THE SIDELINES : Shackleford to Leave N.J. Nets, Signs Deal With Italian Team

Troubled third-year forward Charles Shackleford, who averaged 8.2 points per game last season, was placed on waivers today by the New Jersey Nets and will play basketball in Italy for more than $1 million a year, the Nets and his agent announced.

“He approached the club and said he had a deal in Europe that he wanted to pursue,” said Nets spokesman John Mertz. “The team decided to let him do that.”

The 6-foot-10 Shackleford had troubles both on and off the court during the 1989-1990 season.

Controversy clouded him throughout the latter part of the season when news reports linked him to allegations he shaved points while playing at North Carolina State. Shackleford denied the allegations.

He was also hampered during the season with an infection in his right elbow, which affected his play.

His agent, Sal DiFazio, said Shackleford would play for S.C. Juventus of Caserta, Italy, in the Italian league. Shackleford’s salary would be “seven figures,” DiFazio said, but declined to be more specific.

The Nets made Shackleford expendable when they used the first pick in this year’s NBA draft to take power forward Derrick Coleman of Syracuse. Power forward Roy Hinson, who missed most of last year with a knee injury, is expected back this season.