Ferry Is Traded; Benjamin on Board : Signing: Center’s contract could earn him as much as $1.7 million this season, and more than $2 million for 1990-91.

The Clippers and Benoit Benjamin signed a new contract Thursday, one that is similar to what the holdout center rejected weeks ago but one that is also quite a bit different.

It’s still for two seasons, with the Clippers holding the option on the second. And Benjamin still can earn better than $1 million in incentives alone, including money for staying in shape.

The package could be worth $1.7 million this season and better than $2 million for 1990-91, when the base salary will increase to $1.5 million. The final figure, of course, depends on the incentives Benjamin attains.

The details:

--The former first-round draft choice will get a base salary of $1 million, the same as last season. The Clippers’ original offer was $1.25 million, but they then backed down on guaranteed money, team sources said, after being told Benjamin weighed in at 289 pounds.

--The weight provision of 265 pounds remains as one of the incentive bonuses. But now, Benjamin can also be fined for going over. It is not known how often he will be weighed or how much money he could gain or lose with each trip to the scale. Both weight provision counts are a step backward for Benjamin, who could have had a better deal before an aborted jump to Italy.

The possibility for bonuses is wide ranging, starting with being in camp on Day 1 next season at a predetermined--but as yet unknown--weight. Money will also be determined by on-court matters: blocked shots, rebounds, making the All-Star team and the All-NBA team, to name a few.

The deal will become official when the NBA office gives its expected approval today, but Coach Don Casey said he did not know if Benjamin would join the team for tonight’s game at Dallas.

“I think he should get on a plane,” Casey said. “But I don’t know what his disposition is.”

Barry Mallen, part of Benjamin’s three-man negotiating team, said: “Both sides are happy. Benoit was really enthusiastic and he really can’t wait to play.”