Clippers Deny Trade in Works

The Clippers denied a published report that they are trying to acquire All-Star forward Larry Johnson from the Charlotte Hornets.

The Charlotte Observer reported in Tuesday’s editions that the Hornets are trying to trade Johnson, due to earn $71 million over the next nine seasons, to the Clippers for forwards Loy Vaught and Rodney Rogers.

“There has been absolutely no discussion between the two teams of this transaction nor any contemplation of it on our part,” Clipper spokesman Joe Safety said.

“I can’t explain why such a rumor exists, but I can say that anyone suggesting that it is true is badly misinformed.”

Johnson has a clause in his contract that pays him 15% of the remaining value of his contract as a trade “bonus.”