Judge refuses to dismiss sex suit against Derrick Rose

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A federal judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit alleging New York Knicks player Derrick Rose and two friends drugged and gang-raped a woman.

On Wednesday, federal Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald said a jury must decide whether to believe Rose's contention that the woman, a former lover, consented to group sex at her home in 2013.

The case could now go to trial in October, when Knicks training camp gets underway.

Messages left for Rose's agent, B.J. Armstrong, were not immediately returned Saturday.

According to court records, the woman had been drinking at Rose's Beverly Hills, California, home, and a friend helped her return home, where she vomited and fell asleep.

The woman's $21.5 million sexual battery lawsuit contends that Rose and the other two defendants entered her apartment the next morning and raped her.

The woman believes that an unknown drug was slipped into her drink at Rose's home, and she "did not do any pregnancy tests or a rape kit because she was terribly ashamed and embarrassed," according to her lawsuit.

Rose has denied the allegations, and his lawyer has labeled the lawsuit an extortion attempt.

Defense court filings contend that the woman consented to the sex acts, invited the men to her apartment and buzzed them in through security.

In denying Rose's request to toss out the lawsuit, the judge said Rose's version of events "could well convince a reasonable jury," but there was substantial disagreement over the facts and a jury also could conclude the opposite.

Rose, 27, was the NBA's 2011 MVP with the Chicago Bulls, but he has struggled with knee injuries and was traded to the Knicks in June.

NBA Statement Regarding 2017 NBA All-Star Game

NEW YORK — The NBA issued the following statement Thursday regarding the 2017 NBA All-Star Game:

"The NBA has decided to relocate the 2017 All-Star Game from Charlotte with the hope of rescheduling for 2019.

"Since March, when North Carolina enacted HB2 and the issue of legal protections for the LGBT community in Charlotte became prominent, the NBA and the Charlotte Hornets have been working diligently to foster constructive dialogue and try to effect positive change. We have been guided in these discussions by the long-standing core values of our league. These include not only diversity, inclusion, fairness and respect for others but also the willingness to listen and consider opposing points of view.

"Our week-long schedule of All-Star events and activities is intended to be a global celebration of basketball, our league, and the values for which we stand, and to bring together all members of the NBA community -- current and former players, league and team officials, business partners, and fans. While we recognize that the NBA cannot choose the law in every city, state, and country in which we do business, we do not believe we can successfully host our All-Star festivities in Charlotte in the climate created by HB2.

"We are particularly mindful of the impact of this decision on our fans in North Carolina, who are among the most passionate in our league. It is also important to stress that the City of Charlotte and the Hornets organization have sought to provide an inclusive environment and that the Hornets will continue to ensure that all patrons -- including members of the LGBT community -- feel welcome while attending games and events in their arena.

"We look forward to re-starting plans for our All-Star festivities in Charlotte for 2019 provided there is an appropriate resolution to this matter.

"The NBA will make an announcement on the new location of the 2017 NBA All-Star Game in the coming weeks."

WNBA fines protesting teams for uniform violations

NEW YORK (AP) - Social activism is coming at a cost for WNBA players.

The WNBA has fined the New York Liberty, Phoenix Mercury and Indiana Fever and their players for wearing black warm-up shirts in the wake of recent shootings by and against police officers.

All three teams were fined $5,000, and each player was fined $500.

The Liberty have worn the plain black shirts four times, including Wednesday morning against Washington. The Mercury and Fever wore them Tuesday night. While the shirts were the Adidas brand, the official outfitter of the league, WNBA rules state that uniforms may not be altered in any way.

"We are proud of WNBA players' engagement and passionate advocacy for non-violent solutions to difficult social issues but expect them to comply with the league's uniform guidelines," WNBA president Lisa Borders said in a statement provided to The Associated Press on Wednesday night.

The league sent out a memo earlier this week to the teams reminding them of the uniform policy.

The memo came out after Minnesota, New York and Phoenix all wore shirts in remembrance of two men who were shot by police and five Dallas police officers who were killed in an attack on July 7.

The Lynx wore their shirts only once and said they would shift their focus to addressing the issue in other ways.

The Liberty reached what the players called a compromise in which they wear plain black shirts bearing only the Adidas logo. New York's normal warm-up shirt is black but has its logo on it as well.

Nuggets sign Miller to multiyear contract

DENVER - The Denver Nuggets have re-signed forward Mike Miller to a multiyear contract, General Manager and Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Tim Connelly announced Thursday.

Miller, a 16-year NBA veteran, appeared in 47 games (two starts) for Denver during the 2015-16 season and averaged 1.3 points and 1.1 rebounds in 7.9 minutes per game. Overall he has played in 1,012 career games (570 starts) and posted averages of 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 27.3 minutes per game for Orlando, Memphis, Minnesota, Washington, Miami, Cleveland and Denver.

