Pistons talking with 7-footer from Ukraine

7/3/2012

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- The Detroit Pistons are negotiating with Vyacheslav Kravtsov, a 7-foot center who played in Ukraine last season. The team hopes to sign him July 11 when the NBA moratorium period ends.

The team made the announcement Monday in a statement from Joe Dumars, the president of basketball operations.

Detroit wants to provide post player Greg Monroe with help under the basket. The Pistons selected Connecticut center Andre Drummond with the No. 9 pick in the draft last week and expect to add Kravtsov next week. Kravtsov is regarded as extremely athletic by scouts.

■ CLEVELAND -- The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived reserve guard Manny Harris.

Harris made five starts for Cleveland last season, averaging 6.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 26 games. The former Michigan standout averaged 6.2 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 17.3 minutes in two seasons.

Harris became expendable after the Cavs selected shooting guard Dion Waiters with the No. 4 overall pick in last week's draft. With free agency opening Sunday, Harris can sign with another team.

■ ATLANTA -- 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.

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 are also 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.

■ OKLAHOMA CITY -- Scott Brooks has signed a multi-year extension to return as coach of Oklahoma City.

General manager Sam Presti announced that Brooks agreed to a new contract, less than two weeks after the Thunder lost in five games to Miami in the NBA Finals.

The team did not disclose terms of the contract. Other media outlets have reported the deal is for four years at more than $4 million per year.

■ NEW ORLEANS -- The New Orleans Hornets have waived Rashard Lewis, a move they've been expected to make since acquiring the 14-year veteran forward in a trade with Washington.

Lewis was entering the final year of a $118 million, six-year contract. He averaged 16.1 points during his career. Hampered by knee injuries last season, he played in only 28 games for the Wizards, averaging 7.8 points and 3.9 rebounds.