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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

NBA newsmakers

The Spokesman-Review

Jermaine O’Neal will sign a free-agent contract with the Boston Celtics, general manager Danny Ainge said on Thursday. Ainge confirmed that the Celtics have agreements in place with Paul Pierce and Ray Allen that would keep Boston’s new Big Three intact for a run at a third NBA finals in four years. Ainge also said he expects to sign O’Neal to fill in while center Kendrick Perkins recovers from knee surgery.

Carlos Boozer is now officially a member of the Chicago Bulls. The two-time All-Star forward is going to the Bulls in a sign-and-trade with the Utah Jazz. Several outlets reported Boozer has a five-year deal worth roughly $75 million dollars. Utah sent him along with a future protected second-round pick to the Bulls for a trade exception.

Joe Johnson officially signed a six-year deal to remain with Atlanta that will pay the four-time All-Star an average of more than $20 million a year. The deal is for $123.7 million.

Brendan Haywood is coming back to the Dallas Mavericks — as the starting center. Haywood agreed to a $55 million, six-year contract, according to a person familiar with negotiations.

Channing Frye has committed to the Phoenix Suns for five years. Terms were not disclosed, but the deal is reported to be worth $30 million.

Steve Blake has signed with the Los Angeles Lakers. Blake got a four-year contract worth $16 million from the two-time defending NBA champions.

Michael Beasley has been traded from Miami to Minnesota for the Timberwolves’ 2011 second-round pick and a swap of first-round picks.