Akron, Ohio ? More than two years of hype, drama, conjecture and expectation have dwindled to a few more hours.

LeBron James’ big moment is here — not as an NBA champion, but as a free agent. There will be no parade, no ring ceremony, no banner raising.

Instead, on a prime time made-for-TV special his handlers contracted with ESPN, James will announce at 8 tonight where he’ll play next season and beyond. Fans from coast to coast will tune in to watch, with the ones in his home state of Ohio praying they won’t have their hearts broken again.

The Decision, it’s been dubbed.

In Cleveland, they can only hope it doesn’t join The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot and The Move in the lexicon of sports misery.

James has kept everyone waiting. It’s time to come clean.

“I’ll be watching,” said fellow free agent superstar Dwyane Wade, who agreed to re-sign with Miami on Wednesday and may be trying to recruit James. “We’ve scheduled it. I’ll make sure I’m in front of the TV tomorrow at (8) to watch like everyone else.”

NBA

Source: Boozer to Bulls

Chicago — Carlos Boozer is headed to the Chicago Bulls. Now what about you, LeBron James?

A person familiar with the negotiations told the Associated Press that Boozer, a two-time All-Star forward, agreed to a deal on Wednesday and is leaving the Utah Jazz after six seasons.

Several outlets have reported it’s a five-year deal, and the Chicago Tribune cited a source saying the Bulls still would have enough room to offer a maximum salary contract to another free agent.

Durant, Thunder reach 5-year deal

Oklahoma City — Kevin Durant didn’t go for a spectacle in announcing where he’ll be for the next five years.

Instead, Durant simply posted an update on his Twitter page Wednesday, saying he’d agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant can’t sign the deal until today, and team spokesman Brian Facchini said he could not confirm the deal under NBA rules.

Celtics re-sign Allen

Boston — The new Big Three will have another chance at a third trip to the NBA finals.

Ray Allen confirmed to the Associated Press on Wednesday night that he has agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract to return to the Boston Celtics.

Salary cap is $58.04 million

New York — The NBA salary cap for next season was set Wednesday at $58.04 million, a higher number than projected that could help Miami fill out a roster around Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and perhaps even LeBron James.

Clippers hire Del Negro

Los Angeles — Vinny Del Negro could have taken it easy after being fired by the Chicago Bulls. They still owe him money, so there was no pressing need to jump back on the NBA coaching carousel.

Still, he couldn’t resist.

Del Negro agreed to a three-year deal to coach the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, taking over a team that went 29-53 last season and missed the playoffs for the 15th time in 17 years.

Warriors’ Udoh injured

Oakland, Calif. — Golden State Warriors top draft pick Ekpe Udoh has a wrist injury that will keep him out of the team’s summer league. The team made the announcement Wednesday and said the No. 6 overall draft pick out of Baylor was hurt during a supervised workout Sunday at Golden State’s practice facility.

MLB

White Sox place Peavy on DL

Chicago — Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy was put on the 15-day disabled list because of a detached muscle in the back of his right shoulder, an injury that almost certainly will end his season.

Rangers fan recovering

Fort Worth, Texas — A firefighter who tumbled about 30 feet from the Texas Rangers stands while trying to catch a foul ball received a hospital visit — and the ball — from team president Nolan Ryan on Wednesday.

Tyler Morris, 25, suffered a head injury and sprained ankle but no internal injuries and was expected to be released from the hospital soon, friends said.

Royals minor-leaguer suspended

New York — Kansas City Royals pitcher Freddy Rodriguez is one of five minor-league players that have been suspended for 50 games because they tested positive for steroids.

Football

Jets, LT Ferguson agree

Pro Bowl left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson agreed Wednesday to terms on a contract extension with the New York Jets, a person familiar with the deal told the Associated Press.

Prosecutor: Vick in confrontation

Virginia Beach, Va. — The city’s lead prosecutor said Wednesday night that Michael Vick was involved in a confrontation before a shooting following his birthday bash.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Harvey L. Bryant told the Associated Press Wednesday night in a telephone interview that Vick was not involved in the shooting and that he left the nightclub “in the 3 to 5 minute range” before it occurred.

USC apologizes to four teams

Southern California has apologized to Florida, Alabama, Washington and Fresno State for accusing those schools of breaking NCAA rules by contacting one of the Trojans’ players without permission.

In a letter dated July 1 and addressed to Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley, USC AD Mike Garrett said freshman running back Dillon Baxter confirmed to Garrett that the player “did not receive a call from your institution.”

Tour de France

Petacchi wins 4th stage

Reims, France — Alessandro Petacchi of Italy won the fourth stage of the Tour de France in a mass sprint Wednesday, with Lance Armstrong and other contenders for the overall title finishing safely in the pack.