One more year

Olowokandi accepts Clippers' qualifying offer

Michael Olowokandi averaged a career-high 11.1 points and 8.9 rebounds last season. Robert Mora/NBAE/ Getty Images

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Restricted free agent Michael Olowokandi has accepted the one-year qualifying offer of about $6.1 million extended by the Los Angeles Clippers nearly three months ago.

Negotiations on a long-term deal stalled last week, and the 7-foot, 270-pound center will become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

"I'm looking forward to getting to work," the 27-year-old said in a statement issued by the team Monday. "We have a very good team, and I'm excited to get the season under way."

Olowokandi averaged 11.1 points, 8.9 rebounds and 1.8 blocked shots last season -- his fourth with the Clippers, who made him the first overall pick in the 1998 pick. He averaged 13.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots in 77 career games at the University of Pacific.

"We expect that Michael will work hard to continue to improve, and that he will be prepared to make a big contribution to our team's success this year," said Elgin Baylor, the Clippers' vice president of basketball operations.

 

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