CHICAGO (AP) — The skidding Chicago Bulls fired coach Fred Hoiberg on Monday and promoted associate head coach Jim Boylen in hopes of lifting the team from the bottom of the standings.Chicago is averaging 103.4 points — 28th in the NBA — and is getting outscored by 9.6 per game.Hoiberg, who had to deal with a veteran roster that didn't fit his style early on and then injuries to key players starting in training camp, never found his footing in Chicago. It added up to a 115-155 mark with one playoff appearance in three-plus seasons — 5-19 this year. The only teams with worse records were Cleveland and Phoenix.Even so, executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson insisted this decision went beyond wins and losses, citing a lack of "energy and spirit.""We were in a similar situation last year at this time," Paxson said. "But the entire energy about this group was different back then. We felt that here in the last several weeks, that something's different. What we're lacking... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — The skidding Chicago Bulls fired coach Fred Hoiberg on Monday and promoted associate head coach Jim Boylen in hopes of lifting the team from the bottom of the standings.The Bulls have been hit hard by injuries this season, but at 5-19 only two teams have worse records."Decisions like this one are never easy to make, however I felt this was the right choice for our organization at this time," said Jim Paxson, the team's executive vice president of basketball operations. "After a thorough evaluation, I elected to make this move with the overall development of our team in mind. As a team, I believe it is imperative that we make unfaltering strides in the right direction and build the right habits to help put our players in the best position to evolve not only now, but into the future."The Bulls have been riddled by injuries all year. Denzel Valentine (ankle), Kris Dunn (knee) and Bobby Portis (knee) have missed significant time and forward Lauri Markkanen didn't make his season... [More]

Vince Carter could have gone anywhere.To a contender, to chase a ring. To retirement, because he has nothing left to prove. To television, which seems like it will be his next vocation whenever his playing days end.Instead, he chose Atlanta — a young team, a rebuilding team, a team that probably has minimal chance of making the playoffs.And he's happy."I'm with a great bunch of guys," Carter said. "I enjoy helping young guys who want to learn, who are willing to be coached and let you coach them and ask questions. It's a small thing, but it's a major thing — because if you're asking questions, that means you're trying to learn and grow. And these guys are all great."He's the NBA's oldest active player, someone who turns 42 next month. When he was drafted in June 1998, neither Trae Young nor Kevin Huerter had been born yet. And they're the starting backcourt for the Hawks this season, Carter's 21st in the league, with Atlanta being the eighth team he's played with.Carter talked with Dwyane... [More]

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Golden State Warriors center Damian Jones has been sidelined by a torn left pectoral muscle.The Warriors announced the injury on Sunday and said Jones' long-term status will be determined following a meeting with a specialist in the coming days. But he likely will be sidelined for a significant amount of time.Jones got hurt with 5.7 seconds remaining in the third quarter of a loss Saturday at Detroit.He is averaging 5.4 points and 3.1 rebounds per game.The Warriors already are thin at center with DeMarcus Cousins still working his way back from a torn left Achilles tendon. Draymond Green, who also plays center in certain lineups, has missed 11 of the past 13 games as he deals with a toe injury.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — Suns guard Devin Booker was sidelined for Friday night's game against the Orlando Magic because of a left toe injury.Booker is the Suns' leading scorer at 24.5 points per game. His seven assists per game also leads the team.Phoenix was also without forward T.J. Warren, who is out with right ankle soreness. Warren's 17.7 points per game are second-highest on the team.Rookie Elie Okobo was starting in place of Booker, and second-year forward Josh Jackson replaced Warren.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo will be out indefinitely as he tries to recover from a sore right knee.Oladipo already has missed six straight games with the injury and the Pacers are 3-3 without him. Indiana finishes a four-game road trip Saturday at Sacramento.The former Indiana University star leads the team in scoring with 21.4 points per game and steals at 1.56. He's also second on the Pacers in assists (4.7) and rebounds (6.6) after winning the NBA's steals title last season.Free-agent acquisition Tyreke Evans will likely continue to replace Oladipo in the starting lineup. Evans averages 10.5 points.The Pacers have not provided additional details about Oladipo's injury.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Thunder guard Andre Roberson has had another setback while rehabbing his left knee injury and he will miss at least another six weeks.The team said Roberson had a basketball workout on Thursday and felt discomfort when he came down from jumping. An MRI showed a small avulsion fracture in his left knee. The Thunder said Friday he will be re-evaluated after the six weeks.Roberson, an NBA all-defense second-team selection during the 2016-17 season, initially suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in the knee in January and missed the second half of last season. He was on track to possibly return in December, but he had a procedure in October after a setback in the recovery from the initial surgery.In 39 games last season, the 6-foot-7 Roberson averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.2 steals.___Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBAbasketball and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

