chicago bulls

Kevin Garnett played much better in the 1,000th game of his career than in his first of this season. Boston's intense leader had 18 points and 10 rebounds three days after a mediocre season opener and became the youngest player in NBA history to play in 1,000 regular-season games when the Celtics beat the Chicago Bulls 96-80 Friday night.

Restricted free agent forward Luol Deng and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to six-year contract that could be worth as much as $80 million, according to a person within the league who is familiar with the situation.

The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because an official announcement had not been made Wednesday morning, but was expected later in the day or Thursday.

The Chicago Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft Thursday night, choosing the Memphis guard over Kansas State forward Michael Beasley.

Rose, a Chicago native, led the Tigers to the national championship game in his lone college season. The Bulls opted for the point guard's playmaking ability over the scoring and rebounding of Beasley, who ranked in the top three in the nation in both categories as a freshman.

Rose is the Bulls' first No.

Vinny Del Negro has accepted an offer to coach the Chicago Bulls. The team said Tuesday that general manager John Paxson will introduce Del Negro at a news conference Wednesday.

Del Negro is the Phoenix Suns' assistant general manager and has never been a head coach. His selection ends a coaching search in which the Bulls pursued Mike D'Antoni and Doug Collins.

CHICAGO (AP)-- Doug Collins talked with the Chicago Bulls about returning to the team as coach, but said Thursday there is no agreement.

Known for his emotional style, Collins also coached the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards. The Bulls had been interested in Mike D'Antoni before he took the New York Knicks job.

Donnie Walsh and John Paxson, personnel bosses of the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, respectively, flew to Phoenix to interview Suns coach Mike D'Antoni about their head-coaching vacancies, SI.com has learned.

The Chicago Bulls fired interim coach Jim Boylan on Thursday, likely the first of many changes after a disappointing season.

Boylan was let go after a morning meeting with general manager John Paxson, according to a person close to the situation who requested anonymity because the official announcement had not yet been made.