The Phoenix Suns have reached agreement with restricted free-agent Quentin Richardson on an offer sheet that will pay the 24-year-old, fourth-year guard between $48 and $50 million. The contract includes incentives.
The Clippers will have 15 days to match after Richardson officially signs. Richardson is one of the best shooting guards available in free agency and was one of the Nuggets' targets. The Nuggets have pulled back while pursuing other two-guard options in free agency.
Last season, Clippers Elton Brand, Lamar Odom, and Corey Maggette signed offer sheets and the Clippers matched the offers on Brand and Maggette. The Clippers may not open their checkbook again this summer unless it's for Kobe Bryant.
The Suns had originally targeted Hedo Turkoglu but he accepted an offer from the Orlando Magic today for a much greater sum.
If the Suns successfully acquire Richardson, he will be joined in the backcourt by another free-agent signee, Steve Nash, who bolted the Mavericks for Phoenix last week.