Impressed with Corey Maggette's transformation into a playmaker late this season, the Clippers hope to re-sign the veteran forward to a multiyear contract extension, The Times has learned.

Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling recently reaffirmed his determination to keep Maggette after his contract ends in the 2008-09 season, team sources said, pledging the resources to retain the player who had a key role in a late push for a playoff berth that fell short on the regular season's last day.

The development is significant because Maggette ? almost sent to the Indiana Pacers for Ron Artest in the 2005-06 season ? is considered one of the few players on the roster who has substantial trade value, and the Clippers' preference to move forward with him indicates their salary-cap situation might deter them from making any major moves this summer.