2.03.2018

Cassell Buyout Hits Snag

2/27/2008

Cassell Buyout Hits Snag

An NBA source said yesterday that Clippers owner Donald Sterling does not seem interested in buying out the final year of guard Sam Cassell's contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, has given the Clippers a deadline of Saturday to complete the buyout so the 6-foot-3-inch, two-time NBA champion would be eligible for another team's postseason roster. Cassell is being paid $6.1 million this season, and is believed to be owed about one-third of that total.

The NBA source said the Celtics and possibly the Nuggets, both over the salary cap, would be interested in Cassell if he is bought out prior to Saturday's deadline. Both teams could only offer a prorated amount of the veteran's minimum, around $1.2 million. Falk didn't respond to an e-mail yesterday and couldn't be reached by phone.

Cassell, 38, is averaging 12.8 points and 4.7 assists this season. He has said he would have no problem backing up starting point guard Rajon Rondo if he came to Boston. Celtics general manager Danny Ainge has said he is interested in finding the "right veteran point guard."

Another NBA source said free agent guard Brent Barry, who cleared waivers yesterday, is still considering Boston. Barry also is considering the Spurs, but he can't re-sign with his former team for another three weeks. The Celtics are also believed to be interested in free agent guard Flip Murray, who cleared waivers yesterday.

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