Davis leaves Warriors for Clippers

Janny Hu, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

(07-01) 19:50 PDT — The Baron Davis Era in Oakland is over.

According to league sources, the free-agent guard has agreed in principle with the Clippers on a five-year contract worth about $65 million.

The deal, which cannot be finalized until July 9, comes less than 24 hours after Davis shocked the Warriors by opting out of the final year and $17.8 million left on his contract.

The Clippers would have to renounce their rights to free-agent forward Corey Maggette before signing Davis. The sources added that Clippers forward Elton Brand, who also opted out of his deal Monday night, is close to reaching a five-year deal for about $68 million to stay in Los Angeles.

Davis’ agent, Todd Ramasar, and the Warriors did not return calls Tuesday evening.

Though it appears Golden State will now lose its franchise guard for nothing, the Warriors will gain significant salary-cap room once Davis officially signs his new deal.

According to league sources, the team reached out to ex-Warrior Gilbert Arenas on Monday night and made it known that they would offer him a deal near the five-year maximum of $100 million.

Arenas, however, is believed to be leaning toward re-signing with the Wizards, leaving the Warriors without a starting point guard unless Monta Ellis – who is a restricted free agent – returns and is ready to become their primary ballhandler.

Davis, 29, joined the Warriors in a February 2005 trade. In 2007, he and coach Don Nelson (in the first year of his return to the team) led Golden State to its first playoff berth in 13 years. Davis played all 82 games of the regular season in 2007-08, the first time he had done so since 2001-02 with Charlotte. However, the Warriors did not make the playoffs.

Talks between Davis and the Warriors on an extension this summer broke down quickly, with the length of guaranteed years at issue rather than yearly salary. Davis’ camp wanted a five-year deal, according to league sources, while the Warriors were willing to only guarantee the first two years.