Under the NBA’s “affiliate-player” rule with the D-League, Whittington, Benson and Weber are expected to be signed by the Skyforce. Recently released Heat guard Corey Hawkins also is expected to transition to the Skyforce as a designated Heat affiliate player, with NBA teams allowed to designate up to four such players. Such players must finalize their 2015-16 D-League commitments by Thursday. Because Kelley played with the Skyforce two seasons ago, he is considered a “returning-rights player” and also would be under Skyforce control if he were to elect to play in the D-League this season.
