<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Cassell is an unrestricted free-agent, which means the Clippers cannot begin contract negotiations with him until July 1. Cassell said the minimum he would accept would be a two-year deal. He did not specify monetary terms. He was paid $6.19million this season in the final year of his contract, which the Clippers assumed after acquiring him and a conditional first-round draft pick from the Minnesota Timberwolves for guards Marko Jaric and Lionel Chalmers. Cassell wants to return. That sentiment is shared by Coach Mike Dunleavy and Elgin Baylor, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations, both of whom stated Tuesday that they wanted to re-sign Cassell. "I want to be here," Cassell said. "But I want to know on July 1 where I'm going to be." Cassell said his concern is not just for him but also Dunleavy and center Chris Kaman, both of whom are in line for contract extensions. "I hope they do the right thing for everybody, not just me," Cassell said. "Right now, the fans are not going to tolerate this. They got a heck of a taste this year. They got a big gulp. They're not going to sit back, if management doesn't do the right thing." But Cassell will have other bidders. "I know for a fact that there will be teams out there that will make me an offer," Cassell said. "But I want to come back here, and if Mike Dunleavy was signing the checks, I know I'd be back." Dunleavy believes Cassell can play several more seasons before he fulfills his quest to become a coach. "I want to be compensated for what I do on the basketball court," Cassell said. "If they try to use my age against me, which they probably will but it doesn't matter. I don't play like I'm an old, torn down player. If you list the point guards in the league from one to 10, I'm in the top 10." </div> link: http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/sport...cle_1155085.php
Cassell most likely will stay in Clipper Land. If they let him go, they can pretty much kiss the playoffs next year goodbye. I feel Livingston benefits greatly from playing and pratcticing with a great and expereinced veteran like Cassell. I would seriously doubt that the Clips would be the same without Sam, he's their on-floor and vocal leader.
I wouldn't call Sam their on the floor leader, but he is their vocal leader. When want to win, they should feed Brand. He has the talent to be the best big in the league. I think they can survive without Sam next year. Livingston has matured and learned from Sam, they have Mobley, possibly Maggette, Kaman, Brand. This isn't the Clippers that were the laughing stock of the league. A lot of their players have matured and turned into impact players, which has made an obvious impact on their win total.
Still, I think the Clippers organization owes Sam a good 2-year contract. Sam has 180'd the Clippers in one year. Wouldn't you want Sam Cassell to retire from playing in your organization? The Clippers surviving without Cassell? Sure. Livingston and Brand are great to build around, and I think the Clippers are pretty solid with almost any combination of players with Livingston and Brand(and not to forget Cat). It's really up to Sam. It is possible that a team offers him a lot of money for two years and he takes the offer and leaves LA(unless the Lakers grab him). Him leaving Clipperland would benefit Livingston the most as he will get to spread his wings and get the minutes.
