NBA

AP Basketball WriterAP Source: Blake Griffin opts out, becomes free agentBy TIM REYNOLDSBlake Griffin has decided to test free agency, telling the Los Angeles Clippers that he is opting out of the final year of his contract.A person with direct knowledge of Griffin's plans confirmed the decision to The...

Cavaliers scrap plans for $140M Quicken Loans Arena makeoverCLEVELAND (AP) The Cleveland Cavaliers have scrapped plans for a $140 million renovation of Quicken Loans Arena.The team had hoped to upgrade the 22-year-old downtown facility with more dining spaces and a glass exterior. However, following opposition from community groups...

AP Sports WriterSchool days: LeBron thrilled to be teammates again with WadeBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James can hardly contain his excitement.With good buddy Dwyane Wade on the verge of signing with the Cleveland Cavaliers and becoming his teammate again, James feels like a little kid.''Come on, man,...

AP Sports WriterAP Source: Jazz add 3 in free agency, release Boris DiawBy KAREEM COPELANDSALT LAKE CITY (AP) A person with direct knowledge of the deals says the Utah Jazz have reached agreements to sign free agents Thabo Sefolosha, Jonas Jerebko and Ekpe Udoh. The Jazz also released...

Kings waive guard Arron AfflaloSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Sacramento Kings have waived guard Arron Afflalo one year after signing him as a free agent.The Kings cut ties with Afflalo on Friday before his entire $12.5 million contract for 2017-18 would become guaranteed. Afflalo will get $1.5 million instead.Afflalo...

Washington's Verizon Center will become Capital One ArenaWASHINGTON (AP) The downtown home of the NBA's Wizards and NHL's Capitals is now called Capital One Arena.Owner Ted Leonsis announced the change from Verizon Center on Wednesday, along with an investment of $40 million in the arena. Leonsis' Monumental Sports...

Kings sign veteran guard Marcus Williams on Day 1 of campSACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) The Sacramento Kings have signed guard Marcus Williams on the first day of training camp.The 31-year-old Williams is attempting a comeback after last playing in the NBA during 2009-10 season for Memphis, averaging 4.3 points...

LA Lakers sign summer league star Alex Caruso to 2-way dealEL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) The Los Angeles Lakers have signed summer league standout Alex Caruso to a two-way contract.The Lakers announced the deal Thursday.Caruso spent last season with Oklahoma City's G League affiliate after going undrafted out of...

Associated PressFlint scholarship plan gets $2M from Pistons owner, utilityBy DAVID EGGERTLANSING, Mich. (AP) Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and a major Michigan utility's foundation each committed $1 million Wednesday to covering college tuition for Flint high school graduates in the wake of the city's water crisis.The $2...

AP Sports WriterSimmons out to show that leaving Arizona was no mistakeBy BOB BAUMKobi Simmons came to the University of Arizona a year ago as a five-star recruit looking to take over the Wildcats backcourt, maybe the brightest jewel in another impressive recruiting class for coach Sean Miller.It didn't...

Basketball Hall of Famer Joe Dumars joins sports agencyNEW YORK (AP) Joe Dumars is back in the game.The Hall of Famer joined Independent Sports and Entertainment to run its basketball division. The sports agency has NBA clients such as New Orleans Pelicans star DeMarcus Cousins.''I look forward to...

AP Sports WriterIt's done: Wade makes it official, signs with ClevelandBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James can hardly contain his excitement. Neither can Dwyane Wade.Wade made it official on Wednesday, saying he has picked the Cleveland Cavaliers for a one-year, $2.3 million deal. It was finalized shortly after...