NBA

AP Basketball WriterUdonis Haslem returning to Heat for 15th seasonBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) Udonis Haslem believes he can still play, and the Miami Heat apparently agree.The three-time NBA champion has signed a one-year, $2.3 million deal to remain with the Heat for what will be his 15th season....

AP Sports WriterBulls management gives no clarity on Butler's futureBy ANDREW SELIGMANCHICAGO (AP) There were no bold proclamations or promises for sweeping changes from Chicago Bulls management on Wednesday for a team that barely made the playoffs.They gave no clarity on Jimmy Butler's future with the team and...

AP Sports WriterKevin Durant's menacing defense leads the way for WarriorsBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Kevin Durant is growing a little tired of questions about his ability to play defense.''Underrated?'' Durant responded when recently asked about the perception of his D. ''My coaches don't feel like that.''Neither does...

AP Sports WriterWarriors GM Myers confident Kerr will return to full healthBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers fully expects Steve Kerr to find a solution to his debilitating health issues and be back on the bench without being forced out of coaching...

AP Sports WriterThomas lobbies for calls with Celtics-Wizards series tiedBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Isaiah Thomas feels as though he was shut down by the Washington Wizards and the referees in Game 4.Thomas said after the Boston Celtics' 121-102 loss Sunday that the officiating needs to change as the...

Associated PressMagic hire veteran Weltman to head basketball operationsBy TERRANCE HARRISORLANDO, Fla. (AP) Jeff Weltman is the new president of basketball operations for the Orlando Magic, who have failed to reach the playoffs for five consecutive seasons.The former Toronto general manager is a veteran NBA executive but relatively...

AP Sports WriterReports: Thunder C Kanter's father detained in TurkeyBy CLIFF BRUNTOKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Thunder center Enes Kanter's father has been detained in Turkey, the country's official news agency reported Friday.Mehmet Kanter was detained in his Istanbul home for an investigation undertaken by a prosecutor's office in northwestern...

AP Sports WriterAP Source: Pelicans, Holiday, to meet when free agency opensBy BRETT MARTELNEW ORLEANS (AP) Guard Jrue Holiday and the New Orleans Pelicans have scheduled a meeting for midnight Friday when NBA free-agency begins, a person familiar with the situation said.The person spoke to The Associated Press...

AP Sports WriterNBA All-Star game coming to Charlotte in 2019By STEVE REEDCHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) The NBA All-Star game will be coming to Charlotte in 2019, two years after the city was to host the event.The NBA announced Wednesday the game will be played at Spectrum Center, home of...

Golden State Warriors parade set for Thursday in OaklandOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) The city of Oakland is gearing up for a Thursday parade to celebrate the Golden State Warriors latest NBA title, officials said following their win.As fans snapped up victory shirts and hats Tuesday following a night of...

AP Sports WriterPaul George committed to playing for Pacers in 2017-18By MICHAEL MAROTINDIANAPOLIS (AP) Paul George says he's committed to playing for the Indiana Pacers next season.Beyond that, he's not sure.At a charity softball game Thursday night in, George made his feelings clear. The forward is under contract...

AP Basketball WriterAP Source: Bucks opening up GM search after Hammond exitBy JON KRAWCZYNSKIBoasting a budding star and an impressive roster of young talent, the Milwaukee Bucks are opening up their search for a new general manager to lead them into contention in the Eastern Conference.After longtime GM John...