Los Angeles: The Clippers completed an impressive week of deals by getting the backup point guard they needed.
Free-agent guard Darren Collison and the Clippers verbally agreed to a two-year deal on Saturday, said NBA executives who were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter.
Collison will get the rest of the mid-level exception the Clippers had left over after giving a portion of it to Matt Barnes.
Collison’s salary for the 2013-14 season will be $1.9 million (Dh6.97 million). He’ll have an opt-out clause he could exercise after the season.
The Clippers started last week with Chris Paul agreeing Monday to a five-year, $107.3-million deal.
They then acquired shooting guard J.J. Redick from the Milwaukee Bucks and small forward Jared Dudley from the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday and got Barnes to agree on Friday to return.
None can sign contracts until Wednesday, when the NBA lifts its moratorium on free-agent signings.
The Clippers needed a backup point guard after trading point guard Eric Bledsoe and small forward Caron Butler to the Suns.
Collison, 25, started 49 games last season for the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 12.0 points, 5.1 assists and 1.2 steals in 29.3 minutes. He made 47.1% of his shots, 35.3% of his three-pointers.
Over his four-year career, Collison has averaged 12.1 points, 5.2 assists and 1.1 steals. He has made 46.3% of his field goals, 36.0% of his three-pointers.
He’s an 86.2% free-throw shooter.
The 6-foot Collison, who played at UCLA, will be Paul’s backup.
Collison and Paul were teammates on the New Orleans Hornets during the 2009-10 season.
Collison, drafted in the first round in 2009 (25th overall), started 37 games during his rookie year when Paul was out with injuries.
Collison, who attended Etiwanda High, is quick and a good defender.
The Clippers are also interested in bringing back big men Ronny Turiaf and Ryan Hollins.
