Using Wallace, James Costs Pistons $200,000

The Detroit Pistons were fined $200,000 by the NBA on Monday for using Rasheed Wallace and Mike James before the league finalized the deal that brought them to the team.

The league said it was the first time a player acquired in a trade played for his new team before the NBA officially approved the move.

Wallace and James came to Detroit in a three-team trade with Atlanta and Boston on Thursday, and both played in the first half of the Pistons’ 88-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night.

They were pulled at halftime when it was discovered that paperwork for two other players in the deal -- Lindsey Hunter and Chris Mills -- had yet to be completed. Wallace and James also sat out a practice Saturday before the NBA said the trade was “final and complete.”

“In accordance with league rules, each team was informed that none of the traded players could play with their new teams until all conditions of the trade had been met, including the signing of certifications by teams, players and agents involved in the deal,” the NBA said in a statement.

Joe Dumars, the Pistons’ president, said the team wouldn’t have used Wallace and James if it had known the other teams hadn’t submitted the paperwork.

“We are happy that this unfortunate situation is over and that we can get back to focusing on basketball,” Dumars said.

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Cleveland Cavalier guard LeBron James, whose $90-million contract with Nike is the richest signed by an NBA rookie, has agreed to a multiyear deal to endorse Bubblicious gum.

The 19-year-old James, who chews gum while he plays, will receive about $5 million over four years from Cadbury Schweppes’ Adams division, according to a report by ESPN.com, which cited a person familiar with the negotiations.

James’ latest agreement -- his fifth since May 2003 -- pushes him over $120 million in endorsements, according to Bloomberg News. He also has marketing contracts with Coca-Cola, Juice Batteries and Upper Deck, in addition to his three-year contract with the Cavaliers worth nearly $13 million.

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Golden State guard Speedy Claxton is questionable for tonight’s game at Indiana because of a sprained right thumb. Warrior forward Mike Dunleavy Jr. returned to practice after sitting out seven of the last nine games because a sprained left ankle. Brian Cardinal is expected to remain the starter, even when Dunleavy returns.

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The Cavaliers were fined $5,000 by the NBA for a skit in which their mascot poked fun at Boston Celtic guard Ricky Davis.

During a timeout in the second quarter of a Feb. 9 game against Boston, Moondog, Cleveland’s floppy-eared mascot, mopped the floor with a No. 31 Cavalier jersey -- Davis’ number while he was with Cleveland.

“We accept responsibility, and will play the fine and move on,” team spokesman Tad Carper said.