Azubuike signs Clippers’ offer sheet

Golden State Warriors guard Kelenna Azubuike, a restricted free agent, signed an offer sheet with the Clippers on Thursday for a three-year deal worth $9 million. The Warriors have seven days to match it.

After obtaining center/forward Marcus Camby in a trade with the Denver Nuggets this week, the Clippers had about $3 million left under the salary cap for next season, an amount that would be depleted should they sign Azubuike.

The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Azubuike, who came from the University of Kentucky, has averaged 8.1 points, 3.4 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 122 games in his two NBA seasons, both with the Warriors.

Should he join the Clippers, he would be reunited with backcourt mate Baron Davis, who signed with the Clippers this month.

“He’s a hardworking kid,” Clippers Coach Mike Dunleavy said of Azubuike. “He shoots well, is a strong defender and has a good basketball IQ.”

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Steve Springer

Deron Williams’ agent, Bob McClaren, told the Salt Lake Tribune that the Utah Jazz point guard has agreed to a contract extension. The team has scheduled a news conference today.

According to league sources, Williams agreed to a three-year extension with a player option for the fourth year. The deal will pay Williams the maximum allowed by the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, and the earliest he can become a free agent would be the summer of 2012.