BASKETBALL

TRAYLOR FAILS NETS PHYSICAL

Free agent forward Robert Traylor failed a physical and will not join the New Jersey Nets this season. The 28-year-old Traylor became a free agent in June when the Cleveland Cavaliers declined to pick up the option on his $1.76 million contract for the upcoming season. He averaged 5.5 points and a career-high 4.5 rebounds in 74 games last season as a backup center for the Cavaliers.

FINLEY TO SIGN WITH DEFENDING NBA CHAMPS

Prized free agent Michael Finley has reportedly decided to sign with the San Antonio Spurs. The 32-year-old shooting guard was courted by Miami, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Minnesota. Miami was considered the favorite, because the Heat could offer the full $5 million midlevel exception and the opportunity to play with Shaquille O’Neal. San Antonio, which has won three of the last seven NBA titles, could offer about $2.5 million. Finley, who averaged a career-low 15.7 points last season, was waived by Dallas last month.

REPORT: YAO MING AGREES TO $75 MILLION EXTENSION WITH HOUSTON

Yao Ming has agreed to terms of a five-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets worth more than $75 million, several media outlets reported yesterday. The deal that will keep the 7-foot-6 inch center with the Rockets through the 2010-11 season was first reported by Houston television station KRIV.

Yao, the first pick in the 2002 draft, will be paid the maximum allowed under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, according to the reports. The contract will be 25% of the salary cap, meaning the first year will be worth an estimated $12.5 million. Yao averaged 18.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and two blocks last season. He has averaged 16.4 points and 8.5 rebounds in his three-year career.

– Associated Press