Turkoglu to sign with Blazers?

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Hedo Turkoglu reportedly has agreed to join the Portland Trail Blazers after helping Orlando reach the NBA Finals this season.

ESPN.com cited unidentified sources and did not disclose terms. Turkoglu's agent, did not immediately return calls or e-mails. Portland cannot comment on the agreement until Wednesday, when teams may sign free agents.

The Oregonian newspaper's Web site, however, reported yesterday afternoon that no deal had been reached, citing a source with the team.

The 6-10 forward arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city.

He opted out of his Orlando contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from New Jersey. Turkoglu was due $7.3 million next season in the final year of his $36 million, six-year deal with Orlando. He averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds last season.

He was said to be seeking a long-term deal worth at least $10 million annually.

Jackson will return to Lakers

LOS ANGELES -- Phil Jackson will return to coach the Los Angeles Lakers next season, getting a clean bill of health following a record championship season.

The Hall of Fame coach turns 64 in September and said on the team's Web site he got the go-ahead for another season after consulting the team doctor.

He signed a two-year contract extension last season and holds the option on a second year.

Last season, Jackson missed two West Coast road games because of pain and swelling in his lower legs caused by plantar fasciitis, a problem he had checked out. He blamed late-night flights that aggravated the condition.

He has undergone two hip replacement operations since October 2006 -- using a cane at various times -- and walks with a noticeable hitch in his step. He underwent an angioplasty in 2003 to open a clogged artery in his heart.

Ariza, Rockets agree to contract

HOUSTON -- A person familiar with the negotiations says that the Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza.

The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million.

Ariza is coming to Houston just as Ron Artest decided to leave and play for the Lakers. Ariza is likely to take Artest's spot in the Rockets' starting lineup.

The 6-8 Ariza averaged 8.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists for the Lakers last season, which ended with the NBA championship.

Elsewhere

• Houston center Yao Ming will have to wait up to a week before he knows whether he will need surgery on his broken left foot.

The playing future of the 7-6 Yao is in question amid reports from the team doctor that the hairline fracture in his foot could keep him out all of next season, and potentially end his career.

• Boston has offered forward Rasheed Wallace a contract as part of a major push to land the coveted forward, according to a report from The Boston Globe.

Wallace's agent said Wallace will be meeting with other teams next week.