Brendan Haywood stays with Mavericks

Brendan Haywood is coming back to the Dallas Mavericks — as the starting center.

Haywood agreed Thursday to a $55-million, six-year contract, according to a person familiar with negotiations. The person spoke to the Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because details were still being finalized.

Dallas acquired the 7-footer from Washington as part of a blockbuster deal at the trade deadline last season. He was a big part of the Mavericks getting on a roll soon after, but down the stretch he lost playing time — and his starting job — to Erick Dampier.

The Mavericks have been planning to trade or cut Dampier.

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The agent for David Lee says the All-Star forward is heading from the New York Knicks to the Golden State Warriors in a sign-and-trade deal. Mark Bartelstein says Lee will get a six-year, $80-million contract. The Knicks will receive forwards Anthony Randolph, Kelenna Azubuike and Ronny Turiaf.

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Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge said the team planned to sign six-time All-Star center Jermaine O’Neal. The contract is reportedly for the mid-level exception, about $5.76 million in the first year of a two-year deal.

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A person with knowledge of the deal tells the Associated Press that the Miami Heat have agreed to send forward Michael Beasley to the Timberwolves for Minnesota’s 2011 second-round pick and a swap of future first-round picks.

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The New Jersey Nets and free-agent forward Travis Outlaw agreed to a five-year contract worth $35 million.

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Mel Turpin, former NBA player an All-American Kentucky center, committed suicide in Lexington, Ky., authorities said. He was 49.

GOLF

Lang leads at U.S. Open

Brittany Lang withstood slick, sun-browned greens and the unrelenting heat to shoot a two-under-par 69 and take a one-shot lead over 2008 champion Inbee Park, amateur Kelli Shean and three others in the first round of the U.S. Women’s Open in Oakmont, Pa.

Cristie Kerr, America’s first world No. 1-ranked golfer following her 12-shot win at the LPGA Championship two weeks ago, was among a group of 14 at one-over 72. Michelle Wie shot an 82.

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Darren Clarke upstaged fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell with a six-under 65 to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the Scottish Open in Luss. McDowell, returning to tournament golf and his European Tour roots for the first time since his win at the U.S. Open, shot a 71 on a blustery day at Loch Lomond.

McDowell birdied his final two holes to finish alongside Phil Mickelson, who was making his first appearance in Europe since winning the Masters in April. John Daly shot a 67.

ETC.

USC ineligible in coaches’ poll

USC is ineligible for the USA Today coaches’ poll for the upcoming season.

Grant Teaff, the executive director of the American Football Coaches Assn., issued a statement to USA Today confirming that his organization’s members aren’t allowed to vote for any school on major probation, such as a bowl ban.

USC is appealing some aspects of the numerous penalties handed down by the NCAA last month, but agreed to serve the first year of its two-year bowl ban after the upcoming season.

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Caster Semenya will make her comeback in Finland at the Lappeenranta Games on July 15. Semenya, who has not raced competitively since winning the 800-meter world title in Berlin in August 2009, was cleared to return Tuesday by the International Assn. of Athletics Federations. That ended an 11-month stalemate over her status following gender verification tests and means she can continue running as a woman.

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Two leading Mexican club soccer teams — Cruz Azul and Club America — will play each other in the Rose Bowl Saturday at 7 p.m. Rival teams from Mexico City, Club America has won 10 Mexican League championships and Cruz Azul has won eight. Information: https://www.sbsoccerent.com.