Associated Press
SAN FRANCISCO ó Baron Davis was on the verge of signing a long-term deal with the Los Angeles Clippers one 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.
Davis already was speaking about the Warriors in the past tense Tuesday before attending the private Bay Area premiere of iMade in America,î a documentary he produced about gang life in his native Los Angeles.
iItís tough, but you have to do whatís best,î said Davis, his usually bushy beard trimmed short. iYou have to do whatís fair. Iím happy with where Iím 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.î
Clippers forward Elton Brand also opted out of his contract on Monday, but he immediately expressed his desire to stay with the Clippers.
BOBCATS
CHARLOTTE ó Charlotte has declined to pick up a team option on forward Othella Harrington, making him an unrestricted free agent.
The move was no surprise after Harrington missed 71 games in two seasons with the Bobcats due to two surgeries on his left knee. Harrington played in only 22 games last season. He averaged 2.1 points and 1.9 rebounds.
The Bobcats also arenít expected to re-sign unrestricted free agents Derek Anderson and Earl Boykins. Charlotte has nine players under contract, not counting draft picks D.J. Augustin, Alexis Ajinca and Kyle Weaver and restricted free agents Emeka Okafor and Ryan Hollins.
NBA Referees
NEW YORK ó The NBA hired Army Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Johnson as senior vice president of referee operations, a newly created position.
The move splits executive vice president of basketball operations Stu Jacksonís role into two positions. Johnson will oversee all aspects of officiating, while Jackson will continue to handle all other domestic and international basketball matters.
Johnson recently retired after 32 years of service as a combat engineer. He was commanding general of the Army Corps of Engineers, Gulf Region division, from 2003-04, responsible for overseeing $18 billion of reconstruction in Iraq.
SPURS
SAN ANTONIO ó Brent Barry opted out of his contract and became a free agent. Jacque Vaughn, exercised his option, meaning heíll be under contract through next season.
Raptors
MADRID, Spain ó Jose Calderon reached a ipreliminary agreementî to remain with Toronto for another season.
BLAZERS
PORTLAND, Ore. ó Portland has reached an agreement to sign Spanish guard Rudy Fernandez.