finalized – but the Parker 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
Troy Niklas Jersey Patriots , dedication and desire. We are grateful to Tony for 17 years of truly amazing memories.”
The move reunites Parker with new Charlotte coach James Borrego, who most recently was an assistant in San Antonio. And Parker is close friends with
Charlotte’s Nicolas Batum, who predictably was thrilled by the news.
”Number 9, I see you soon in Buzz City my big bro,” Batum wrote on Twitter.
Parker averaged career lows of 7.7 points and 19.5 minutes last season, when he lost his starting job. He was part of 137 playoff wins with Popovich, the
second most by any coach and player in NBA history. Popovich and Spurs star Tim
Duncan combined for 157 playoff wins.
Parker told ESPN that it was a difficult decision, ”but I had to move on.”
Parker was part of the Spurs’ Big Three with Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Duncan has retired, Parker is now gone and Ginobili’s status for next season is
unknown.
”The biggest joy for me has been to have the pleasure of watching TP grow up before our eyes
Cheap Customized Houston Texans Jerseys ,” Popovich said. ”All of us in the Spurs organization will miss having Tony in our program and wish him and his family
the best as he continues his remarkable career in Charlotte.”
Parker has also appeared in 17 consecutive postseasons; only Karl Malone and John Stockton’s run of 19 straight playoff trips are longer.
He has his rings.
Anthony and Howard will be on the move, seeking theirs.
Anthony has likely played his last game for the Oklahoma City Thunder – with the sides having 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.
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. But there will be suitors for him, with the Los Angeles Lakers
Youth J'Mon Moore Jersey , Houston Rockets and Miami Heat all believed to have interest.
Howard started Friday on Charlotte’s roster, then was traded to Brooklyn – a deal agreed to days ago, but one that couldn’t be completed until Friday when
the league’s offseason moratorium on player movement ended. The Nets will buy
him out, which will pave the way for Howard to eventually sign with the
Wizards.
A person familiar with the terms told 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 deal in Washington – with the second year at his
option.
Buyout terms with Howard, who was due to make $24 million this season, were progressing Friday and Nets general manager Sean Marks said they should be
wrapped up quickly.
”This is something that we mutually want,” Marks said. ”Neither one of us is trying to have this drawn out. I think we’re going to leave on good terms. It’ll
hopefully work out for both sides.”
The lifting of the moratorium meant a slew of moves that have been agreed to in recent days could be finalized
P.J. Hall Jersey Raiders , such as Paul George’s four-year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Rajon Rondo’s signing to play with LeBron James and the Los
Angeles Lakers.
Rondo agreed to join the Lakers earlier in the week, but couldn’t sign until Friday.
”I love shake-ups in the summertime, as far guys switching teams or the NBA looking a little bit different,” Rondo said not long after putting his signature
on his one-year, $9 million deal to join the Lakers – a team he faced twice in
the NBA Finals when he played for Boston. ”It’s going to be very interesting
this year and I look forward to a lot of exciting basketball.”
—
.
Cheap Julius Randle Jersey ,
Cheap Evan Fournier Jersey ,
Cheap DeMarcus Cousins Jersey ,
Authentic Womens Mason Cole Jersey ,
