Manning Gets New Deal

The Phoenix Suns signed unrestricted free agent Danny Manning to a six-year, guaranteed contract, taking a chance that Manning’s surgically repaired knees will last until he’s at least 35.

Manning, who played in 46 games last season before he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament Feb. 6, also was allowed to buy a share of the limited partnership that will run the Arizona Diamondbacks, a 1998 baseball expansion team.

Suns president Jerry Colangelo, the managing partner of the baseball team, said the $5 million share was a separate arrangement.

Terms of the contract, which could run seven years with an option, were not disclosed, but it was believed to be worth between $6 million and $8 million per year. It includes provisos that void it if Manning hurts himself jet-skiing or riding a dune buggy, part of the Suns’ hedge against career-ending injuries.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Eddie Jones underwent surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb and is expected to be sidelined 6-8 weeks.

Center Jayson Williams agreed to contract terms with the New Jersey Nets.