Clippers Sign Smith for One Year

Free agent Charles Smith on Wednesday signed a one-year contract for $1.25 million to remain with the Clippers.

Smith was a free agent this summer, but apparently no team made him an offer because the Clippers said they would match any deal. He said he will not negotiate during the season and will become an unrestricted free agent after the 1992-93 season, when the Clippers will not have the right of first refusal.

Smith said he wanted to stay with the Clippers, but he broke off negotiations, saying--among other things--that he did not want to sign a contract only to be traded.

“They didn’t think I would do it, but I signed a one-year deal and sent a note to them stating that I will play the ‘92-93 season out and then I will seek employment elsewhere,” Smith said. “I told them I was walking directly at the end of the season.”

Smith has averaged 18.4 points and seven rebounds in his four pro seasons, though he slipped to 14.6 points and 6.1 rebounds last season, both personal lows, while hampered by an ailing knee.