Top National Sports Stories: Thunder add forwards at deadline…Williams eyes Cavs…Earnhardt strong in return

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The Oklahoma City Thunder have bolstered their roster by acquiring forwards Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott from the Chicago Bulls. The Thunder give up Cameron Payne, Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow in a trade that also sends a second-round pick in 2018 to Oklahoma City. McDermott is expected to solidify the Thunder’s outside shooting attack, and Gibson fills a void left when Oklahoma City dealt Serge Ibaka (ih-BAH’-kah) in last year’s NBA draft.

UNDATED (AP) — A person with knowledge of the situation tells The Associated Press that Deron Williams is interested in joining the Cleveland Cavaliers after being waived by the Dallas Mavericks. The 32-year-old Williams averaged 13.1 points and 6.9 assists for the Mavs this season, his 12th in the NBA. His interest in the Cavs comes after LeBron James said earlier this season that the Cavaliers were in need of another playmaker off the bench to backup starter Kyrie Irving.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Dale Earnhardt Jr. was denied a victory in his first competitive race since a concussion caused him to miss almost half of last year’s NASCAR season. Earnhardt led for 53 laps before Hamlin zoomed past him on the final lap to win the back end of the Twin 150s at Daytona Beach. Daytona 500 pole-sitter Chase Elliott finished ahead of Jamie McMurray in the opening race.

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — PGA rookies Cody Gribble and Wesley Bryan share the lead heading into the second round of the Honda Classic at PGA National. Both shot 6-under 64s yesterday for a one-shot advantage over two-time major champion Martin Kaymer (KY’-mur) and Anirban Lahiri of India. Rickie Fowler and Ian Poulter are among a group of seven at minus-4.

UNDATED (AP) — Utah freshman forward Devon Daniels has been suspended indefinitely due to conduct detrimental to the team. Daniels has started 26 of the Utes’ 27 games this season and ranks second on the team in assists and fourth in scoring. The suspension comes amid a four-game losing streak that has Utah in danger of missing the NCAA tournament.