The trend continues of former NBA players returning stateside following the resolution of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Patty Mills Nearing Deal With San Antonio Spurs, According To Report
Patty Mills is reportedly nearing a deal with the San Antonio Spurs. The Blazers will likely relinquish his rights.
Patrick (Patty) Mills, who spent last season with the Portland Trail Blazers, has reportedly found a home back in the United States with the San Antonio Spurs, according to Yahoo!’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Australian had originaly returned home to his home land to play for the Melbourne Tigers following the 2010-2011 NBA season. But as contentious negotiations continued between players and owners through the summer, Mills remained in the Far East, and was last playing for Xinjiang Flying Tigers, averaging 18.6 points, but was cut in January after allegedly faking a hamstring injury.
With the NBA season under way and Xinjiang allowing Kenyon Martin to leave the team and return to the NBA after Martin bought out his own $3 million contract, Mills appeared eager to follow.
But because he was not as financially secure, Mills probably couldn’t buy his way out of China, and the Tigers were unwilling to do him a favor by severing ties, ultimately cutting him due to the alleged fake injury.
Wojarnowski is also reporting that Portland is renouncing the rights to Mills.
If the deal goes through for the Spurs, they will add depth to their backcourt, as Mills will likely fill the role of newly retired T.J Ford, who stepped away from the game last week due to lingering neck injuries.
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