Pritchard: George deal was ‘difficult’
Kevin Pritchard eventually figured dealing Paul George was the best way to protect the Indiana Pacers.
Pritchard finally made the blockbuster trade official yesterday by announcing the four-time All-Star was heading to Oklahoma City in exchange for Victor
Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis. “It was difficult both on a personal and professional level,” Pritchard said in a statement before praising George at length. “We feel very strongly about the potential Victor and Domantas bring to our team and what they mean for the future of the franchise. Both are highly competitive, highly skilled and both are winners. That is why both were lottery picks. That is why we sought them out to be part of this deal.”
Indiana’s backcourt got a little thinner when Pritchard waived backup Monta Ellis and his $11 million salary.
Dirk Nowitzki has a deal with the Dallas Mavericks that sets him up to join Kobe Bryant as the only players to spend 20 seasons with one NBA franchise.
Nowitzki and the Mavericks have agreed on a two-year, $10 million contract that carries a team option in the second season, a person with knowledge of the deal said. The agreement is similar to the one the Mavs and the 39-yearold reached last year, although last year’s contract was for two years and $50 million. The club declined its option before free agency opened this year.
Jrue Holiday says his new five-year contract with the New Orleans Pelicans thrusts him into the role of helping persuade All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to make a similar long-term commitment to New Orleans.
“I’ve already started” lobbying Cousins, Holiday said after signing his new contract, which his agent said is worth $126 million and could balloon to $150 million.
General manager Dell Demps reiterated that Holiday was New Orleans’ “No. 1 priority in free agency.”
The Los Angeles Clippers acquired sharp-shooting forward Danilo Gallinari from Denver as part of a threeteam trade that also involved Atlanta. In the swap, Los Angeles sent Jamal Crawford, Diamond
Stone, cash considerations and a protected 2018 firstround pick to the Hawks. The Nuggets receive a 2019 second-round pick from Atlanta.
The Clippers also acquired the draft rights to Oklahoma State guard Jawun Evans from the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for cash considerations.
San Antonio signed veteran forward Rudy Gay, who averaged 18.7 points last season in Sacramento but was limited to 30 games before rupturing his left Achilles tendon in January.
The Memphis Grizzlies announced plans to retire the No. 50 jersey worn by Zach Randolph, who is leaving the team after eight seasons to sign with Sacramento. — HERALD WIRE SERVICES