Minneapolis ? The New England Patriots and Vikings are discussing a trade that would bring star receiver Randy Moss back to Minnesota.

A league source spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Tuesday night because he was not authorized to speak publicly about the negotiations.

The seven-time Pro Bowler was a first-round draft pick of the Vikings in 1998 and spent his first seven seasons in the NFL with Minnesota. He was traded to Oakland in 2005 and languished for two years before being revitalized in New England.

Moss set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions in 2007. But he has said several times this year that he expected 2010 to be his last season with the Patriots.

NFL

Colts’ Bullitt out for season

Indianapolis — The Indianapolis Colts’ already beleaguered defense took another hit Tuesday. Safety Melvin Bullitt, Bob Sanders’ replacement, will miss the rest of the season with a right shoulder injury.

Panthers release WR Jarrett

Charlotte, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers released receiver Dwayne Jarrett on Tuesday, hours after his second arrest on a charge of driving while impaired in less than three years.

Bills trade RB Lynch to Seattle

Seattle — The Buffalo Bills gave up on Marshawn Lynch as their featured ball carrier on Tuesday, trading him to Seattle for a pair of undisclosed draft picks. That clears the way for Fred Jackson and first-round draft pick C.J. Spiller in the Buffalo backfield.

Union head: Owners set for lockout

Green Bay, Wis. — NFL Players Association executive director DeMaurice Smith sees new signs that owners are preparing for a football-free 2011.

Speaking at a tailgate-style fan luncheon a few blocks from Lambeau Field on Tuesday, Smith referred to a recent Sports Business Journal report that said the NFL is requiring banks that lend money to its teams to extend grace periods for loan defaults through the end of the 2011 season in the event of a lockout.

Dolphins fire special teams coach

Davie, Fla. — The prime-time meltdown by the Miami Dolphins’ special teams cost an assistant coach his job.

Only 12 hours after a calamitous 41-14 loss against the New England Patriots, the Dolphins fired special teams coordinator John Bonamego on Tuesday.

NBA

Big 3 open preseason with victory

Miami — LeBron James and Chris Bosh more than picked up the slack after Dwyane Wade’s preseason debut came to a quick end.

And with that, a new era for the Miami Heat got off to a promising, but not perfect, start.

Bosh had 20 points, while James added 18, and the Heat beat the Detroit Pistons, 105-89, in a preseason opener Tuesday night.

Wade limped off the court just 3:17 into the game with a strained right hamstring. He went into the locker room shortly afterward, did not return, and though coach Erik Spoelstra said it wasn’t serious, Wade will be re-evaluated in about a week.

Boozer has surgery, out 2 months

Chicago — Chicago Bulls forward Carlos Boozer had surgery Tuesday on his fractured right hand and is expected to miss two months.

Source: Pistons to sell to Ilitch

Detroit — The Detroit Pistons have found a new owner and he knows Motor City sports.

The Pistons have decided to sell the team to Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings owner Mike Ilitch, a person involved with the process said Tuesday.

Auto Racing

Bowyer’s point deduction upheld

Concord, N.C. — Richard Childress Racing lost its last bid Tuesday to overturn Clint Bowyer’s championship-ending penalty.

NASCAR chief appellate officer John Middlebrook ruled Bowyer will not get back the 150 points he was docked after his winning car at New Hampshire on Sept. 19 failed inspection.