Saints ink Graham to multi-year deal

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints confirmed a multiyear contract with Jimmy Graham, ending a protracted holdout for the star tight end.

Graham skipped all of the Saints’ voluntary and mandatory practices and workouts ”“ and challenged the NFL’s franchise tag process through arbitration.

The NFL Players Association filed a grievance, contending Graham was used as a wide receiver often enough to qualify for the more lucrative receiver tag, worth about $5 million a year more than the $7 million tag for a tight end.

A hearing was held in June and earlier this month. Arbitrator Stephen Burbank sided with the NFL.

Panther’s Hardy found guilty of assault

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Panthers Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy was found guilty of assaulting a female and communicating threats.

Mecklenburg County Judge Rebecca Thorn-Tin sentenced Hardy to 18 months’ probation. A 60-day jail sentence was suspended.

Hardy’s attorney Chris Fialko said he’ll appeal and Hardy has asked for a jury trial in superior court. In North Carolina that means the terms of Hardy’s probation are on hold until the trial ”“ so he’s free to travel with the team to training camp and compete in games.

A date for the jury trial hasn’t been set.

Cowboys release backup QB Orton

IRVING, Texas (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys are releasing Kyle Orton after their backup quarterback missed all the offseason workouts amid reports he was considering retirement.

The 31-year-old Orton started the finale last year after Tony Romo injured his back a week earlier. The Cowboys lost to Philadelphia, their third straight season-ending defeat against an NFC East rival with a playoff berth on the line.

The new backup is likely to be Brandon Weeden, Cleveland’s first-round draft pick in 2012. The Cowboys signed Weeden in March, and he worked with the first team during the offseason while Romo continued his recovery from back surgery.

Dwyane Wade re-signs with Heat

MIAMI (AP) — Dwyane Wade is staying with the Miami Heat, and his latest deal is designed to give both the player and the only franchise he’s ever known some flexibility in the coming years.

Wade signed a two-year deal, the second of those seasons a player option, said a person familiar with the situation. Financial terms were not announced, though it’s expected Wade’s salary for next season will not reach the $20.2 million he would have made under his previous contract.

Mike Miller joining LeBron in Cleveland

CLEVELAND (AP) — Mike Miller had choices. None of them was better than playing with LeBron James again.

Miller has agreed to a $5.5 million, two-year contract with the Cavaliers, re-uniting the sharpshooting forward with James, his former teammate in Miami. Miller’s contract includes a player option in the second year, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

Miller will make $2.7 million next season, and the option is worth $2.8 million, the person said.

Bulls amnesty Carlos Boozer

CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bulls said goodbye to forward Carlos Boozer, using the amnesty clause to cut the veteran forward after four seasons with the team.

Boozer came to Chicago in a sign-and-trade deal with Utah in July 2010. The two-time All-Star averaged 15.5 points and nine rebounds in 280 games with the Bulls.

He had one season left on a five-year deal worth roughly $75 million. The 6-foot-9 power forward is still owed the money.