MILWAUKEE — The Cleveland Cavaliers are getting some help for LeBron James.
High-scoring Milwaukee Bucks point guard Mo Williams is headed to Cleveland to join James as part of a three-team, six-player trade that also involves Oklahoma City.
“Acquiring Mo strengthens our nucleus of players for both the short and long term. He is entering his prime NBA years and will be part of the foundation of our future success,” Cavaliers general manager Danny Ferry said Wednesday. “His ability to push the tempo, get inside the lane, shoot from the perimeter and distribute the ball will be very valuable for us.”
In exchange for Williams, who averaged 17.2 points last season in the first year of a six-year, $51.5 million contract, the Bucks receive Damon Jones from Cleveland along with guard Luke Ridnour and forward Adrian Griffin from Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City will get forward Joe Smith from Cleveland and Desmond Mason from Milwaukee.
• Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy is scheduled to have arthroscopic knee surgery today to repair a tear in the meniscus of his left knee.
Stewart hires Newman.
Tony Stewart has hired Ryan Newman to drive the second car for his new team next season.
Newman, who nipped Stewart on the final lap to win the Daytona 500 in February, will be introduced as driver of the No. 4 Chevrolet on Friday at Michigan International Speedway.
Stewart said in July he was leaving Joe Gibbs Racing after 10 seasons that included two Cup titles to become part owner of fledgling Haas CNC Racing. The new team will be known as Stewart-Haas Racing, and Stewart will use childhood hero A.J. Foyt’s No. 14.
• The Southern 500 is back at Darlington Raceway in Darlington, S.C. Track president Chris Browning said the historic name will return to Darlington for next May’s Sprint Cup race.
Sooners’ Box doubtful for opener
NORMAN, Okla. — Linebacker Austin Box could miss Oklahoma’s season opener against Chattanooga because of surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee.
Box had arthroscopic surgery Tuesday, and Sooners coach Bob Stoops said he’s “doubtful” for the season opener Aug. 30.
• Josh Jarboe, a highly regarded wide receiver recruit who was kicked off the team at Oklahoma two weeks ago, has decided to enroll at Troy.
Troy spokesman Ricky Hazel said the school is trying to determine whether Jarboe will be allowed to play this season or need to sit out one season under NCAA rules.
• Illinois defensive tackle Sirod Williams will miss the season with a knee injury.
Footnotes.
The chances of Big Brown and Curlin meeting on the race track is looking like a longshot, as owners of both horses outlined their tentative fall plans for racing’s two superstars, and neither horse’s schedule appears to leave room for the other.
• Midfielder Frank Lampard ended speculation over his future by signing a new five-year contract with Chelsea.
The Associated Press
