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Duncan Robinson exercises option to terminate contract with Heat, though he could return to Miami

Sport

Duncan Robinson exercises option to terminate contract with Heat, though he could return to Miami
Sport

Sport

Duncan Robinson exercises option to terminate contract with Heat, though he could return to Miami

2025-06-30 03:00 Last Updated At:03:11

MIAMI (AP) — Duncan Robinson opted for unrestricted free agency on Sunday, exercising his early termination option for what would have been the final year of his contract with the Miami Heat.

The decision doesn't mean he cannot return to the Heat. Robinson — the franchise's all-time leader in 3-pointers made — could have let his option pass Sunday and then been guaranteed $9.9 million of what was a nearly $20 million deal for this coming season.

He could now negotiate a new deal with the Heat, agree to be part of a sign-and-trade for another player, or simply sign with a new club. Free agency in the NBA officially begins Monday evening; Robinson had until Sunday to decide on his termination option.

The 31-year-old Robinson is a success story like few others in the NBA. He started his college career at Division III Williams, then played his way to Michigan, went undrafted and was given a chance by the Heat.

From there, Robinson became a key part of the rotation. He played in 15 games as a rookie and then was essentially a full-time starter in each of the next three seasons — making at least 232 3-pointers in each of those years.

His 1,202 3-pointers are the most in team history and he needed fewer games than any player in NBA history to reach a number of 3-point milestones — including 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1,000 makes from beyond the arc.

Robinson has averaged 11.3 points and shot 39.7% from 3-point range in his seven NBA seasons.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA

FILE - Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) passes the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, March 10, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, file)

FILE - Miami Heat forward Duncan Robinson (55) passes the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets, March 10, 2025, in Miami. (AP Photo/Marta Lavandier, file)

The first stage of Mohamed Salah’s rehabilitation at Liverpool is complete after the Egypt forward returned to the team for its 2-0 win over Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday.

The question now as Salah heads off to the Africa Cup of Nations: Is there a future for him at Anfield when he comes back?

Salah, who let rip last weekend about his current frustrations at Liverpool, entered as a 26th-minute substitute to a big ovation and set up the second of Hugo Ekitike’s goals as the defending champion extended its unbeaten run to five games in all competitions.

Also Saturday, Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 and was set on its way to victory by Cole Palmer’s first goal in three months. First-place Arsenal hosts last-place Wolverhampton later.

Salah held talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot on Friday in an effort to overcome their issues and the result was that Salah was recalled to the matchday squad for the Brighton game. He had been a substitute for the last three Premier League matches before being left at home for the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan as a punishment for his explosive comments to reporters last weekend.

“It was an easy decision to put him in the squad," Slot said. “I have said many times before what has been said between us will stay between us.”

Liverpool's fans demonstrated they are willing to excuse Salah for his show of anger and gave him a rapturous welcome when he came on as a substitute for the injured Joe Gomez midway through the first half.

By then, Liverpool was leading 1-0 thanks to Ekitike's rising shot inside the first minute and Salah showed glimpses of his class, especially on the counterattack. It was Salah's corner kick that was headed in by Ekitike for the second goal in the 60th, sparking another round of chants for the Egyptian.

Slot said Salah was a threat all game.

“Pleasing to see but not a surprise,” Slot said.

Salah could be away for more than a month if Egypt goes all the way in the Africa Cup.

It was a second straight start for Palmer, whose season has been blighted by a groin injury that has restricted him to seven games in all competitions.

There looked to be nothing wrong with Palmer when he ran onto Malo Gusto's pass and slipped a finish inside the near post to give Chelsea the lead in the 21st minute at Stamford Bridge.

However, Palmer said after the game that he wasn't at his best yet because he was “still dealing with an injury.”

“It’s just a matter of not doing too much too soon,” Palmer told the BBC. “Literally, it’s just a day-by-day thing. Hopefully it gets better.”

Gusto added the second goal in the 45th minute for Chelsea, which jumped to fourth place.

Steve Douglas is at https://twitter.com/sdouglas80

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Everton in London, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Chelsea's Cole Palmer celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Everton in London, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool fans hold placard depicting Liverpool's Mohamed Salah before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool fans hold placard depicting Liverpool's Mohamed Salah before the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, left, challenges for the ball with Brighton's Lewis Dunk during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah, left, challenges for the ball with Brighton's Lewis Dunk during the English Premier League soccer match between Liverpool and Brighton and Hove Albion in Liverpool, England, Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Super)

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