Cassell to Denver?

[kriD]

Clippers guard says L.A. is first choice, but will listen to Denver's pitch

By Marc J. Spears
Denver Post Staff Writer

Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell can see himself back in Los Angeles next season, but he would be open to reuniting with coach George Karl as a Nugget.

Cassell will be a free agent in the offseason and said Thursday he would consider listening to a Nuggets sales pitch because of his connection to Karl. Cassell played for Karl in Milwaukee from 1999-2002, and they have maintained a strong relationship. The 13-year veteran made $6.1 million in the final year of his contract this season and would like to play two or three more seasons.

"I would like to stay here, but ... I know there are going to be some other teams that are going to make me an offer," Cassell said. "Maybe Denver. I think George Karl has really respected me even more because of my leadership abilities to get guys to come out and perform the way they are supposed to perform. That makes it so easy for a coach.I'd listen. I owe him that much respect. The Clippers are my first choice. They've got to be fair with me."

The Nuggets already have two guards signed to long-term contracts, Andre Miller and Earl Boykins, but could use a veteran leader. Cassell, who won two NBA titles with Houston, said he would be open to coming off the bench behind Miller. The Nuggets will be over the salary cap and could use their mid-level exception to re-sign forward Reggie Evans. The Los Angeles Lakers also are rumored to have interest in Cassell.

"My job here is to motivate our guys," said Cassell, 37. "That's why

you see me talking to my guys throughout the whole game."

Cassell averaged 17.2 points, 6.3 assists and 3.7 rebounds and played a big role in the Clippers making their first playoff appearance since 1997.

"I'm not going to comment other than Sam's a great player. I'm impressed at his longevity. It's incredible," said Karl, who later added, "Sam's just posturing."

Clippers general manager Elgin Baylor hopes to re-sign Cassell, but also will have another free agent in Vladimir Radmanovic this summer and can sign center Chris Kaman to a long-term extension.

"We'd like to have Sam back," Baylor said. "But you know, Sam has to make that decision. It's up to Sam. We'll certainly make every effort to have him back. We'd certainly love to have him back."

Said Cassell: "With what I've helped this organization and this team to accomplish, I just want to be treated to my value. That's what it's all about, getting paid for what you do on the basketball court."

[MavKikiNYC]

Helluva time to be talking contract.

[spreedom]

At least it's better than during the Finals! [/Larry Brown hate]

[MavKikiNYC]

Originally Posted by spreedom

At least it's better than during the Finals! [/Larry Brown hate]

True.

Although if Sam had been to the Finals in the last 10 years, he might deserve a little more leeway.

[dude1394]

I think that's part of the package you get with samIam. He's a really good player to bring in but he seems a little self-centered and gets sort of disruptive.

This is a horrible time to be talking contracts UNLESS you are trying to get more bucks. But he's also refreshingly honest and open when answering questions.

[Drbio]

On the gamecast last night he was rumored to be going across town to the fLakers.

[dude1394]

Originally Posted by Drbio

On the gamecast last night he was rumored to be going across town to the fLakers.

I think the lakers would be silly to do that. This has to continue to be kobe's and ONLY kobes' team.

[MavsFanFinley]

That's pathetic to talk about possibly playing for a new team during the playoffs. I don't care if it was the reporters who asked he could have said I'll worry about that once the playoffs are over.

[spreedom]

I think any team with a healthy Sam Cassell on it is better than a team without him. I almost think that if Jet gets too expensive, Sammy is the best option to replace him to give Devin one more healthy year to get acquainted with the NBA game.

[sixeightmkw]

yeah, already had this discussion. I wouldn't want someone on my team that is talking about who he is going to play for next year.

[rakesh.s]

he's probably looking for a 2 year 20 million deal.

This is just posturing and making him look like he is in high demand. That way, the atlantas and portlands of the world will throw their money at him.