Moving Day: Parker, Howard pick new spots, Melo may be next

LAS VEGAS » Tony Parker went to San Antonio as a teenager nearly two decades ago, 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-afterseason — with his passion, dedication and desire. We are grateful to Tony for 17 years of truly amazing memories.”

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.

Anthony has likely played his last game for the 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.

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.

In other moves: • Kyle Anderson signed a $37 million, four-year offer sheet from the Grizzlies. The Spurs have 48 hours to decide whether to keep Anderson, who averaged 7.9 points for them last season in his first year as a full-time starting forward. • Zach LaVine has signed a fouryear, $80 million offer sheet with the Kings. The Bulls have 48 hours to decide whether to match the offer on the restricted free agent. • DeAndre Jordan followed through on a commitment to sign with the Mavericks in free agency three years after backing out on the same pledge. Jordan signed a one-year contract. It’s expected to be worth around the $24.1 million Jordan was set to get before opting out of his contract with the Clippers.