McDyess is headed to the Spurs

Antonio McDyess is leaving the Detroit Pistons for the San Antonio Spurs.

The sought-after free agent reached a deal with the Spurs and is expected to sign later this week, team spokesman Cliff Puchalski said Wednesday. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the Spurs had their full mid-level exception, worth about $5.6 million this season, to offer McDyess.

The 34-year-old forward averaged 9.6 points and 9.8 rebounds in his 14th NBA season last year.

Yao optimistic

Even if the Houston Rockets are worried about Yao Ming’s return from a broken left foot, the All-Star center is trying to put everyone at ease.

“I am optimistic about the future and I will return to playing basketball when my foot has fully healed,” Yao said in a statement. “My focus is on selecting the best treatment option for my injured foot and committing myself to do what I can to ensure a complete recovery.”

Yao is still consulting with doctors about the hairline fracture and will announce within a week what kind of treatment he’s chosen. How long that treatment might sideline him is the biggest question facing the Rockets in the off-season, though they’ve already cashed in on his injury in a sense.

The Rockets applied for a disabled player exception from the NBA a few weeks ago, betting that their center will miss next season as he recovers. The NBA agreed that Yao’s return is unlikely and approved the request, freeing up about $5.7 million that the Rockets used to sign free agent Trevor Ariza from the Lakers.

“I think this was the best place for me,” Ariza said after signing his multi-year deal. “I think I have more of an opportunity.”

‘Birdman’ stays

Chris “Birdman” Andersen has reached a five-year deal to keep his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets, the team he revived his career with last season. Andersen’s attorney, Mark Bryant, confirmed the agreement.

Andersen, who turned 31 on Tuesday, could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of a back-loaded contract that gives the Nuggets financial flexibility.

Etc.

Rasheed Wallace joined the Boston Celtics, signing a two-year deal. . . . The Sacramento Kings signed guard Tyreke Evans, the No. 4 overall pick in last month’s draft out of Memphis. . . . The Golden State Warriors signed Davidson guard Stephen Curry, the seventh pick. . . . Forward Tyler Hansbrough, the No. 13 pick out of North Carolina, signed with the Indiana Pacers. . . . The Toronto Raptors re-signed former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani to a five-year contract extension. Bargnani averaged career highs of 15.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.2 blocked shots and 31.4 minutes in 78 games last season. . . . The Dallas Mavericks signed guard Quinton Ross, a former Clipper.