New Orleans has emerged as the strong favorite to host the All-Star Game in February, a source close to the situation informed Brian Mahoney of The Associated Press. The NBA pulled the game from Charlotte on Thursday in protest of a North Carolina law that limits anti-discrimination protections for lesbian, gay and transgender people. Charlotte will host the 2019 ASG if sufficient changes are made to the law, Mahoney adds. Boston and Atlanta have also shown interest in hosting the event, Mahoney continues. The Pelicans franchise also hosted the ASG in 2008 and 2014.
In other news around the league:
- Warriors All-Star forward Draymond Green has reached a plea agreement that will allow him to avoid jail time and reduce the charges he faced for allegedly slapping a Michigan State University football player on July 10th, Christopher Haxel of the Lansing State Journal writes. The former MSU All-American will pay a $500 fine and $60 restitution fee, Haxel adds.
- Power forward Alan Williams has a strong chance to remain on the Suns’ roster, Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports. The 23-year-old Williams appeared in 10 games with the Suns last season, averaging 2.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 6.8 minutes. Williams’ $874,636 contract for next season becomes guaranteed if he’s on the roster through Sept. 1. “Chances are, he’ll have a spot,” Suns GM Ryan McDonough told Coro.
- Former NBA power forward D.J. White has re-signed with Torino in Italy for another season, according to E. Carchia of Sportando.com. The 29-year-old White played for the Thunder, Celtics and Hornets before going overseas. His most recent NBA stint was 2013/14, when he appeared in two games with Charlotte.