Just last year, Chris Copeland rejected substantial proposals from clubs to fulfill his desire to play in the NBA. After a breakout season with the New York Knicks, Copeland knows he’ll once again have to pass up larger offers for his hope: a return to the Knicks.

European powerhouse FC Barcelona has elevated its pursuit of Copeland and wants to start negotiations on a lucrative contract for the 6-foot-8 forward, league sources told RealGM. Copeland will listen to all potential suitors, but still, he’s made clear his willingness to return to the Knicks even if they aren’t able to match his most pricey offer.

“Returning is very much an option,” Copeland's agent, John Spencer, told RealGM. “He turned down several options to play, turned down enormous money to get an NBA opportunity last year. He wants to play and wants to contribute. The Knicks are a good organization, with Mike Woodson and the list goes on.

“There’s a chance another team will potentially pick him up, obviously, but the Knicks gave Chris the opportunity to play and he’s loyal because of that.”

Copeland, 29, had scoring outbursts throughout the Knicks’ season, dropping seven 20-point performances including pouring in 55 points over the final two games of the regular season. When given increased minutes in the Eastern Conference semifinals, Copeland averaged 6.2 points on 55 percent three-point shooting.

Several NBA teams are expected to chase Copeland in free agency, but he told reporters at season’s end he only envisions himself as a Knick. To remain with the Knicks, Copeland, a restricted free agent, would have to accept the mini mid-level exception as the most the franchise can offer.

The United States defeated China 113-57 in their second game of Pool Play in the U-19 World Championships.

Aaron Gordon led Team USA with 17 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.

Jarnell Stokes, Marcus Smart, Michael Frazier, Justise Winslow and Jahil Okafor each finished with double-digits.

Darko Milicic believes his NBA career is completely over.

Milicic began the 12-13 season with the Boston Celtics and asked for his release so he can return to Europe to attend to his ill mother.

Milicic finished the season with KK Red Star Belgrade.

"No more chances," said Milicic to mvp.rs. "This is a done deal. Bygone. Hence I wear a lot of bad experiences. Guilt is mutual, it was bad moves with their with my hand. However, is not worth more to talk about. They think they should to play a supporting role and wait for his chance. Understand why they have such an attitude. My NBA career speaks to me for such a player, and I know I'm not."

Before withdrawing from this month’s NBA draft, Mouhammadou Jaiteh received first round guarantees that failed to entice the 18-year-old enough to leave his development in France, agent Herman Manakyan told RealGM on Monday.

Teams were impressed with the sharp growth in Jaiteh, and the 6-foot-11 center worked out for six organizations throughout the draft process. Even with guarantees, Jaiteh made clear he wanted to be drafted into a flourishing situation – for both himself and the team.

“The guarantees were not in attractive situations for us,” Manakyan said.

With a focus on next year’s draft, Jaiteh will now sign with a team in France, where several clubs have been vying to sign him, Manakyan said. No frontrunners have emerged, but playing time and the opportunity to continue his rapid development are key factors.

Quin Snyder has been hired by the Atlanta Hawks as an assistant coach, according to sources.

Snyder was most recently an assistant coach with CSKA Moscow and previously was a head coach with the Austin Toros of the D-League and the Missouri Tigers.

Snyder is familiar with Danny Ferry from their time together at Duke.

Dario Saric is leaning toward withdrawing from the 2013 NBA Draft, according to sources.

Saric has until June 17 to make a final decision.

Saric has received interest from the New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.

Saric is likely to be a lottery pick.