News briefs: Nets waive G Alston, trade for Heat guard Quinn

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- The struggling New Jersey Nets reached a buyout agreement with Rafer Alston on Tuesday and waived the 33-year-old point guard.

Alston was in the final year of a contract that was to pay him $5.2 million this season. The two sides did not disclose the buyout payment.

Alston averaged 9.7 points and 3.9 assists in 27 games, including 13 starts.

Nets coach and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe said that Alston was a consummate professional in a season that opened with an NBA-record 18 straight losses.

Vandeweghe said that Alston never complained and only recently came to him to discuss a buyout.

Dan Fegan, Alston's agent, did not immediately return a telephone call from the Associated Press seeking comment.

The Nets acquired Alston, shooting guard Courtney Lee and power forward Tony Battie from Orlando in a draft-day trade that sent eight-time All-Star guard Vince Carter and forward Ryan Anderson to the Magic. Full story

Heat send guard Quinn to Nets for future pick

MIAMI -- The Miami Heat traded point guard Chris Quinn to the New Jersey Nets, a move that could be a precursor to Rafer Alston's return to South Florida.

Alston agreed to a buyout agreement with the Nets, and two people familiar with the situation told the Associated Press that the guard is hoping to sign with the Heat later this week. If Alston clears waivers Thursday at 6 p.m., he could sign with any team.

Quinn was sent in exchange for a second-round pick in 2012. Miami could get New Jersey's second-round draft pick this year, provided it's not between picks 31-50.

Quinn played in 168 games in parts of four seasons with the Heat, and didn't play in any of Miami's first 32 games this season. Quinn was making just more than $1 million and becomes a free agent at season's end.

Yao, wife expecting first child

BEIJING -- Houston Rockets star Yao Ming and his wife Ye Li are expecting their first child, a Chinese newspaper reported.

The English-language Shanghai Daily said the baby is due in July, citing comments by Ye's friend and former teammate on China's women's basketball team, Miao Lijie.

It quoted Zhang Chi, a spokesman for Yao, as confirming the news, but said he declined to give details.

Yao, 29, marked his marriage to longtime girlfriend Ye, 28, with a lavish August 2007 banquet in his hometown of Shanghai, attended by family and friends from the Chinese national team.

76ers guarantee A.I.'s contract for rest of season

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers guaranteed guard Allen Iverson's contract for the rest of the season.

The Sixers could have waited until Wednesday the final day - to guarantee the remainder of his prorated one-year contract worth $1.3 million. Iverson was signed by the Sixers as a free agent on Dec. 3.

Philadelphia is 4-5 with Iverson in the lineup. The 34-year-old also sat out four games with arthritis in his left knee.

Iverson is averaging 15.7 points and 4.7 assists in 33 minutes a game.

Jazz sign PG Gaines from D-league

SALT LAKE CITY -- The Utah Jazz filled out their roster with a point guard from the NBA Development League's Idaho Stampede.

Sundiata Gaines got a 10-day contract with Utah, which has been one below the NBA minimum with 12 players since a trade last month. Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor says as long as Gaines passes a physical Wednesday, he will be added to the lineup.

Gaines played four years at Georgia and spent last season playing in Italy after going undrafted in 2008. He has averaged 24 points and almost five rebounds with Idaho this season.

The Jazz may need him right away. Starter Deron Williams is listed as a game-time decision for Wednesday's game against Memphis with a sprained and bruised right wrist.