OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors signed Corey Maggette on Thursday, grabbing the Los Angeles Clippers’ leading scorer with a lucrative free-agent deal.
A person with knowledge of the deal previously told The Associated Press that Maggette is getting a five-year deal worth around $50 million to leave the Clippers, who signed Golden State’s Baron Davis on Thursday in an effective swap of high-scoring stars.
The Warriors made another aggressive move Thursday, signing Los Angeles Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf to an offer sheet. The Lakers have seven days to decide whether to match Golden State’s four-year, $17 million contract offer, which would boost Los Angeles’ payroll past the luxury tax.
Turiaf, who played at Gonzaga, averaged 6.6 points and 3.9 rebounds in 78 games with the Western Conference champions last year, starting 21 games. The three-year veteran also blocks shots and plays strong low-post defense, two of Golden State’s biggest problem areas.
Maggette, a 6-foot-6 swingman, is expected to be a good fit for Warriors’ coach Don Nelson’s frenetic, fast-paced style of play. The 28-year-old former Duke star appeared in 70 games last season with the Clippers, averaging 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists — all just off his career highs.
Davis opted out of a $17 million deal for next season to accept a smaller salary to play in his hometown with Elton Brand and perhaps Maggette, who both opted out of their own contracts with the Clippers. Brand then signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, spurning a larger offer from Golden State — but the Warriors moved swiftly to sign Maggette, who received interest from five other teams, including Boston and San Antonio.
Maggette is expected to fill voids left by the departure of swingman Mickael Pietrus to Orlando, and the loss of forward Matt Barnes, whom Nelson said won’t be back.
“He’s been one of the most productive players in our league for the last several years, and provides us with additional versatility and veteran leadership,” said Chris Mullin, the Warriors’ top basketball executive.
Veterans Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington are the only regulars currently under contract, but Mullin has said the team will sign high-scoring guard Monta Ellis and center Andris Biedrins — both restricted free agents — at any price, hopefully to long-term deals.
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