Clippers Make a Play for Mavericks’ Wang

On the opening day of training camp, the Clippers signed restricted free-agent center Wang Zhizhi to a three-year offer sheet believed to be worth $6 million. The Dallas Mavericks have 15 days to match the offer or let Wang go to the injury-depleted Clippers, who suddenly need depth up front.

Dallas owner Mark Cuban wasn’t immediately certain what his team would do. Donnie Nelson, the team’s vice president, told the Fort Worth Star Telegram, “We’re not going to lose him outright. We are trying to come to some win-win situation.”

Nelson indicated the Mavericks would be interested in working out a sign-and-trade deal with the Clippers.

But that’s not possible under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Wang cannot be part of any trade between the Clippers and Mavericks for the next 12 months. Even if Dallas matches the Clippers’ offer sheet, the Mavericks cannot trade Wang until Dec. 15. What’s more, Wang has the right to veto any trade for the next year.

Wang, 25, figured to be the odd-man out in Dallas, what with the 7-foot-1 native of China competing for playing time with Dirk Nowitzki, Raef LaFrentz, Popeye Jones and Shawn Bradley.

Last season, Wang averaged 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds in 55 games with the Mavericks. He did not join China’s team at the World Championship but spent most of the off-season in Los Angeles. He played for the Golden State Warriors’ summer league team at Long Beach State, which is where Clipper General Manager Elgin Baylor got an eyeful of him.

“I like his size, his ability to shoot outside,” Baylor said. “Watching him this summer, I liked his whole game. There are a lot of things we like about him. We’ll wait and see what happens.”

If Wang becomes a Clipper, he could be a valuable addition. Power forward Elton Brand is expected to be sidelined for at least three weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee last week. Small forward Lamar Odom continues to rehabilitate a badly sprained right ankle and is not expected to play until at least December.

“I’m always trying to get good players,” Baylor said when asked if Wang could be the short-term replacement the Clippers need during training camp and the early part of the season. “You’re always looking for size.”

Baylor envisioned Wang playing closer to the basket with the Clippers than he did with the free-flowing Mavericks. “With his size, there’s no reason he couldn’t play in the low post,” Baylor said. “He’s good on the boards.”

Clipper Coach Alvin Gentry also admires Wang’s game.

“We wouldn’t have signed him if I wasn’t a fan,” Gentry said. “He’s a good shooter. We can run the screen and roll with him. But make no mistake, we’ve got to have Lamar and Elton out on the floor if we’re going to be successful.”

Meanwhile, the Mavericks signed Milwaukee restricted free-agent guard Michael Redd to a three-year offer sheet, which the Bucks are expected to match.

Asked to guess whether the Mavericks would retain Wang, Gentry said, “I can’t answer that. Ask Mark Cuban. They have to decide what’s important to them. But if we can add him to our team it will be a big addition.”