As expected, the Clippers on Saturday signed 7-foot center Chris Kaman to a three-year contract, plus a one-year option, worth about $6 million.

Kaman was the sixth overall pick in last month's NBA draft after averaging 22.4 points and 12 rebounds during his junior season at Central Michigan.

If the Clippers do not re-sign unrestricted free agent Michael Olowokandi, Kaman could battle for the starting center position during training camp in October.

Olowokandi is eligible to sign with a new team or rejoin the Clippers on Wednesday. The Denver Nuggets, who have $18 million to spend on free agents, are his first choice.

Meanwhile, the agent for guard Corey Maggette told the Denver Post that an Internet report that the Nuggets have agreed with his client on a six-season contract worth $42 million was untrue. Maggette had a two-hour meeting with Denver executives two weeks ago.