Rockets Get Jackson, Trade Rice

Houston signed free-agent swingman Jim Jackson on Tuesday and traded forward Glen Rice to Utah for center John Amaechi.

Rocket General Manager Carroll Dawson said the trade was made to keep the team from having to pay an expected luxury tax. It also allowed the Jazz to unload Amaechi, who was openly unhappy with the team last season.

Jackson, 33, played for Sacramento last season.

Sending Rice to Utah in the last year of his $9-million contract saved the team $6.5 million. The Rockets will receive a future second-round pick. Utah will receive draft picks from Houston.

*

Stanley Roberts signed with Toronto, nearly four years after he was kicked out of the NBA for failing a drug test.

The NBA reinstated the 7-foot center in January, but no team signed him and he joined the Harlem Globetrotters.

Roberts, 33, hasn’t played in the NBA since 1999. He denied using a banned amphetamine-based drug that led to his suspension.

*

Portland center Chris Dudley announced his retirement.

Dudley, a fourth-round pick by Cleveland in 1987, finished his career with 3,473 points and 5,457 rebounds. He also played for New Jersey, New York and Phoenix.

*

Phoenix acquired three players, including guard Brevin Knight, from Memphis for forward Bo Outlaw and center Jake Tsakalidis. The Suns also got forward Robert Archibald and center Cezary Trybanski in the deal.

*

Center Cherokee Parks signed a one-year contract with Miami.... New Orleans signed second-round pick James Lang and free agents Kareem Reid and Paul Shirley....Portland swingman Qyntel Woods has been cited for driving with a suspended license and no proof of insurance after being stopped in northeast Portland, Ore., for a turn signal violation, police said.