Parker departs Spurs after 17 years, 4 titles
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 isn’t 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.
Each of those deals was confirmed Friday by people involved in the negotiations who were speaking on condition of anonymity because none of the moves was finalized. But Parker’s move was confirmed by Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who thanked his nowformer 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.”
The move reunites Parker with new Charlotte coach James Borrego, who most recently was an assistant in San Antonio.
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.”
While Parker departs with four rings, Anthony and Howard are still seeking their first.
Anthony and the Thunder have mutually decided that he will not be on the team next season. It remains unclear how that departure will actually happen: through a buyout, the Thunder waiving him or a trade.
Anthony is due to make $28 million this season. He has said he will not accept a reserve role, and by parting with him the Thunder could save more than $90 million in luxurytax payments.
Anthony averaged 16.2 points on 40 percent shooting last season, both career lows. But there will be suitors, with the Los Angeles Lakers, 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. The Nets will buy him out, which will pave the way for Howard to sign with the Wizards.
In other developments Friday:
• Chicago guard Zach LaVine reportedly signed a four-year, $80 million offer sheet with the Sacramento Kings. The Bulls have 48 hours to decide whether to match the offer for the restricted free agent, who appeared in only 24 contests for Chicago last season, averaging 16.7 points on 38 percent shooting.
• Kyle Anderson signed a four-year, $37 million offer sheet from the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spurs have 48 hours to decide whether to keep Anderson.