Monroe signs with Bucks

As one of the most coveted big men on the free agent market, Greg Monroe had his choice of destinations.

The big-market Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks wanted him. So did the Portland Trail Blazers.

In the end, Monroe wanted the best chance to reach the playoffs for the first time in his career. For the first time in a long time, the Milwaukee Bucks provided the surest bet on that front.

Monroe agreed to terms on Thursday with the Bucks on a three-year deal worth $50 million, his agent David Falk said. The deal gives the 25-year-old Monroe a chance to become a free agent again after two years if he so chooses, and it also surrounds him with one of the best young rosters in the league as he chases that elusive playoff berth.

Monroe spent the first five seasons of his career in Detroit, and the Pistons ended up in the lottery each time. He was so tired of the losing that he rebuffed any attempts by the Pistons to lock him into a long-term deal before last season, choosing instead to accept a one-year qualifying offer of $5.5 million so he could become a free agent this summer.

During another trying season in Detroit, Monroe continued to solidify himself as one of the best young offensive centers in the game. He averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds while playing the kind of throwback style of low-post banging that is so hard to find in a league where small ball is in vogue.

Wade stays with Heat

Dwyane Wade is staying with the Miami Heat.

Wade informed the Heat that he will accept their one-year offer to re-sign for $20 million for next season, said a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no NBA deals can be finalized this summer until July 9.

The decision ends a weeks-long, sometimes-contentious saga between the Heat and their franchise player. Wade was open to the idea of leaving Miami over a contract dispute, moreso than ever before.

But in the end, the three-time champion and the only team for whom he's played worked out a deal that conceivably could mean he will finish his career in Miami.

An 11-time All-Star, Wade averaged 21.5 points this past season.

"It has been an honor and privilege to play with the Miami Heat the past 12 years," Wade said in a statement first released to AP. "The Heat family and I have shared incredible moments over the years and I look forward to continuing our journey. I am extremely proud of my personal contributions in helping to build the Heat franchise and for bringing three NBA championship wins to our great city."

Wade could have made $16.1 million this season on the second year of a two-year deal, but opted out with hopes of getting a longer-term, more-lucrative contract.

Knicks land Afflalo

Arron Afflalo is about to team up with Carmelo Anthony again.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Afflalo has accepted a two-year, $16 million offer from the New York Knicks. ESPN first reported the agreement.

A shooting guard, Afflalo spent parts of two seasons as Anthony's teammate in Denver. Afflalo also has spent time with Detroit, Orlando and Portland, averaging 11.4 points per game in his first eight NBA seasons.

Pacers sign Ellis

Monta Ellis has found a new home in Indiana.

A person with direct knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Ellis has agreed to terms with the Pacers on a four-year deal worth $44 million. The deal includes a player option for the final year.

Ellis averaged 18.9 points and 4.1 assists in his second season with the Dallas Mavericks last year.

Ellis only shot 28.5 percent on 3-pointers last year, but his ability to score will help the Pacers, who ranked 24th in scoring last season.

Duncan will return

Tim Duncan is returning to San Antonio for a 19th season with the Spurs.

Duncan tells the San Antonio Express-News that "I'll be on the court next year." Until Duncan made his announcement, there was speculation that he could call it a career after the Spurs lost to the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling seven-game series in the first round of the playoffs.

Many expected him to return, particularly since he was coming off such a strong season. Duncan averaged 13.9 points, 3.0 assists and 2.0 blocks and earned third team All-NBA and second team All-Defense honors.

Duncan turned 39 in April and accompanied the Spurs on a recruiting trip for star free agent LaMarcus Aldridge on Wednesday.

Suns-Pistons trade

The Phoenix Suns have traded Marcus Morris, Danny Granger and Reggie Bullock to the Detroit Pistons for a future draft pick, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press. The move was very likely a bid to clear salary space to sign free agent LaMarcus Aldridge.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal had not been announced.

The Suns met with Aldridge, one of the top available NBA free agents this summer, on Wednesday after signing former Dallas Mavericks forward Tyson Chandler and re-signing guard Brandon Knight. Chandler, Knight and guard Eric Bledsoe were among a contingent from the Suns that made a pitch to Aldridge, who is weighing several teams to sign with.

The Knicks are coming off a 17-65 season, the second-worst record in the NBA. Anthony played in only 40 games because of left knee problems.