WASHINGTON (AP) — Wizards center Dwight Howard is expected to miss two to three months after undergoing spinal surgery to relieve pain in his glutes.The team announced Howard underwent a lumbar microdiscotemy Friday in California and would be re-evaluated in two to three months. Doctors determined a herniated disk was causing Howard's gluteal pain and nerve irritation.Howard had missed the last five games after aggravating the injury, which also caused him to sit out training camp and the first seven games of the season.Washington signed Howard to an $11 million, two-year contract with a player option in the offseason. The 32-year-old is averaging 12.8 points and 9.2 rebounds in nine games.The Wizards are Howard's fourth team in the past four seasons and sixth overall in his NBA career.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

TORONTO (AP) — A letter from a 9-year-old girl has helped Stephen Curry fix online access to his shoes for kids.Riley Morrison of Napa, California, wrote to Curry to tell him she couldn't buy his Curry 5 shoes because they weren't available on the Under Armour website. They were only marketed to boys.She wrote "I know you support girl athletes because you have two daughters and you host an all girls basketball camp. I hope you can work with Under Armour to change this because girls want to rock the Curry 5's too."The two-time MVP and five-time All-Star replied with an apology , saying in a hand-written response he's been working with Under Armour to remedy the situation. Curry promised to send Morrison two pairs of shoes, including the new Curry 6 model.He also invited her to the Warriors home game on March 8, International Women's Day."That's the beauty of Steph," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Thursday's game at Toronto. "He understands his power. He understands the impact he can make on people's lives. And I'm just incredibly proud of him."He missed his 11th straight game Thursday because of a strained left groin and didn't speak to reporters. Curry is expected to return Saturday at Detroit.

TORONTO (AP) — A letter from a 9-year-old girl has helped Stephen Curry fix online access to his shoes for kids.Riley Morrison of Napa, California, wrote to Curry to tell him she couldn't buy his Curry 5 shoes because they weren't available on the Under Armour website. They were only marketed to boys.The two-time MVP and five-time All-Star replied with an apology , saying in a hand-written response he's been working with Under Armour to remedy the situation. Curry promised to send Morrison two pairs of shoes, including the new Curry 6 model.He also invited her to the Warriors home game on March 8, International Women's Day."That's the beauty of Steph," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Thursday's game at Toronto. "He understands his power. He understands the impact he can make on people's lives. And I'm just incredibly proud of him."Curry missed his 11th straight game Thursday because of a strained left groin and didn't speak to reporters. He's expected to return Saturday at Detroit.

TORONTO (AP) — Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry wants girls of all ages to have the same access to his basketball shoes that young boys do.Nine-year-old Riley Morrison of Napa, California, wrote to Curry to tell him she couldn't buy his Curry 5 shoes because they weren't available in her size on the girls section of the Under Armour website. They were available for boys.The two-time MVP and five-time All-Star replied with an apology , saying he's been working with Under Armour to remedy the situation. Curry also promised to send Morrison two pairs of shoes, including the new Curry 6 model, and invited her to the Warriors home game next March 8, International Women's Day."That's the beauty of Steph," Warriors coach Steve Kerr said before Thursday's game at Toronto. "He understands his power. He understands the impact he can make on people's lives. And I'm just incredibly proud of him."Curry missed his 11th straight game Thursday because of a strained left groin, and did not speak to reporters beforehand. He's expected to return Saturday at Detroit.

CLEVELAND (AP) — The Cavaliers finalized their trade with Utah and sent Kyle Korver to the Jazz.The teams agreed to the deal on Wednesday and completed the transaction Thursday following a conference call with NBA officials. Cleveland shipped Korver to the Jazz for guard Alec Burks and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021.Korver played in 124 games for the Cavs and was a valuable member of two Eastern Conference championship teams. One of the league's most accurate outside shooters, Korver had asked the rebuilding Cavs to send him to a contender.Cavs general manager Koby Altman praised Korver for his contributions on and off the court, calling him "a great person and teammate. He sets an example in everything he does. His work ethic, character and dependability are all at a very special level."Korver joined the Cavs in 2017, coming over in a mid-season trade from Atlanta. He played for the Jazz from 2007-10.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyle Korver is getting another shot with a contender.The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Korver, one of the best deep outside shooters in NBA history, to the Utah Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday.In exchange for Korver, the Cavs will get guard Alec Burks — and his expiring contract — along with two future second-round draft picks, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the swap has to be approved by the NBA. The trade might not become official until Thursday.For Korver, Cleveland will get Utah's 2020 second-round selection along with Washington's 2021 second-rounder. The Cavs also receive an asset in Burks' expiring contract worth $11.2 million, something they might be able to use in another deal."I was surprised," Jazz star Donovan Mitchell said of the deal that was agreed to shortly before Utah's 101-91 victory in Brooklyn. "AB is my guy. He is really a funny dude. He is always keeping a... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Kyle Korver is getting another shot with a contender.The Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade Korver, one of the best deep outside shooters in NBA history, to the Utah Jazz, a person familiar with the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. In exchange for Korver, the Cavs will get guard Alec Burks — and his expiring contract — along with two future second-round draft picks, according to the person who spoke on condition of anonymity because the swap has to be approved by the NBA. The trade might not become official until Thursday.For Korver, Cleveland will get Utah's 2020 second-round selection along with Washington's 2021 second-rounder. The Cavs also receive an asset in Burks' expiring contract worth $11.2 million, something they might be able to use in another deal.ESPN first reported the sharpshooting Korver is on the move.The Cavs are just 4-14 in their first season since LeBron James left again. They began this season thinking they could compete for a playoff... [More]