"We're thrilled that Mike will be back with us going forward. He exemplifies what it means to be an ultimate teammate and professional, and his resume certainly speaks for itself," said Connelly. "Last season Mike made a major impact on our young core and we look forward to continuing to have his veteran leadership both on the court and in our locker room."

Miller won two NBA championships with Miami in 2012 and 2013 and has appeared in four NBA Finals, three with Miami (2011-2013) and one with Cleveland (2015). The 6-8 forward was named the 2005-06 Sixth Man of the Year and also earned the 2000-01 Rookie of the Year Award for Orlando after being drafted fifth overall out of the University of Florida in the 2000 NBA Draft.

The South Dakota native is one of the most prolific three-point shooters in NBA history, ranking 20th all-time in made three-pointers (1,582) and 21st all-time in career three-point percentage (.407). He has made at least 70 three-pointers in 12 seasons, has made 100-or-more in eight of those seasons and connected on a career-high 202 threes during the 2006-07 campaign. He has shot at least .400 from beyond the arc in nine separate seasons.

NBA Release.

NBA reportedly moving 2017 All-Star Game away from Charlotte

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

The NBA is reportedly preparing to announce the relocation of the 2017 All-Star weekend from Charlotte in response to the state's anti-LGBT legislation

“The issue for us, and maybe this is different than where some of the other businesses find themselves in North Carolina, is that we have a team in North Carolina, and that distinction, for example, between the All-Star Game and the regular operation of a team is not clear to me,” NBA Commisioner Adam Silver said in April before a Charlotte Hornets home game. “I’m not sure what statement we’d be making about our team in North Carolina, if we now announced that the All-Star Game would not take place in North Carolina but our team continued to operate there.”

As recently as July 12, Silver said, “The question for us becomes in this situation, given the controversy, given the amount of discussion, given how hardened the views are there, is this the place we should be in February 2017 as the epicenter of global basketball where we can go and celebrate our game and our values?”

The law, which was passed by the state’s general assembly during a special session in March, bans local municipalities from enacting non-discriminatory ordinances designed to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

The state’s general assembly had a chance at revising the bill before adjourning for the year but did not add any changes that appeased the NBA.

Pacers Sign Aaron Brooks

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Pacers announced Thursday they have signed veteran free agent point guard Aaron Brooks to a contract. Per team policy, no terms are released.

The 6-foot, 161-pound Brooks is an eight-year NBA veteran who has played with Houston, Phoenix, Sacramento, Denver and Chicago. He was a first-round pick (26th overall) of the Rockets in 2007 after playing collegiately at Oregon. Over his NBA career, he has averaged 10.7 points and 3.2 assists with his best season in 2009-10 when he averaged 19.6 points and 5.3 assists with Houston. In 2010, he was the NBA's Most Improved Player.

"Aaron is a proven point guard in the NBA," said Pacers President of Basketball Operations Larry Bird. "He can create and shoot the three. He's another scorer for our second unit who plays at a high level at both ends of the court."

Pacers Release.

Free-agent Joe Harris signs with Brooklyn Nets

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

Shooting guard Joe Harris on Thursday agreed to a two-year, $2 million deal with the Brooklyn Nets, according to The Vertical.

Harris is best known for his tenure with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The University of Virginia product was the 33rd overall pick of the 2014 draft by the Cavaliers. In 2014-15, Harris averaged 9.7 minutes per game in 51 appearance with Cleveland.

After undergoing season-ending surgery on his right foot, Harris was traded to the Orlando Magic in early January before he was waived.

Scola, Nets agree to terms

Free agent forward Luis Scola has agreed to a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, league sources told The Vertical.

Scola averaged 8.7 points and 4.7 rebounds last season for Toronto.

In nine career NBA seasons, including the 2015-16 season in Toronto, Scola has averaged 12.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. Scola averaged 8.7 points for the Raptors last season.

Scola won a 2004 FIBA
Olympic gold medal for Argentina.

Jared Sullinger signs one-year deal with Raptors

Free agent Jared Sullinger on Monday agreed to a one-year deal with the Toronto Raptors, league sources tell The Vertical.

The Boston Celtics pulled back qualifying offer on Sullinger, making him an unrestricted free agent.

Sullinger met with Raptors president and general manager Masai Ujiri on Sunday and signed on Monday.

Sullinger already made the announcement on his Twitter, tweeting "WE THE NORTH #0."

Tim Duncan announces retirement

SAN ANTONIO (July 11, 2016) – San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan today announced that he will retire after 19 seasons with the organization. Since drafting Duncan, the Spurs won five championships and posted a 1,072-438 regular season record, giving the team a .710 winning percentage, which is the best 19-year stretch in NBA history and was the best in all of the NBA, NFL, NHL and MLB over the last 19 years.

