Clippers free agency coup: Spencer Hawes for 23 mil. over four years

The Los Angeles Clippers pulled off what very well may be the coup of free agency so far (Shaun Livingston for the Warriors was a great move as well) by signing seven footer Spencer Hawes to a four year 23 million dollar deal.

Adrian Wojnarowski for Yahoo Sports:
Free-agent 7-footer Spencer Hawes has reached agreement on a four-year, $23 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

Hawes was determined to sign with a contender and his commitment to the Clippers on Friday becomes a tremendous coup for president and coach Doc Rivers.

After missing the playoffs in five of his seven NBA seasons, the chance to be surrounded with All-Star talents Chris Paul and Blake Griffin offers Hawes considerable opportunity to flourish with his deft inside-outside game.

The Clippers recruited Hawes hard for the full mid-level exception and worked with his agent, Greg Lawrence of Wasserman Media Group, on a deal that includes a player option for the fourth year and a 15 percent trade kicker, sources said.

This is especially significant because Hawes had originally been seeking something more in line with what Avery Bradley signed for with the Celtics.

It also solidifies what was an extremely thin front court for the Clippers last season.

As CBSSports.com reporter James Herbert reported earlier in the week:
The long-range accuracy is huge, as many teams believe someone will his skillset could be the missing piece of the puzzle. The seven-year veteran isn't a game changer, but he can open up the floor with his shooting. Defense is a problem because he's slow-footed, but unlike other stretch bigs, he can rebound.

Is he at the point of his career where he's willing to give a contender a discount? He made $6.6 million last season, and it's unlikely that teams like the Heat or the Clippers would be able to swing something like that. According to Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times, he is seeking $8 million annually. That's ... a lot.

The additional great news for Clipper fans is the Hawes signing does not rule out the reunion of former Celtic coach Doc Rivers with Celtic Hall of Famer Paul Pierce.

This also according to Wojnarowski:
The Clippers could still engage the Cavaliers on a sign-and-trade for Hawes, which could preserve Los Angeles' exception. The Clippers also have interest in Brooklyn free agent Paul Pierce.

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