Marcin Gortat

WASHINGTON: A person familiar with the deal says center Marcin Gortat has agreed to a five-year, $60 million contract to remain with the Washington Wizards.

The person spoke Tuesday on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be signed until July 10 under NBA free agency rules.

Shortly afterward, Gortat tweeted: “I’m proud to say Washington will be my home.”

Acquired in a trade from the Phoenix Suns just before the start of the regular season, Gortat played a major role in the Wizards’ return to the playoffs for the first time since 2008. He averaged 13.2 points and 9.5 rebounds and missed only one game.

Gortat was in the final year of his contract, but he made it clear he wanted to return to the Wizards.
Meantime, the agent for Miami Heat stars Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade refuted a report on Tuesday that his clients were prepared to take significant pay cuts, which would free up some salary for general manager Pat Riley to use to improve the roster.

The (Portland) Oregonian had reported Bosh was expected to sign a five-year deal worth $11 million for the first year of the deal while Wade would sign a four-year deal that starts at $12 million for the first season.

But agent Henry Thomas said the report was inaccurate and that both players will be paid more. If that is the case, the Heat will wind up with quite a bit less than the reported $12 million to use on improving the roster.

LeBron James is demanding a maximum contract, which should pay the superstar in the neighborhood of $22 million.

Free-agent forward Carmelo Anthony arrived amid fanfare in Chicago as he began his tour to possibly find a new team. The Bulls welcomed the seven-time All-Star to the Windy City with signs at the United Center.

After his trip to Chicago, Anthony reportedly will head to Texas on Wednesday to meet with the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks.

CBSSports.com reported Anthony will meet with the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday.

The Milwaukee Bucks made their hiring of Jason Kidd as coach official on Tuesday after finalyzing a deal with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Nets received a second-round draft pick in 2015 and 2019 as compensation for Kidd, who spent one season as their coach and posted a 44-38 record. Kidd’s new contract is expected to be for three or four years.

Lionel Hollins has emerged as the most likely candidate to replace Kidd as the coach for the Brooklyn Nets.

During a Tuesday news conference, Nets general manager Billy King said he had dinner with Hollins on Monday night and was expected to meet with Hollins again on Tuesday.

Hollins guided the Memphis Grizzlies to the Western Conference Finals in 2013.

The Detroit Pistons and free agent small forward Jodie Meeks agreed on a three-year, $19.5 million deal. The Pistons also signed small forward Cartier Martin to a one-year deal.

Meeks averaged 15.7 points per game last year for the Lakers.

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