Wade quick to defend James
Dwyane Wade is standing up for new Miami Heat teammate LeBron James, telling The Associated Press that the NBA's two-time MVP "didn't quit" on Cleveland during the playoffs.
Wade says that the criticism directed toward James bothers him because they're friends, and stings even more now that they're teammates in Miami.
Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert made the "he quit" accusation to The AP last week after James went on a televised special and announced he was leaving Cleveland to join the Heat.
Gilbert cited four games in Cleveland's second-round series against Boston as proof of his claim.
The Cavs lost that series in six games, but Wade points out that James had 27 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in Game 6.
Warriors sold: Golden State Warriors owner Chris Cohan reached an agreement Thursday to sell the franchise for a record $450 million to Boston Celtics minority partner Joe Lacob and Mandalay Entertainment CEO Peter Guber.
"I am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to be the next steward of this storied NBA franchise. This is my dream come true," said Lacob, who is also the managing partner with Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers. "Peter and I intend to do what we do best - innovating and building. It is our passion to return the Warriors to greatness and build nothing short of a championship organization that will make all of us in the Bay Area proud."
King on the go as Nets GM: On the job as the New Jersey Nets' general manager less than a day, Billy King already is deep into the hunt for a power forward.
King has spoken to outgoing general manager Rod Thorn, new coach Avery Johnson and more than a couple of agents looking to secure a job for one of their clients.
King was introduced as Nets GM on Thursday, saying his goal is to win a title with the NBA's worst team a year ago. The Nets also signed first-round draft picks Derrick Favors and Damion James on Thursday.
Miller signs Heat deal: Mike Miller has signed his five-year contract with the Miami Heat, joining LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh to chase a championship.
The 6-foot-8 sharpshooter becomes the latest player to take less money than he could have made elsewhere to play for the Heat.
Pierce stays with Celts: The Boston Celtics have re-signed captain Paul Pierce.
The club made the official announcement Thursday, six days after a team official said it had reached an agreement to keep the star forward.
The Boston Herald had reported that the contract is for four years with Pierce and the Celtics having a mutual option for the fourth year. He had opted out of the final year of a contract for 2010-2011 that was to pay him $21.51 million next season. By re-signing for a lesser amount, which was not disclosed, he creates cap room and gets long-term security.
Hornets nix Head deal: The Hornets say they decided not to sign free agent Luther Head after consulting with the team's medical staff.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hornet's president Hugh Weber says after consulting with their medical team they felt it was not in their best interest to sign Head.
The statement comes after Head's agent, Mark Bartelstein, said Wednesday that New Orleans had not offered a reasonable explanation for rescinding a two-year contract offer for the veteran guard.
Thursday's comment was the first time the team formally acknowledged it was pursuing a deal with Head. But Bartelstein said on Saturday that Head had a two-year deal with New Orleans worth about $2.5 million, with a player's option for the second season.
Bell sticking with Jazz: The Utah Jazz are bringing back Raja Bell.
Agent Herb Rudoy says Bell and the Jazz agreed to a three-year deal worth around $10 million. The 33-year-old shooting guard just needs to pass a physical.