Clippers Haven’t Signed Benjamin

Benoit Benjamin’s expected return to the National Basketball Assn. was delayed at least a day when the free-agent center did not sign a contract with the Clippers Monday.

Alan Rothenberg, the Clippers’ general counsel, said there is a “decent chance” the fifth-year center could rejoin the team today. The sides met Monday but could not resolve the details that are preventing Benjamin from returning to the Clippers after his aborted move to the Italian League.

No one would comment on the results of Benjamin’s physical. Clipper physician Tony Daly said not all the information would be available until today. However, it is known that Benjamin, who played his best at 250 pounds late last season, weighed in at 283. Benjamin, who claims he can be effective at 260 or 265 pounds after off-season workouts, did show stamina in a 75-minute workout with Todd Person, the Clippers’ strength and conditioning coach.

Meanwhile, Coach Don Casey announced that guard Fred Cofield and forward Derrick Gervin had been cut. That puts the roster at 14, not including Benjamin and injured Danny Manning. The opening-day limit is 12. The Clippers are considering putting rookie guard Jay Edwards, who has yet to play because of tendinitis in the knee, on the injured list.