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — San Antonio forward Pau Gasol has a stress fracture in his left foot, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said Wednesday.Gasol, who didn't travel with the team to Minnesota and missed his 12th consecutive game Wednesday night, had been out with soreness in the foot but had recently been getting some work on the court."They took him off because he got a second opinion that it was as stress fracture," Popovich said. "That's what they told me, so it's not a secret I guess. So they put him back in the boot."The coach gave no timetable for Gasol's return.In his 17th season and third year in San Antonio, the 38-year-old Spanish star has played sparingly off the bench, averaging 6.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Even so, Popovich said the team misses his ability to move the ball."The players in the second unit miss him because they had a lot of movement around him, he's a good passer," he said. "He can find them so him not being there has really affected that second group."

CLEVELAND (AP) — A person familiar with the deal says the Cleveland Cavaliers have agreed to trade veteran forward Kyle Korver to the Utah Jazz.Korver, one of the best long-distance shooters in NBA history, is going to the Jazz in exchange for guard Alec Burks and two future second-round draft picks, said the person who spoke Wednesday to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the swap has to be approved by the NBA. The trade might not become official until Thursday.ESPN first reported the swap.The 37-year-old Korver is going back to Utah, where he played from 2007-10. He became expendable this season in Cleveland as the Cavs are in rebuilding mode after losing LeBron James as a free agent and are acquiring assets.Cleveland is just 4-15 entering Wednesday's game at Oklahoma City.Korver joined the Cavs in 2017, coming over in a trade from Atlanta. He's been on the trading block for most of the season and had drawn interest from several teams. The Cavs are also looking to move forward J.R. Smith, who is not currently with the team after being disappointed by his reduced role this season.The Jazz have been a disappointment so far, and Korver fills the club's need for an outside shooter.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/tag/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

PHOENIX (AP) — The Phoenix Suns have waived guard Isaiah Canaan.Canaan appeared in 19 games, 15 as a starter at point guard this season, but his playing time diminished as Devin Booker took over the starting point guard spot lately.Canaan is in his eighth NBA season. He has played for Houston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix, averaging 8.4 points per game in his career. His season was cut short a year ago by a gruesome ankle injury.Phoenix did not make any corresponding roster move after waiving Canaan on Wednesday.

CHICAGO (AP) — Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is moving closer to his season debut after spraining his right elbow in September.Markkanen has been cleared to "fully participate in practice" on Tuesday, coach Fred Hoiberg said. If that goes well, a timeline for Markkanen's return could come into focus."He's passed every hurdle that he's had, as far as being medically cleared and going out and doing the individual workouts, having a controlled contact 2-on-2 session and then yesterday coming and going full-court 2-on-2 with some of our players," Hoiberg said before Monday night's 108-107 loss to San Antonio."He felt good this morning and then went through shootaround and tomorrow will be the next test to see if he's ready."The 7-foot Markkanen is perhaps the centerpiece of Chicago's rebuilding plan, so the Bulls are looking forward to getting him back on the court. He was selected by Minnesota with the No. 7 pick in last year's draft and then traded to Chicago in the Jimmy Butler deal. He... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is moving closer to his season debut after spraining his right elbow in September.Markkanen has been cleared to "fully participate in practice" on Tuesday, coach Fred Hoiberg said. If that goes well, a timeline for Markkanen's return could come into focus."He's passed every hurdle that he's had, as far as being medically cleared and going out and doing the individual workouts, having a controlled contact 2-on-2 session and then yesterday coming and going full-court 2-on-2 with some of our players," Hoiberg said before Monday night's game against San Antonio."He felt good this morning and then went through shootaround and tomorrow will be the next test to see if he's ready."The 7-foot Markkanen is perhaps the centerpiece of Chicago's rebuilding plan, so the Bulls are looking forward to getting him back on the court. He was selected by Minnesota with the No. 7 pick in last year's draft and then traded to Chicago in the Jimmy Butler deal. He averaged... [More]

CHICAGO (AP) — Bulls forward Lauri Markkanen is moving closer to his season debut after spraining his right elbow in September.Markkanen has been ramping up his workouts, and coach Fred Hoiberg says the plan is have him "fully participate in practice" on Tuesday. If that goes well, the Bulls could set a date for Markkanen's return to game action.The 7-foot Markkanen was selected by Minnesota with the No. 7 pick in last year's draft and then traded to Chicago in the Jimmy Butler deal. He averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds in 68 games as a rookie.Rookie forward Chandler Hutchison could return Monday night against San Antonio after missing the last three games because of back spasms. Hoiberg says Hutchison feels a lot better, and they are optimistic about his chances of playing against the Spurs.___More AP NBA: https://apnews.com/NBA and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports