NBA News: Morey Steps Down, Davis Plans to Re-Sign With Lakers

The NBA offseason is in full gear after the season concluded with the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Head-coaching searches are heating up across the league, while the NBA Draft and NBA Free Agency loom on the horizon. Here’s the latest news around the association:

Daryl Morey steps down in Houston

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey has stepped down from his role, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Morey was hired as assistant GM in 2006 before taking over GM duties in 2007. He orchestrated the landmark trade in 2012 that brought future MVP winner James Harden to Houston from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Morey plans to explore career paths outside of basketball, but isn’t ruling out a return, per Wojnarowski:

Morey isn’t ruling out a future return to the NBA on the team side, but he has become increasingly determined to explore what else might interest him professionally, sources said. Morey also saw an opportunity to spend time with two college-age children who are each taking a gap year academically during the coronavirus pandemic.

Morey will remain in an advisory role for a short period to assist in the Rockets’ completion of their head-coaching search, sources said.

Executive vice president of basketball operations Rafael Stone is expected to take over for Morey, according to Wojnarowski:

Stone has played a significant part in the Rockets’ team-building throughout his tenure and will become the 10th current Black executive to hold the general manager title in the NBA.

Houston is currently in talks with Jeff Van Gundy for their head-coaching opening.

Anthony Davis to remain with Lakers

Fresh off a championship ring, All-Star forward Anthony Davis is planning to re-sign with the Lakers, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania:

Davis, who placed sixth in MVP voting this season, averaged 25 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, two blocks and 1.3 steals during the Finals. The Lakers are currently favored by oddsmakers to repeat their championship win in 2021.