Malone Hints at Retirement

Utaz Jazz forward Karl Malone has “pretty much” decided to retire after this season but refused to say Thursday when he officially will announce a decision.

Malone, 39, second on the NBA’s career scoring list and a 14-time All-Star, is entering his 18th season with the Utah Jazz. He will earn $19.25 million in the final year of his contract.

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The NBA granted the New York Knicks a $4.54- million midlevel injury exception after season-ending surgery on forward Antonio McDyess’ broken left kneecap.

The exception can be used to sign another player or can be included as part of a trade.