Hawks agree to three-year deal with Thabo Sefolosha

The Atlanta Hawks reached an agreement with small forward Thabo Sefolosha on a three-year, $12-million contract, the Oklahoman newspaper reported and the Associated Press confirmed Friday.

The deal came three days after the Hawks cleared more than $15 million in salary cap space by trading guard Lou Williams and the draft rights to center Lucas Nogueira to Toronto for forward John Salmons.

The Hawks could have about $11.5 million for additional signings if they pay the $1-million buyout of Salmons’ $7-million salary. The team is believed to have interest in Chicago Bulls free-agent forward Luol Deng.

Sefolosha, known primarily for his defense, started 61 games last season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, averaging 6.3 points.

Etc.

The San Antonio Spurs said Manu Ginobili has a stress fracture of the lower fibula of his right leg, an injury that could knock him out of the upcoming World Cup of Basketball, in which he is scheduled to play for Argentina. It’s unclear when Ginobili, who averaged 14.4 points in the NBA champions’ Finals victory over Miami, was injured. . . .

The Chicago Bulls, who are pursuing free agents Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol, may be close to landing a key roster addition as they work to secure 2011 first-round draft pick Nikola Mirotic, ESPN.com reported. The Bulls traded for Mirotic’s rights in 2011 when he was the No. 23 pick and he has developed into one of the best forwards in Europe. Known for his shooting touch, the 6-foot-10 Mirotic secured a buyout Thursday for $3 million with Real Madrid, according to several reports in Europe and is now free to join the NBA.