AROUND THE NBA

Rick Pitino denied talking with the University of Miami about its coaching vacancy and said he will remain with the Boston Celtics. Pitino said he was only offering assistance to the school in finding a coach to replace Leonard Hamilton, who left for the Washington Wizards. The Miami Herald, however, reported that Miami Athletic Director Paul Dee apparently called Pitino seeking advice on other candidates and that the conversation turned to Pitino. . . . Six players from three teams changed addresses in a three-way trade as the Milwaukee Bucks toughened up, the Golden State Warriors acquired backcourt scoring and the Cleveland Cavaliers found the young big man they coveted. Milwaukee dealt forwards Robert Traylor, 23, and J.R. Reid, 32, to the Cavaliers while trading guard Vinny Del Negro, 33, to the Warriors. The Cavaliers dealt guard Bob Sura, 27, to the Warriors, and Golden State sent forwards Jason Caffey, 27, and Billy Owens, 31, to Milwaukee. The deal makes the biggest impact on the Bucks, who suffered from a lack of bulk during a 42-40 season. General Manager Ernie Grunfeld believes Caffey will be the bruising presence the Bucks lack. . . . The Denver Nuggets sent forward Chris Gatling and the 37th pick in the draft to the Miami Heat for guard Voshon Lenard, 27, and forward Mark Strickland, 29. Gatling, 33, who has one year left on a contract that will pay him $5.4 million this season, has been one of the NBA’s best sixth men, but he called Nugget management “liars” last week after speculation surfaced that he would be traded to Dallas. Gatling, who has played for the Heat before, now has been traded six times in his nine-year NBA career.