Click here to subscribe today or Login.
MIAMI — After 12 years with the Miami Heat, Dwyane Wade needed a reminder of how much the franchise valued him.
Once he found out, any chance of him leaving vanished.
Wade accepted a $20 million, one-year deal on Thursday to stay with the Heat next season, ending his latest foray into free agency and wrapping up a weeks-long saga that had him seriously wondering about leaving for the first time. A pair of conversations, first with Heat CEO Nick Arison and then another with managing general partner Micky Arison, reminded Wade of what he meant to the team and from there it was a matter of just making numbers work.
“Sitting down with Nick, sitting down with Micky and having conversations with them that I’ve never had, that was big for me,” Wade told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “I’ve never had a business conversation with one of them. … They got to show me how much they really wanted me to be here, how important it was for them that I continue to wear one jersey.”
Spurs’ Duncan tells paper: ‘I’ll be back on the court’
SAN ANTONIO — Tim Duncan is returning to San Antonio for a 19th season.
Duncan tells the San Antonio Express-News that “I’ll be on the court next year.” Until Duncan made his announcement Thursday, there was speculation that he could call it a career after the Spurs lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.
Many expected him to return, particularly since he was coming off such a strong season. Duncan averaged 13.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks and earned third team All-NBA and second team All-Defense honors.
Blazers reach deal with Lillard
When Damian Lillard agreed to a new maximum contract extension with the Trail Blazers on Thursday, it may have been the beginning of a changing of the guard in Portland.
Lillard agreed to terms on a five-year contract worth more than $120 million, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced.
The full value of the contract could wind up ranging between $125 million and $129 million and won’t be determined until the salary cap is established. That makes it the richest contract in league history for a guard.
Cavs center has arthroscopic knee surgery
CLEVELAND — Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov has undergone successful right knee arthroscopic surgery and the team says he’ll be out about six weeks.
The Cavaliers say Mozgov had the procedure Wednesday at the Cleveland Clinic Marymount Surgicenter. Late last month, the team picked up the $5 million option on his contract for next season.
Bucks land free agent Monroe
As one of the most coveted big men on the free agent market, Greg Monroe had his choice of destinations.
The big-market Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks wanted him. So did the Portland Trail Blazers.
In the end, Monroe wanted the best chance to reach the playoffs for the first time in his career. For the first time in a long time, the Milwaukee Bucks provided the surest bet on that front.
Monroe agreed to terms on Thursday with the Bucks on a three-year deal worth $50 million, his agent David Falk said. The deal gives the 25-year-old Monroe a chance to become a free agent again after two years if he so chooses, and it also surrounds him with one of the best young rosters in the league as he chases that elusive playoff berth.
Indiana inks $44 million deal with Ellis
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers got the shooting guard they coveted.
Monta Ellis’ family found the welcoming community it wanted — and the 29-year-old got the $44 million he was chasing.
After hitting the trifecta Thursday by agreeing to a four-year deal that includes a player option for the final year, Ellis and the Pacers will now work together to bring Indiana that elusive NBA title. League rules prohibit the contract from being signed until July 9, but Ellis just couldn’t wait that long to make a decision.
Heat now among clubs meeting with Aldridge
MIAMI — A person with knowledge of the negotiations says LaMarcus Aldridge and the Miami Heat have spoken about his future plans, and that a formal conversation is scheduled for Thursday night.
The person says Heat President Pat Riley is to meet with Aldridge in Los Angeles. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because neither side have publicly announced the meeting.
Suns send 3 to Detroit for pick
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns have traded Marcus Morris, Danny Granger and Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons for a future draft pick, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The move was very likely a bid to clear salary space to sign free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity Thursday because the deal had not been announced.
Afflalo, Knicks agree on 2-year deal
NEW YORK — Arron Afflalo is about to team up with Carmelo Anthony again.
A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Afflalo has accepted a two-year, $16 million offer from the New York Knicks. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no NBA deals can be completed before July 9.
Pelicans, Asik agree on 5-year contract
NEW ORLEANS — A person familiar with the negotiations says the New Orleans Pelicans and center Omer Asik have agreed on a five-year contract worth a minimum of $44 million and rising up to $58 million if incentives and benchmarks are met.