Bobcats, Okafor agree

The Charlotte Bobcats ended a year of uncertainty with top rebounder and shot blocker Emeka Okafor on Tuesday by coming to terms on a six-year, $72 million deal with the restricted free agent.

The move comes a year after Okafor turned down a contract for similar money and assures new coach Larry Brown will have the team’s top inside presence when he begins his record ninth NBA coaching job in the fall.

“It was very important for us to get a deal done,” general manager Rod Higgins said. “He creates a sense of security around the basket for us. He’s a guy that I think his skills are still developing in a lot of ways. Having Larry as our head coach now, Emeka will benefit having a great coach to teach him.”

Higgins confirmed the deal after ESPN.com first reported late Monday that the two sides were close to an agreement. Higgins said Okafor should sign the deal in the next few days.

Okafor was the second overall pick in 2004 and the expansion Bobcats’ first draft pick. He turned down Charlotte’s offer of $12 million a year last year, but settled on the same figure a year later.

Knicks waive two

The New York Knicks waived guard Taurean Green and guard/forward Bobby Jones, one day after acquiring the pair of seldom-used players in a trade with Denver.

The moves were expected as the Knicks continue to overhaul their roster under Donnie Walsh, the team’s president of basketball operations, and new coach Mike D’Antoni.

Hawks land Evans

The Atlanta Hawks completed their deal with Maurice Evans, locking up a replacement for sixth-man Josh Childress.

The 6-foot-5 Evans started 47 times for Orlando last season and averaged a career-high 9.3 points. He was quickly targeted by Atlanta after Childress, a restricted free agent, signed last week with Greek powerhouse Olympiakos.