NBA

Celtics keep Garnett

Forward-center Kevin Garnett, who was to become a free agent, instead agreed to a contract extension with the Boston Celtics on Saturday.

The deal is worth $34 million over three years, according to Yahoo Sports, and it will keep Garnett, a future Hall of Famer, in a Celtics uniform through his 39th birthday.

Free agency started at 9:01 p.m. PDT Saturday.

Guards Deron Williams, Ray Allen and Steve Nash are considered the headliners in an otherwise unspectacular free-agent class.

Although teams and players can negotiate contracts, no deals can be consummated until July 11. More than 170 players are on the market.

A year ago, the NBA locked out its players and plunged itself into darkness. The July 1 free-agent rush, a cherished rite of summer for the league and its fans, was wiped out.

Ex-Sonic Allen, a 36-year-old who spent the past five seasons with Boston, is expected to be pursued by the champion Miami Heat, the New York Knicks and the Phoenix Suns, although the Celtics can offer him the most money.

Williams, 28, might be the key to the Nets' prosperity as they move from New Jersey to Brooklyn. The Nets are offering Williams a maximum contract, about $100 million over five years, to stay but he is being courted by the Dallas Mavericks, his hometown team. Under league rules, no team other than the Nets can offer Williams more than about $75 million over four years.

ESPN reported Orlando center Dwight Howard has told Magic general manager Rob Hennigan he wants to be traded to the Nets.

The Memphis Grizzlies declined to make a qualifying offer to guard O.J. Mayo, their sixth man, making him an unrestricted free agent.

NHL

Free-agent class is thin

Don't blink, because you might miss what few splashes are anticipated to take place in hockey free agency.

After Nashville Predators defenseman Ryan Suter and perhaps New Jersey captain Zach Parise, the list of marquee players expected to hit the market Sunday at 9 a.m. PDT thins quickly.

Suter's agent, Neil Sheehy, said his client will test the market.

Parise might follow, though the Devils are expected to make one last push to sign him.

The Detroit Red Wings could use an established defenseman such as Suter after Nicklas Lidstrom retired.

The Wild is considered a potential landing spot for Parise, who is from Minnesota.

According to NHL.com, there are 17 teams at least $18.5 million under the $70.2 million cap established for next season.

NFL

Aldon Smith is injured

San Francisco 49ers officials say linebacker Aldon Smith suffered minor injuries during an incident Friday in San Jose, Calif., and that he is recovering comfortably.

A person with knowledge of the situation said Smith, 22, suffered stab wounds. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released.

According to a source who talked to the The Sacramento Bee, Smith was injured at a house party.

"We are in contact with Aldon and thankful that his injuries were not more serious," said 49ers general manager Trent Baalke.

Smith, a college standout at Missouri, had a franchise rookie-record 14 sacks last season.

Elsewhere

• Jordan Hall, who was No. 1 on Ohio State's depth chart at running back, will be out for about 10 weeks after undergoing surgery Friday for a cut on the bottom of his right foot. The senior was walking barefoot in grass outside his residence in Columbus when he suffered the injury.

• Jeranimo ($19.60 to win) and Camp Victory ($22.60) posted Grade I victories at Betfair Hollywood Park in Inglewood, Calif.

Jeranimo, last in a field of eight in the $300,000 Shoemaker Mile on turf with a furlong to go, beat Suggestive Boy by 1 ¼ lengths. Jeranimo, a 6-year-old trained by Mike Pender and ridden by Garrett Gomez, won in 1 minute, 33.97 seconds.

Camp Victory beat 9-10 favorite The Factor by 3 ¼ lengths in the $250,000 Triple Bend Handicap. The 5-year-old gelding, trained by Mike Mitchell and ridden by Joe Talamo, ran 7 furlongs on synthetic Cushion Track in 1:22.75.

Mitchell watched via computer from the intensive-care unit at USC Medical Center; track officials said he had successful surgery to remove a brain tumor Friday.

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