Trade Talks Involve Wells

The Clippers have talked to the Memphis Grizzlies about making a trade for veteran guard Bonzi Wells, Wells’ agent said Thursday.

The Grizzlies, who hold an $8-million option on Wells’ contract, are trying to trade him before they have to decide whether to exercise it. If unable to move him, they’re expected to waive him, making him an unrestricted free agent.

“I think the Clippers’ interest is in both areas,” said Wells’ agent, William Phillips. “I know that they have room under the [salary] cap to sign him, and I know that they’ve also talked to Memphis about a trade.”

Meanwhile, Marko Jaric’s agent indicated that the Clippers were open to putting together a sign-and-trade deal involving the restricted free agent.

“The Clippers made it clear that they’re very interested in re-signing Marko,” Bill Duffy said, “but on the other hand they would not stand in his way if there was a great situation that was mutually beneficial to the Clippers and to Marko.”

Jaric has drawn interest from several teams despite sitting out 56 games the last two seasons, most because of foot injuries. He was scheduled to visit Cleveland today to meet with the Cavaliers, but his trip was changed to Monday, Duffy said. The agent said Jaric would stop in Denver to meet with the Nuggets.

It’s uncertain what the Clippers might offer in exchange for Wells, who has averaged 12.7 points and made 34.4% of his three-point shots in seven NBA seasons but wore out his welcome with the Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies removed him from the team during the playoffs last spring.

The Clippers have only seven players under contract for next season and do not own a first-round pick in next year’s draft. They would not part with Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Chris Kaman or Shaun Livingston, probably leaving Chris Wilcox, Quinton Ross and Lionel Chalmers available to trade.

The Sacramento Kings reportedly are trying to trade for Wells, presumably to make him their starting shooting guard. He would be a backup with the Clippers, playing behind Maggette and soon-to-be-signed free agent Cuttino Mobley.

Wells, of course, would prefer to be waived by the Grizzlies, leaving him free to sign with a team of his choice and to negotiate a long-term deal.

“We would be guaranteed money for an extended period of time [as opposed to one season],” Phillips said, “but he’s not opposed to playing one year either.”

*

Coach Mike Dunleavy’s father, also named Michael, died Tuesday after suffering a stroke last spring. His funeral is Saturday in New York.