Headlines
Sources: Caris LeVert Could Return Before All-Star Break
Brooklyn Nets guard Caris LeVert is returning to full 5-on-5 practice and there’s optimism that he can play prior to the All-Star break in mid-February, league sources told ESPN.
LeVert, out since mid-November after dislocating his right foot, has made steady progress and is expected to practice with the Nets’ G League team this week in Brooklyn, league sources said.
LeVert, 24, had appeared to be on his way to an All-Star season for the Nets, averaging 18.4 points and showing the promise of one of the conference’s rising stars. The Nets are 28-26 and holding on to sixth in the Eastern Conference race and expect to get back guard Spencer Dinwiddie from a thumb injury in late February or early March.
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN
Headlines
Sources: Kawhi Leonard to Decline Player Option, ‘seriously considering’ Re-Signing with Raptors
Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard will decline his 2019-20 player option worth $21.3 million to become an unrestricted free agent, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
The 6-foot-7 All-Star will be one of the marquee free agents on the open market.
The Raptors are the only team that can offer Leonard a max contract for five years and $190 million.
Leonard, 27, is believed to be seriously considering re-signing with the Raptors, sources said.
Source: Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports
The Washington Wizards will decline the 2019-20 team option on Jabari Parker’s contract, and the forward will become an unrestricted free agent on June 30, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
Parker, 24, is valued by the franchise, but this was a decision anticipated by most league executives when the team acquired him from the Chicago Bulls in February.
The Wizards are very much open to re-signing Parker and the interest is mutual, sources said.
Source: Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports
Rick Pitino has turned down an offer to return as president and coach of Panathinaikos, the franchise he led to a Greek League championship this season, Pitino told ESPN on Friday.
The Naismith Hall of Fame coach said he wants to return to the full-time pursuit of a job in the NBA — as a coach or in a player personnel or advisory role.
Pitino led Panathinaikos to a Greek Cup title, completing a 15-0 season. The team was 7-0 when he arrived. Pitino also led the team into postseason play in the EuroLeague playoffs.
Pitino, 66, won NCAA titles at Kentucky and Louisville, reached seven Final Fours and claimed conference titles in the Big East, SEC and ACC. His career has also been marred by scandals that led to his demise at Louisville, where a national title and two Final Four appearances were vacated. He was fired in 2018.
Source: Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN
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