D’Angelo gets qualifying offer from Brooklyn
A person with knowledge of the details says the Brooklyn Nets have extended a qualifying offer to D'Angelo Russell, making the point guard a restricted free agent.
The decision Friday allows the Nets to match any offer Russell receives from another team. It was confirmed to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because there was no official announcement.
The Athletic first reported the qualifying offer. Without it, Russell would have become an unrestricted free agent Sunday.
Russell was an All-Star for the first time after leading the Nets to a 42-40 record and averaging 21.1 points.
But his return is far from certain, with the Nets able to afford two top free agents and considered one of the favorites to land Kyrie Irving, who plays Russell's position.
RAYS NEED UNION PERMISSION
The players' union says the Tampa Bay Rays would need its permission to play games in Montreal.
Commissioner Rob Manfred said last week the lowdrawing Rays may explore a split season in Montreal. No timetable for the possible plan was announced
“There is a lot of work that is going to need to be done before that consideration becomes closer to a reality,” union head Tony Clark said Friday as the New York Yankees took batting practice at Olympic Stadium, a day before playing Boston in baseball's first major league game in Europe. “We look forward to being a part of that conversation, as well. A lot of challenges there.”
Clark said requiring a player to maintain two homes during the season would be a “significant burden.”
The Montreal Expos were in the National League from 19692004 before moving to Washington and becoming the Nationals. In their last two seasons before moving, the Expos played 22 games a year in Puerto Rico.
Clark said the union considers a team playing home games in two locations to be a mandatory topic of bargaining under the National Labor Relations Act, making it subject to union agreement.
62 FOR LPGA’S PARK
Inbee Park had five straight birdies in a 9-under 62 to take the first-round lead Friday in the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship.
Seeking her 20th LPGA Tour victory and first since early last year, the South Korean star began the birdie run on the second hole of the round that started on No. 10. She also birdied the par-5 18th to make the turn at 6-under 29 and added three birdies on the second nine.
“It's always great to see the ball rolling in the hole,” Park said. “I haven't been seeing that for such a long time.”
Park is trying to win for the second time at Pinnacle Country Club after taking the 2013 title.
“I have played this golf course so many times, so it helps me playing through this week,” Park said. “I love playing this golf course.”
Paula Creamer, Carlota Ciganda and Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong were a stroke back.
Creamer won the last of her 10 LPGA Tour titles in 2014. She was 8 under after 12 holes, then played the final six in even par with a bogey on the par-3 sixth and birdie on the par-5 seventh.
“I hit the ball really well,” Creamer said. “I don't think I missed one fairway today. I had 6-, 7-, 8-footers pretty much on all the holes. I made them. I was putting really well and it was kind of one of those days where I felt like I was going to hit a good shot and make the putt.”
Ciganda matched Creamer with nine birdies and a bogey.
“I really like this course,” Ciganda said.
Ariya Jutanugarn, Annie Parkand Maria Torres shot 64.
Top-ranked Jin Young Ko opened with a 65.