Benjamin’s Agent Asks Clippers to Trade Holdout Center

Claiming Benoit Benjamin feels unappreciated after continued criticism, agent Henry Holmes Friday called on the Clippers to trade the holdout center.

“He would like to be traded,” Holmes said. “There are differences, not only financially, but philosophically, and it’s just not a good mix.”

Holmes’ comments echo those of Benjamin’s previous agent, Larry Fleisher, who died last spring. Benjamin, who had expressed a desire to remain in Los Angeles, could not be reached for comment. Although the Clippers still hold his rights as a restricted free agent, they would have to sign him before any deal could be made.

Holmes refused to discuss reports that the Italian team Philips Milano had contacted him about the fifth-year center. Benjamin’s name has been mentioned in the Italian press as a replacement for Marc Iavaroni, who recently had a career-threatening knee injury, along with Rick Mahorn and Keith Lee. But Ben Coleman, released by Philadelphia, appears the most likely candidate to go to Milan.