Originally selected by the Spurs as the first overall pick in the 1997 NBA Draft, Duncan helped San Antonio reach the playoffs in each of his 19 seasons and became the only player in league history to start and win a title in three different decades. The Silver and Black won at least 50 games the last 17 seasons, the longest streak in league history, and posted at least a .600 winning percentage in each of Duncan’s 19 seasons, an all-time record for most consecutive seasons with a .600 win percentage in the four major U.S. sports.

The 40-year-old Duncan comes off of a season in which he led the NBA in Defensive RPM (5.41) and became just the third player in league history to reach 1,000 career wins, as well as the only player to reach 1,000 wins with one team. He helped the Spurs to a franchise-best 67-15 record and also became one of two players in NBA history to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds and 3,000 blocks in his career (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar).

Duncan totaled 15 All-NBA Team selections (tied for most all-time) and 15 NBA All-Defensive Team honors (most all-time), garnering both honors in the same season 15 times, the most in league history. The 1998 Rookie of the Year was named NBA MVP twice (2002, 2003) and NBA Finals MVP three times (1999, 2003 and 2005).

In his NBA career, the 15-time All-Star appeared in a total of 1,392 games and averaged 19.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.17 blocks in 34.0 minutes. He shot .506 (10,285-20,334) from the floor and .696 (5,896-8,468) from the free throw line.

The Wake Forest graduate is the Spurs all-time NBA leader in total points (26,496), rebounds (15,091), blocked shots (3,020), minutes (47,368) and games played (1,392), as well as third in assists (4,225). In NBA history, Duncan is fifth all-time in double-doubles (841) and blocks, sixth in rebounding and 14th in scoring.

As the only player in NBA history to play over 9,000 career minutes in the playoffs, Duncan ranks first all-time in postseason double-doubles (164) and blocks (568), third in rebounds (2,859) and sixth in points (5,172). For his career, Duncan appeared in 251 postseason contests (second all-time) and averaged 20.6 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists in 37.3 minutes while shooting .501 (1,975-3,939) from the field.

Along with teammates Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, Duncan is part of the NBA record for most wins by a trio in both the regular season (575) and postseason (126). Duncan and Gregg Popovich have the most wins by a player-coach duo in NBA history (1,001) and the Spurs forward finishes his career in San Antonio as one of just three players in NBA history, along with John Stockton and Kobe Bryant, to spend 19 seasons with one franchise.

Spurs Release.

AP Source: Wayne Ellington agrees to 2-year deal with Heat

MIAMI (AP) — A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that guard Wayne Ellington has agreed to a $12 million, two-year deal with the Miami Heat.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deal was in the process of being finalized.

The Heat will become Ellington’s seventh team in eight seasons. He spent his first three years in Minnesota and has been on the move often since, playing for Memphis, Cleveland, Dallas, the Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn since.

Ellington averaged 7.7 points last season for the Nets. His career high for 3-pointers in a game is seven, done twice — both times against Miami, first in 2012 when he was with the Grizzlies and against last December while with Brooklyn.

James Harden agrees to $118M renegotiation

James Harden (AP)

HOUSTON – James Harden on Friday agreed to a 4-year, $118M contract renegotiation with the Houston Rockets that takes him through 2020.

Over the next four years, Harden will now earn: $26.5M, $28.3M, $30.4M and a player option for $32.7M in 2019-2020.

Rockets owner Leslie Alexander made the surprise announcement at a news conference in Houston on Saturday, where the Rockets had planned to introduce the new free-agent signings of Ryan Anderson, Eric Gordon and Nene.

"There's no indecision," Harden said at the news conference. "There's no doubt. There's new life."

In total, the Rockets are paying Harden an additional $83.5 million over the next four years.

"We're building a new core with James here," Houston general manager Daryl Morey said at the news conference.

Harden, 26, is a four-time All-Star and two-time first-team All-NBA selection. He was traded to the Rockets in 2012 in a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder and led the Rockets to the 2015 Western Conference finals.

Jefferson returns to Cavs

Richard Jefferson returning to the Cavaliers on a two-year, $5 million contract, according to a league source on Wednesday night.

Jefferson originally said 2p15-16 was his last NBA season.

Dwayne Wade to sign with Bulls

Free agent Dwyane Wade has committed to join the Chicago Bulls, according to AP.

"This was not an easy decision, but I feel I have made the right choice," Wade said in a letter released to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

"Watching the Bulls growing up inspired me at an early age to pursue my dream of becoming a basketball player," Wade wrote. "My most treasured memories were watching my dad play basketball on the courts of Fermi Elementary School and developing my game at the Blue Island Recreation Center. I have never forgotten where I came from, and I am thankful to have an opportunity to play for the team that first fueled my love of the game."

Wade has agreed to a two-year deal worth $47 million, according to the AP. The Miami Heat, Wade's team for his entire 13-year career, had a two-year, $40 million offer on the table for him.

