NBA : Pistons yet to reach deal with Billups

Andy Miller, the agent for point guard Chauncey Billups, denied media reports Tuesday evening that stated Billups had reached an agreement in principle to sign a five-year deal with the Pistons.

“This is a vicious rumor,” Miller said. “It’s entirely untrue. We have not reached an agreement. I don’t know what stage we’re at. We’re having ongoing discussions, and I don’t believe that we’re on the verge of signing an agreement anytime today by any stretch of the imagination.”

Another person with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed Miller’s statement that the deal is not done nor agreed to and said the two sides are still talking. The person requested anonymity because free agents can’t officially sign deals until July 11.

Still, there are indications the two sides are getting closer to a verbal agreement. Talks have not broken down, and the Pistons remained confident a deal would be finished soon, possibly today.

Miller’s goal was likely to push to make Billups the highest-paid player on the team, meaning the deal would start at about $12.5 million to compare with power forward Rasheed Wallace.

Magic hire Ewing

Patrick Ewing was hired as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, filling out Stan Van Gundy’s staff.

Brendan Malone, Steve Clifford and Bob Beyer also were hired as assistant coaches, the team said.

Ewing, an 11-time All-Star, was a Rockets assistant from 2004-06.

Around the league

The Indiana Pacers started addressing their need for outside shooting by signing Lithuanian League star Kareem Rush. The 6-foot-6 guard was the Baltic League Final Four MVP last season. … Phoenix guard Marcus Banks, who lost his spot in the Suns’ rotation during last season, will play for the team’s NBA Summer League squad in Las Vegas. … The Sacramento Kings let go of all four assistant coaches who worked for coach Eric Musselman last season. Scott Brooks, Brendan O’Connor, Mark Hughes and Clay Moser were all relieved of their duties.