SAN FRANCISCO, July 1 (AP) -- Baron Davis
is on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles
Clippers, a day after the point guard shocked the Golden State Warriors
by opting out of the final season of his contract to become a free
agent.
Though Davis refused to directly confirm an ESPN.com
report that he has agreed to sign with Golden State's Pacific Division
rivals, he left no doubt about his upcoming move to Southern California.
Davis
already was speaking about the Warriors in the past tense Tuesday night
before attending the private Bay Area premiere of "Made in America,'' a
documentary he produced about gang life in his native Los Angeles.
"It's
tough, but you have to do what's best,'' said Davis, his usually bushy
beard trimmed short. "You have to do what's fair. I'm happy with where
I'm going. A big reason is because of the impact and the things that I
can do going forward. I knew I could have done them here and created
all kinds of good things and positive things in the community, and
ultimately, me going home helps me make an impact on young kids.''
The
29-year-old Davis, a former UCLA star who has never made a secret of
his desire to play in his hometown, averaged 21.8 points, 7.6 assists
and 4.7 rebounds while playing in all 82 games last season for the
Warriors, who finished with 48 wins - the best record by a non-playoff
team in recent NBA history. A year earlier, Davis was the catalyst for
Golden State's trip to the second round of the playoffs, ending a
12-season postseason drought and including a stunning upset of
top-seeded Dallas in the first round.
On Monday, Davis surprised
the Warriors and most league observers by opting out of the final year
of his long-term contract, turning down $17.8 million for next season
to become an unrestricted free agent. The Clippers were quick to
pounce, offering a long-term deal to the oft-injured, playmaking point
guard who helped transform the Warriors' fortunes in just 3 1/2 seasons
with the club.
Clippers forward Elton Brand
also opted out of his contract on Monday, but Los Angeles is expected
to make a strong push to sign the veteran forward. And Brand
immediately expressed his desire to stay with the Clippers.
With
Davis and Brand, the Clippers would have a talented core - albeit a
middle-aged group by NBA standards, and one with significant injury
histories.
Ne mogu da vjerujem da je ipak istina, neko me je ukleo.