Hornets send Dickau to Celtics for 2006 pick

The Boston Celtics acquired point guard Dan Dickau from the New Orleans Hornets on Friday in exchange for a second-round choice in 2006.

Dickau, who averaged 12.5 points playing for both Dallas and New Orleans last season, was acquired for the draft choice that Miami gave to Boston in a previous deal.

Dickau, a former All-American at Gonzaga, started 46 of his 71 games last year and averaged 4.9 assists. After the Hornets acquired the 6-foot guard from Dallas, Dickau averaged 13.2 points, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 67 appearances. The Hornets will play 35 home games in Oklahoma City this season because of hurricane damage in New Orleans.

Sonics re-sign Cleaves

The Seattle SuperSonics re-signed reserve guard Mateen Cleaves and invited six free agents to training camp, which begins on Tuesday.

Cleaves appeared in 14 games for Seattle last season, averaging 0.9 points.

Seattle extended invitations to Noel Felix (Fresno State), Roger Powell (Illinois), Alex Scales (Oregon), Tre Simmons (Washington), Omar Thomas (Texas El-Paso) and Ezra Williams (Georgia).

Blazers assistant sues team

Portland Trail Blazers assistant Tim Grgurich sued the team in a bid to coach elsewhere.

The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, also asks for $114,583 that Grgurich claims the team has withheld since July, as well as additional damages. It includes a temporary restraining order that would allow Grgurich to accept a job with another team.

According to the suit, new Blazers coach Nate McMillan informed Grgurich on July 13 he was not wanted as an assistant. A day later, the team sent Grgurich a letter telling him he was suspended without pay because he did not work with the team’s summer league team.

Smith announces retirement

After a storied career at Michigan State and 14 seasons in six NBA cities, Steve Smith said that he will continue to give his all – off the basketball court.

Smith, 36, scored 13,430 points and averaged 14.3 points per game as a pro. The No. 5 overall pick in the 1991 draft began in Miami, became an NBA All-Star in 1998 with Atlanta and earned a championship ring in 2003 with San Antonio.

Around the league

Brandon Bass signed with New Orleans after being drafted in the second round out of LSU. … Miami signed restricted free-agent forward Jason Kapono to an offer sheet. Charlotte will have up to seven days to match the Heat’s offer. … Restricted free-agent guard Keith McLeod agreed to terms with Utah Jazz. … Denver re-signed guard Greg Buckner.