Parker makes switch to Charlotte official
LOS ANGELES: Four-time NBA champion Tony Parker officially became a member of the Charlotte Hornets on Monday, joining the Eastern Conference team after 17 seasons with the San Antonio Spurs.
Terms of the deal were not released but the US media reported that the French point guard agreed to a two-year deal worth US$10 million.
“We are thrilled to add a player of Tony’s calibre and experience to our roster,” said general manager Mitch Kupchak.
“We believe his track record of success and play-off resume will add backcourt depth to our roster and veteran leadership to our group.
“We are excited to welcome Tony to Charlotte and for him to continue his Hallof-Fame career with the Hornets.”
The move allows the 36-yearold Parker to rejoin coach James Borrego, who was an assistant coach with the Spurs for much of Parker’s career.
Since being selected with the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA draft by the Spurs, Parker had been a standout and leader for San Antonio, helping spark the Spurs to NBA crowns in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014. The six-time NBA All-Star was named NBA finals Most Valuable Player in 2007.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers officially announced the signing of free agent forward Michael Beasley on Monday, three days after he agreed to a reported one-year, $3.5 million deal.
“Michael adds another component of versatility to our deep roster,” general manager Rob Pelinka said in a statement.
“His length and ability to guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, play-make and create his own shot are all essential characteristics for us. Coming off one of the finest years of his career, we think Michael is poised to have a very exciting and strong season for us.”
He is the team’s latest signing this summer in a group that also includes LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Lance Stephenson and Rajon Rondo.
In another development, the Dallas Mavericks have re-signed Dirk Nowitzki, which will make the German star the first player in NBA history to play 21 straight seasons with the same team.
Nowitzki, 40, is now set to begin his 21st season with Dallas which will be an NBA record for a player with the same franchise. The previous record of 20 was held by Kobe Bryant with the Los Angeles Lakers.
No details were released about the deal which was announced on the team’s website on Monday. Nowitzki is the league’s only international player with more than 30,000 career points.