Yup, it is finally happening. Marc Spears reports:
Los Angeles Clippers point guard Sam Cassell is expected to sign buyout papers with the franchise with an hour and he will sign with the Boston Celtics once he clears waivers, according to an NBA source.
Cassell and the Clippers have agreed to buyout terms and is expected to receive some of the money remaining on his $6.1 salary this season.
Once the 38-year old's buyout is official, he has to clear waivers within 48 hours so he can become eligible to sign with another team.
UPDATE: It's official, via Clippers.com:
The Los Angeles Clippers today waived point guard Sam Cassell.
In 38 games played this season, Cassell averaged 12.8 points, 4.7 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 25.7 minutes per game. In his 15th NBA season, Cassell had missed the last four games with a sprained right wrist while missing 12 games earlier in the season with a strained left calf.
"After weighing all of the options and after conversations with Sam we believe this is the best solution for this team," stated Vice President of Basketball Operations Elgin Baylor. "We know and appreciate the many contributions Sam made during the last three years, and we wish him nothing but the best."
Great, great news. He still needs to clear waivers, but that should (hopefully) be a formality. -R.H.
UPDATE #2: Ernie Johnson on TNT reports (via David Aldridge) that Sam I Am will sign with the Celtics on Monday -G17