AP source: Clifford to return as head coach of the Hornets

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Steve Clifford is heading back to Charlotte. Clifford has agreed to a multiyear contract to return as head coach of the NBA’s Hornets, according to a person familiar with the situation. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity...

A person familiar with the situation says Steve Clifford has agreed to return to the Charlotte Hornets as head coach

Banchero arrives in Orlando, a day after becoming No. 1 pick

ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The secret about how Orlando was going to take Paolo Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft was incredibly well-kept. Among those who didn’t know: Banchero himself. Banchero said even he was kept out of the Magic decision loop until...

T-wolves draft trade nets 7-1 Auburn center Walker Kessler

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The Minnesota Timberwolves added a potential rim protector to complement star Karl-Anthony Towns, acquiring 7-foot-1 Auburn center Walker Kessler in a draft pick swap that netted them an additional first-rounder that became Duke forward Wendell Moore Jr. on Thursday night. ...

Mavs trade into draft, get G League's Hardy at 37 from Kings

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison can finally say he has made a draft pick. The second-year GM and his club traded back into the the NBA draft in a deal with Sacramento, acquiring G League player Jaden Hardy after the Kings drafted him 37th overall in the...

Moving up: Grizzlies trade 2 1st-round picks to get LaRavia

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Jake LaRavia wasn’t just worth a first-round pick. The way the Memphis Grizzlies saw it, he was worth two of them. The Grizzlies moved the 22nd and 29th picks in Thursday’s NBA draft to Minnesota for the 19th pick — which became LaRavia, a 6-foot-8...

Bucks take G League Ignite wing MarJon Beauchamp at No. 24

MILWAUKEE (AP) — MarJon Beauchamp’s circuitous path to the Milwaukee Bucks included stops at four high schools, a community college and the NBA G League. Bucks assistant general manager Milt Newton said Beauchamp even was homeless at one point. The Bucks believe...

Pacers take Arizona's Mathurin at No. 6, Zags' Nembhard

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Arizona sophomore Bennedict Mathurin figures he has a lot to bring to the Indiana Pacers. “I feel like I'm a winner," said Mathurin, who was taken No. 6 overall by the Pacers in the NBA draft Thursday night. “I'm a really competitive guy. Off the court, I...

Clippers take Michigan's Moussa Diabate with 43rd pick

CULVER CITY, Calif. (AP) — The Los Angeles Clippers drafted forward Moussa Diabate from Michigan with the 43rd pick in the NBA draft Thursday night. Diabate was the second player from Michigan to be picked in the second round. Caleb Houstan went to Orlando with the 32nd selection....

Lakers get Michigan State's Max Christie with 2nd-round pick

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Lakers think Max Christie is the next underrated young talent who will grow into a solid NBA contributor after he puts on the purple and gold. The Lakers selected the Michigan State guard with the 35th overall pick in the NBA draft on Thursday...