Tim Duncan retiring could free up space for Spurs to sign Pau Gasol

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

The San Antonio Spurs are nearing a deal with Pau Gasol that will be two years in excess of $30 million with a Player Option for the second year, sources say.

It remains to be seen, who San Antonio will deal in trade, or what happens with Tim Duncan (who may retire) to create the needed cap space to sign Gasol

If Duncan does retire, San Antonio may waive and stretch him, reducing his cap hit to $2.1 mil over the next three seasons.

Heat reportedly offer Dwayne Wade 2-year, $40 million deal

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

The Miami Heat on Monday reportedly offered Dwayne Wade a 2-year, $40 million contract with a player option in second year.

Wade has entertained offers from other teams, including the Denver Nuggets and the Chicago Bulls.

Wade has spent his entire career with the Heat and has taken considerable discounts to accommodate other players into their roster.

Mavs reportedly trade for Bogut, sign Barnes

The Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors on Monday reportedly agreed to a trade that will send Andrew Bogut to the Mavericks.

The Warriors reportedly we t through with the trafe to save cap space, a source said,

The trade can't be officially completed until the league moratorium ends July 7.

Also, ESPN sources say Dallas and unrestricted free agent-to-be Harrison Barnes struck a verbal agreement on a four-year, $94 million deal on Monday as well.

Kevin Durant agrees to sign with Golden State Warriors

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

Kevin Durant on Monday agreed to sign with the Golden State Warriors, the team that won an NBA-record 73 games last season.

Durant will sign a two-year, $54.3 million contract with a player option after the first year.

"I am also at a point in my life where it is of equal importance to find an opportunity that encourages my evolution as a man: moving out of my comfort zone to a new city and community which offers the greatest potential for my contribution and personal growth," Durant wrote on The Players Tribune. "With this in mind, I have decided that I am going to join the Golden State Warriors."

In his entire NBA career to this point, Durant averages 27.4 points per game. Only 51 players have averaged at least 27.4 points in a single season. Durant has done it six times, trailing only Michael Jordan (11), Oscar Robertson (8), Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain (7 each). Durant has the third highest career scoring average in NBA history behind Jordan and Chamberlain.

Durant was considered the top free agent on the market and now joins a team that is coming off back-to-back NBA Finals and a 73-win regular season.

The Warriors came back from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Thunder in seven games in the Western Conference finals, then fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals after leading 3-1.

NBA salary cap for 2016-17 set at $94.143 million

NEW YORK (July 2, 2016) — The National Basketball Association today announced that the Salary Cap has been set at $94.143 million for the 2016-17 season. The tax level for the 2016-17 season is $113.287 million.

The Salary Cap and tax level go into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, July 7, when the league's "moratorium period" ends and teams can begin signing free agents and making trades.

The minimum team salary, which is set at 90% of the Salary Cap, is $84.729 million for the 2016-17 season.

The current Collective Bargaining Agreement provides for three different mid-level exceptions depending on a team's salary level. The non-taxpayer mid-level for this season is $5.628 million, the taxpayer mid-level is $3.477 million and the mid-level for a team with room under the Salary Cap is $2.898 million.

NBA Official Release.

Clarkson, Lakers agree to four-year deal

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

Jordan Clarkson on Friday agreed to a four-year, $50 million deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

In his second NBA season, Clarkson averaged 15.5 points, four rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 79 games.

Clarkson can officially sign when the NBA’s free-agency moratorium ends on July 7.

Pistons, Drummond reportedly reach five-year deal

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

Andre Drummond on Friday reportedly agreed to 5-year, $130 million deal with the Detroit Pistons.

Drummond is coming off his best year in the league, averaging 16.2 points and a league-leading 14.8 rebounds per game.

The Pistons made the postseason for the first time since 2009. This post-season, they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round.

Clarkson can officially sign when the NBA’s free-agency moratorium ends on July 7.

Nicolas Batum, Charlotte Hornets agree on five-year deal

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

Forward Nicolas Batum on Friday agreed to a five-year, $120 million deal to re-sign with the Charlotte Hornets.

Batum averaged career highs in points (14.9) and assists (5.8) and also grabbed 6.1 rebounds a game for the surprising Hornets, who won 48 games before losing to Miami in seven games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Batum had scheduled a Friday meeting with the Dallas Mavericks, but signed a few hours into 2016 free agency with the Hornets.

Raptors, DeRozan agree to five-year deal

"Pro Court Report" Staff Report

The Toronto Raptors and shooting guard DeMar DeRozan on early Friday morning reportedly reached a five-year contract extension.

DeRozan can sign on or after July 7, when the league's off-season moratorium on player movement expires.

DeRozan averaged a career-best 23.5 points this past season. He scored 28 or more points six times in the post-season; the Raptors went 6-0 in those games.