NBA

AP Sports WriterAP source: Harden headed to Nets in blockbuster 4-team dealBy BRIAN MAHONEY and KRISTIE RIEKENJames Harden is heading to Brooklyn, joining old teammate Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving to give the Nets a potent trio featuring some of the NBA's highest scorers.The Nets agreed to acquire the...

Raptors fire coach Dwane Casey after another sweep by CavsTORONTO (AP) The Toronto Raptors have fired Dwane Casey after the team was swept in the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers for second straight season.Toronto President Masai Ujiri on Friday said the move was a ''very difficult but necessary...

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) A person familiar with the situation says forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract extension with the Charlotte Hornets.The person spoke to The Associated Press on Monday on condition of anonymity because the move hasn't been announced.Yahoo Sports was first to...

Bulls hope to set return date for LaVine early next weekCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Bulls hope to decide on a return date for guard Zach LaVine early next week.LaVine will travel with the team to games at Dallas and Indiana on Friday and Saturday. Coach Fred Hoiberg says...

Kyrie Irving cleanses court in return to BostonBOSTON (AP) Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving appeared to perform a spiritual ritual on the new Boston Garden court on Friday night before he played in the arena for the first time since leaving the Celtics.Irving circled the iconic parquet floor...

AP Sports WriterOff the plane but still sky-high, LeBron brings title homeBy TOM WITHERSCLEVELAND (AP) LeBron James stepped off the plane and into a blizzard of red-and-gold confetti before hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy. It gleamed in the bright summer sun, a symbol of hope and history.As promised,...

AP Sports WriterAndre Iguodala out for Golden State in Game 1 of NBA FinalsBy JANIE McCAULEYOAKLAND, Calif. (AP) Golden State forward Andre Iguodala will be out for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Thursday night as he recovers from a bone bruise in his left knee that...

AP Basketball WriterNBA pushes back plans for April vote on schedule changesBy TIM REYNOLDSMIAMI (AP) The NBA no longer expects the league’s board of governors to vote in April on whether to make significant changes to the league’s schedule in time for the 75th anniversary season in 2021-22.The...

The Latest: Bradley Beal wins Community Assist honorSANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) The Latest on the NBA Awards show in Santa Monica, California (all times local):7:10 p.m.Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards has received the NBA Cares Community Assist honor at the NBA Awards.The guard accepted the award accompanied...

AP Sports WriterNot since '79: Wall, Beal eye 50 wins, East finals for WizBy HOWARD FENDRICHWASHINGTON (AP) John Wall is a perennial All-Star. Backcourt mate Bradley Beal might finally get that sort of recognition this season.What both of the Washington Wizards' starting guards in their 20s would really...

AP Sports WriterCeltics hope to put road woes aside vs. Cavs in ClevelandBy KYLE HIGHTOWERWALTHAM, Mass. (AP) Home-court advantage has proven to be a valuable commodity for the Celtics so far this postseason.Boston is 9-0 at TD Garden during these playoffs and has blistered opponents early in games,...

That's the Tooth: Celtics guard Thomas has more dental workBOSTON (AP) Isaiah Thomas' mouth is bearing the brunt of the physical playoff series between the Celtics and Wizards.TV viewers watched as one of Thomas' front teeth flew out of his mouth in a collision with Washington's Otto Porter...