Decision due today on Richardson
The Clippers must either match the six-year, $42 million offer sheet or let the guard go to Phoenix.
By ART THOMPSON III
The Orange County Register
LOS ANGELES – Coach Mike Dunleavy said the Clippers plan to match the Phoenix Suns' six-year, $42 million offer sheet to guard Quentin Richardson.
But Dunleavy said late Tuesday night that plan could change.
"Obviously, tomorrow night will be it," Richardson said. "I'm still hoping that they don't match and that I'll get to go to Phoenix. I love the way the situation would be for me there."
New Jersey has been trying to trade guard Kerry Kittles and has had talks with the Clippers. The Nets reportedly offered Kittles to the Clippers for swingman Bobby Simmons and a future draft pick. The Clippers turned down that. Kittles, 30, averaged 13.1 points and four rebounds this past season.
"I heard that they were talking to New Jersey and if that trade took place, then I'd be able to go to Phoenix," Richardson said. "But I still don't know anything."
Dunleavy said the Clippers are working on ways to restock their roster. Currently, just seven players are under contract. Free agent forward Samaki Walker worked out Tuesday. Walker and Zeljko Rebraca are the only veteran free agents the Clippers have worked out.It is expected the Clippers will sign at least two players from their summer-league team, one being guard Quinton Ross.
Kittles is in the final year of his contract and is scheduled to make $10,266,667 in the 2004-05 season.
The Clippers could decide to not match the Suns offer sheet on Richardson, take on Kittles for one season, then jettison him next summer, which would provide salary-cap room for a run at next summer's free agents. Because they are under the salary cap, the Clippers could seal the deal by sending the Nets one or two future draft picks.www.ocregister.com/ocr/20...183851.php