Herb Simon expects the new collective bargaining agreement to help small-market teams like the Pacers.

"I think it's an improvement over the last CBA," he said in a phone interview. "That, along with the new revenue sharing, will help the smaller markets."

Simon still believes his franchise needs help offsetting the $15 million to $18 million annually in operating costs of Consenco Fieldhouse.

"We're still going to need some help on the arena side, but not on thebasketball side," Simon said. "We still need to finalize our deal with the city to alleviate some of the arena expenses in a building that they own. That's the issue.

"It's never been the Pacers are losing money. Part of the reason we're losing money is because we're having these arena expenses that most other teams don't have to deal with."

Peja Stojakovic has decided to retire from the NBA.

Stojakovic has received interested from a number of clubs, but back and neck troubles have made it too difficult to continue.

"When you start competing against your body more than you're preparing for the actual game," Stojakovic said, "it's a wakeup call."

In a statement, NBA commissioner David Stern said: "Peja will go down as one of the great shooters in the history of the NBA. His success was the result of a tireless work ethic and an unquenchable desire to be the best at what he did. Peja's legacy, however, goes way beyond his 3-point skills and that elusive Finals title he won last season with the Dallas Mavericks. Peja was part of the wave of international stars that helped introduce the world to the NBA game and inspired thousands of fans to begin playing the sport of basketball."

The Indiana Pacers have agreed to send shooting guard Brandon Rush to Golden State in exchange for forward Lou Amundson.

The trade, which is expected to be finalized on Monday, would give the Warriors some badly-needed veteran depth behind guards Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry while giving the Pacers the kind of hardworking forward they were looking for.

The Pacers recently signed two-time All-Star David West as well as second-year bruiser Jeff Pendergraph to play with incumbent forward Tyler Hansbrough.

The Warriors are close to acquiring Brandon Rush in a trade for Lou Amundson.

Amundson averaged 4.3 points and 4 rebounds in just 15 minutes per game last season.

The addition of Rush would give the Warriors three proven scorers in the backcourt.

Rush played 67 games last season for the Pacers and averaged 9.1 points in 26 minutes per game.

Pacers officials met with Michael Redd on Thursday as they continue their search for a scorer off the bench.

Redd is a former All Star who has averaged at least 21 points in six of his 11 seasons.

Redd has played a total of 61 games in the past three seasons because of injuries.

Indiana Pacers swingman Paul George , who grew 2 inches to 6-10 during the offseason, is putting in the time to make sure his skills progress. One tactic the 21-year-old has adopted is to routinely be one of the first players on the practice court and one of the last ones off it.

Catch and shoot. Pump fake, one dribble, pull up. Launch 3-pointers from the five key spots on the perimeter. Over and over again.

"It's the extra time you put on the court that pays off down the road," said George, who also has added 10 pounds of muscle to his lanky 224-pound frame. "I'm ready to take the next step."

Jamal Crawford has turned down an offer from the Pacers for $10 million over two years, according to a source.

Crawford is considering offers from the Knicks, Blazers, Kings and Wolves.

Josh McRoberts has signed a two-year deal with the Lakers using their min mid-level exception, according to a source.

The Grizzlies were also interested in McRoberts.

Jamal Crawford has a two-year, $10 million offer on the table from the Pacers.

The deal includes an out after the upcoming season.

The Wolves are also very interested in signing Crawford, while the Knicks, Blazers and Kings remain in the picture.

The Knicks have only offered $5 million for two seasons.

Josh McRoberts is being pursued by the Grizzlies, but appears more likely to take more money and a bigger role with the Lakers.

McRoberts has been mentioned in trade rumors with Memphis involving O.J. Mayo. The Grizzlies told Mayo on Tuesday that he will not be dealt.

Mike Wells reports that McRoberts is on the verge of an agreement with the Lakers.