NBA Newsmakers
Ray Allen and the new Big Three will have another chance at a third trip to the NBA finals. Allen confirmed to the Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract to return to the Boston Celtics. Allen, who turns 35 this month, was a free agent. He averaged 16.3 points last season as the Celtics reached the finals for the second time in three years. After Boston lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in seven games, Allen said, “It’s obvious I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
Carlos Boozer is headed to the Chicago Bulls. A person familiar with the negotiations told the AP that the two-time All-Star forward agreed to a deal and is leaving the Utah Jazz after six seasons. The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the contract doesn’t become official until today, did not reveal the terms. Boozer averaged 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds last season. His arrival gives the Bulls a formidable pair in the frontcourt with Joakim Noah, not to mention a good pick-and-roll partner for All-Star point guard Derrick Rose.
Kevin Durant didn’t go for a spectacle in announcing where he’ll be for the next five years. Instead, Durant simply posted an update on his Twitter page, saying he’d agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant can’t sign the deal until today and team spokesman Brian Facchini said he could not confirm the deal under NBA rules. Yahoo Sports reported that Durant is expected to receive $85 million over five years and Durant’s agent Aaron Goodwin said the contract has a no opt-out clause after the fourth year. Durant was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 draft and won the Rookie of the Year award. Last season he averaged 30.1 points to become the youngest player to lead the league in scoring.
Vinny Del Negro was introduced as the new coach of the Los Angeles Clippers, just two months after he was fired by the Chicago Bulls. He takes over a Clippers team that went 29-53 last season and missed the playoffs for the 15th time in 17 years. Del Negro replaced Kim Hughes, who finished the season as interim coach after Mike Dunleavy stepped aside in February to focus on his GM duties before leaving for good in March. Del Negro coached two seasons in Chicago, compiling an 82-82 record and leading the team to consecutive playoff berths.