Celtics trade Walker to Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS (AP) — All-Star forward Antoine Walker was traded by the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks in a five-player deal Monday.

Dallas is sending Raef LaFrentz, who signed a $69 million, five-year deal before last season, to the Celtics with Jiri Welsch and Chris Mills, players the Mavericks got in an offseason trade that also brought Antawn Jamison from Golden State.

Boston also will get Dallas’ first-round pick in 2004. The Mavericks will get guard Tony Delk from Boston.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban confirmed the deal to The Associated Press, saying it was pending league approval.

The trade was first reported by the Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram on their Web sites Monday.

Walker, a three-time All-Star who averaged 17.3 points and 8.7 rebounds last season, will split time with All-Star Dirk Nowitzki and Jaimson. The Mavericks also have Eduardo Najera at forward.

Delk, a part-time starter for the Celtics, will give the Mavericks more depth at point guard behind All-Star Steve Nash and Travis Best, another offseason acquisition.