Artest is high on wish list

Sacramento Kings swingman Ron Artest could provide the boost the Clippers need to get things turned around this season.

The teams have discussed a potential trade that would send Corey Maggette to Sacramento for Artest, whom the Clippers tried to acquire last season from the Indiana Pacers.

Artest leads the NBA in steals at 2.47 a game and averages 16.4 points and 7.2 rebounds. He is considered among the top 15 players in the NBA, some scouts say, and is without peer defensively.

At 6 feet 7 and 260 pounds, Artest is capable of guarding forwards, centers and guards, and his versatility could provide more options for Coach Mike Dunleavy.

Moreover, sending Maggette to Sacramento would solve a problem for Dunleavy.

Maggette recently revealed that he does not “see eye to eye” with Dunleavy. The seven-year veteran is eager to start over elsewhere, and his relationship with Dunleavy is a source of frustration in the organization.

Dunleavy has taken the high road when asked about Maggette’s comments, saying he respects Maggette as a player, but team sources said Dunleavy is at his wits’ end with Maggette because of his poor defense and questionable decision-making.

Maggette, averaging 14.8 points, had averaged more than 20 points in the 2003-04 and 2004-05 seasons. General Manager Elgin Baylor has attempted to broker a truce between the two strong-willed men, sources said, but even Baylor is now resigned to trading Maggette because the Maggette-Dunleavy relationship is beyond repair.

Artest would bring baggage from his previous stops in Chicago, Indiana and Sacramento, but Dunleavy is said to be confident he could handle Artest. The Clippers need help, and Artest could be a difference-maker.

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jason.reid@latimes.com