Multiple media outlets are reporting the Hawks and Nets have agreed to a trade that would send All-Star guard Joe Johnson from Atlanta to Brooklyn.
ESPN was first to report the teams had agreed to the deal. All the reports cited unidentified sources.
The Nets would send guards Anthony Morrow, Jordan Farmar and DeShawn Stevenson and forwards Jordan Williams and Johan Petro to the Hawks, along with a draft pick Brooklyn received from Houston. The selection only belongs to the Nets if it is not a lottery pick.
Johnson has four years and $90 million left on his contract.
The Nets also are trying to re-sign free agent point guard Deron Williams.
The franchise is set to play its first season in a newly built arena in New York after moving from New Jersey.
Ainge: Keep Big Three
BOSTON — Celtics president Danny Ainge is determined to keep the team’s Big Three in Boston next season.
Ainge said he is hoping to keep intact the aging trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce, who brought the Celtics their first NBA championship in 22 years in 2008.
Pierce is already under contract and Garnett has reportedly agreed to a new three-year deal that can’t be finalized until July 11 — the first day free agents can officially sign.
What’s left for Ainge is to convince Allen, a free agent, to stay. The veteran shooting guard, who just had ankle surgery, is reportedly being courted by Miami and Memphis, but the Celtics are in position to offer Allen more money than either the Heat or Grizzlies.
“I’m not sure if there’s progress or no progress, there’s just conversation going on,” Ainge said of the team’s talks with Allen. “We really want Ray to come back. Time will tell.”
Ainge added the he also wants to re-sign free agent forwards Brandon Bass and Jeff Green, who missed all of this past season with a heart problem that required surgery. Big man Chris Wilcox, who also missed time with a heart condition, is also on Ainge’s radar.
But Ainge says the Big Three remain the key to the Celtics again contending in the Eastern Conference.
Odom loves L.A.
LOS ANGELES — Lamar Odom surveyed the bank of cameras with a practiced eye, subtly adjusting his impeccable suit and tie before stepping back into the spotlight.
This star of hoops and reality TV is right at home in Hollywood, and he’s incredibly grateful to be back with his original NBA team.
Odom formally joined the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday following a four-team trade last week, vowing to revitalize his career with a once-downtrodden franchise now on the verge of title contention.
“It’s an opportunity to redeem myself and an opportunity to come home, and you can’t pass at that,” said Odom, who will wear his old No. 7. “This city has been great to me, and I love being here. … This is my home.”
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