Bobby Simmons is set to become the NBA's Most Improved Player, which comes at a perfect time for the Clippers' forward, as he is set to become an unrestricted free-agent.

"It's a very high priority, as far as I'm concerned," Coach Mike Dunleavy told a small group of reporters Monday. "I'm hopeful that he's happy here, that he's enjoyed playing with the Clippers and wants to stay."

Simmons was signed by the Clippers to a two-year, $1.575-million contract in 2003.