Report: Delonte West backs out of contract with D-League Texas Legends

Former Mavericks guard Delonte West signed a contract with the D-League Texas Legends on Jan. 25. (Garrett Ellwood/Getty Images)

After signing a contract with the Texas Legends last week, nine-year NBA veteran Delonte West has decided not to play in the D-League as a path back to the NBA, according to NBA.com's Jeff Caplan.

The troubled guard never reported to the Legends -- an affiliate of the Dallas Mavericks, the last team West played for -- and backed out of the contract against the advice of agent Dan Fegan, the report states. Former Sixers star Allen Iverson also turned down an opportunity to join the Legends this week, though unlike West he never signed a deal.

The decision could mean the end of West's career, Caplan speculated. The 29-year-old Saint Joseph's product owns career averages of 9.7 points and 3.6 assists per game while playing for the Celtics, Supersonics, Cavaliers and Mavs.

He suffers from bipolar disorder and has faced many off-the-court issues, including a 2009 arrest on weapons charges.

The source said that NBA teams have been reluctant to bring in West, even on a 10-day contract, until he gets back on the court and they see him play. The Memphis Grizzlies recently kicked around the idea of offering West a 10-day contract, but no offer materialized. The source said West’s representation now plans to severe ties with him.