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Jackson to return as Lakers coach (AP)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:04:45 PDT

Phil Jackson is returning to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season. Jackson announced his decision Friday on the team's Web site. He said he consulted the team doctor about his health before deciding. The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September. Jackson led the Lakers to their 15th NBA championship and his record 10th title in June.

Report: Turkoglu agrees to join Blazers (AP)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:14:38 PDT

Hedo Turkoglu reportedly agreed to join the Portland Trail Blazers after helping Orlando reach the NBA finals this season. ESPN.com on Friday cited unidentified sources and did not disclose terms. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, did not immediately return calls or e-mails. Portland cannot comment on the agreement until Wednesday, when teams may sign free agents.

Report: Celts offer Rasheed Wallace deal (AP)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:36:54 PDT

The Boston Celtics have offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a published report on Friday. The Boston Globe reports the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday. Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined general manager Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck...

Artest agrees to deal with Lakers (AP)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 23:56:50 PDT

Ron Artest is joining Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. "I am very excited to finally be going to L.A.," Artest said in a statement issued by his agent Thursday night. "For years now, the Lakers have expressed interest in having me play for them, but we could never get the stars to align.

Yao still consulting with doctors (AP)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:13:54 PDT

Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot. The playing future of the 7-foot-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.

Rockets, Ariza agree on multiyear deal (AP)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:11:17 PDT

The Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.

Gordon: Bulls never made contract offer (AP)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 14:20:51 PDT

A day after jumping to Detroit, Ben Gordon told a Chicago radio station Thursday that the Bulls never made a contract offer even though general manager Gar Forman claimed re-signing him was their No. 1 priority. "I mean they didn't pursue me at all. They didn't even make an offer so it was pretty much a one-man race," Gordon told ESPN Radio 1000 in Chicago.

Knicks to offer multiyear deal to Kidd? (AP)

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:07:43 PDT

Donnie Walsh says he will consider giving more than a one-year deal to a free agent, following a report that he plans to do that with Jason Kidd. ESPN.com, citing sources close to the process, reported Thursday that the Knicks would offer a three-year deal to the point guard. The Knicks hosted Kidd and his agent Wednesday on the first day of free agency and are hoping he'll leave Dallas to come...

Bryant doesn't opt out of contract (AP)

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 13:55:50 PDT

Kobe Bryant insisted his contract status wouldn't be an issue, and he was right. Now the Los Angeles Lakers can turn their attention to some NBA champion teammates. Bryant chose not to terminate the final two years of his contract and will remain with the Lakers, the team he wanted to leave just two summers ago.

Shaq proclaims he'll help Cavs win title (AP)

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 01:02:14 PDT

His nickname hasn't arrived. His motto with Cleveland is already in place. "'Win a Ring for the King,"' Shaquille O'Neal said in announcing his goal to help LeBron James get his first NBA championship. The Big Benefactor? Dressed smartly in a black suit, pink shirt and matching tie, the inimitable Shaq was introduced Thursday for the first time as a member of the Cavaliers,...