Timberwolves:
The Houston Rockets signed guard James Harden to a four-year contract extension, giving him the richest deal in NBA history, worth a total of about $228 million guaranteed over six years.
The Rockets said the extension will run through the 2022-23 season but will not kick in until 2019. That means it will not affect their salary cap this season, so they are free to continue their roster upgrade. They added guard Chris Paul previously.
“Houston is home for me,” Harden said. Rockets owner Leslie Alexander said Harden’s “incredible work ethic, desire to win, and passion to be the best” make him “the perfect leader in our pursuit of another championship.”
Harden averaged 29.1 points and led the NBA with 11.2 assists last season.
Chose not to match the four-year, $71 million offer to restricted freeagent guard Tim Hardaway Jr. by the Knicks. Hardaway played his first two seasons for the Knicks and then two seasons with the Hawks after being acquired in a trade for a first-round pick.
Hawks:
Jamal Crawford, 37, signed a twoyear deal. He averaged 12.3 points per game off the bench last season for the Clippers.
Joel Embiid has been fined $10,000 by the NBA for inappropriate language on social media. This comes from the 76ers center saying “(Expletive) LaVar Ball” recently on Instagram live. His words came after Ball, the father of Lakers rookie point guard Lonzo Ball, made comments about Embiid and Ben Simmons on 97.5 FM The Fanatic.
76ers:
Davis Love believes his experience might give him an edge as he tries to become the PGA Tour’s oldest winner at age 53. First, he must surpass several others, including a rookie trying to become the first wire-to-wire winner in The Greenbrier Classic.
Sebastian Munoz shot a 2-under 68 on Saturday to maintain a two-stroke lead over Robert Streb after the third round in White Sulpher Springs, W.Va. The 24-year-old Colombian was at 14-under 196 at Old White TPC. Streb shot a 65.
Love was tied with two others at 10 under after a 68 with four players ahead of him, but the two-time Ryder Cup captain — who will enter the World Golf Hall of Fame in September — likes his chances.
“Under the pressure, I know how to handle things,” Love said. “I’ve seen some guys this week kind of go up and down and make some rookie mistakes, including myself. I’m going to make mistakes too, but hopefully the experience will pay off.”
At No. 221 in the FedEx Cup standings, Love wants to make the season-ending playoffs and is among those trying to qualify for the British Open in two weeks. The leading four players not already exempt from the top-12 finishers will earn spots. Russell Henley is the only player in the top 10 who has qualified.
Sam Snead won the last of his eight titles at Greensboro in 1965 at 52 years, 10 months, 8 days. Love will try to break the mark at the former playground of Snead, who was the longtime pro at The Greenbrier resort.
Love’s last win was two years ago at the Wyndham, making him the tour’s third-oldest winner.
Munoz welcomes the challenge, especially from Love.
“That would be awesome if he wins,” Munoz said. “He has to beat me and all the other guys. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Rookie Xander Schauffele and Jamie Lovemark were at 11 under after 66s. Kelly Kraft (67) and Henley (68) joined Love at 10 under.
European Tour:
Jan Rahm shot a second straight 5-under 67 at the Irish Open and moved into a share of the lead with Daniel Im after the third round.
On a day of good scoring over the links at Portstewart Golf Club, the 11th-ranked Rahm moved to 17-under par overall after making four consecutive birdies from No. 11 and parring his way home.
Im, who was tied for the lead with Benjamin Hebert after the first two rounds, birdied five of his opening 14 holes and scrambled superbly at the end to shoot a 68 and stay alongside Rahm. Hebert is a stroke behind.
Katherine Kirk shot a 7-under 65 to open a four-stroke lead in the Thornberry Creek LPGA Classic and move into position to challenge the tour’s 72-hole record.
The 35-year-old Australian reached 20-under 196 in the first-year event at Oneida, Wis. The LPGA record is 27 under, set by Annika Sorenstam in 2001 and matched by Sei Young Kim last year.
LPGA Tour: