The Los Angeles Clippers have re-signed Benoit Benjamin, one month after the center briefly bolted the NBA for Italy.
General Manager Elgin Baylor said Thursday night that the deal includes a one-year contract, with the club holding an option for the 1990-91 season.Terms of the contract were not announced, but it was reported that Benjamin would receive more than $1.5 million for this season, including incentive bonuses. The pact could jump to $2 million for next season, when the base salary reportedly is increased to $1.5 million.
The contract includes a weight provision of 265 pounds. Benjamin weighed 289 when he recently took a physical.
The 7-foot Benjamin, a restricted free agent at the end of last season, will join the team as soon as the contract is approved by the NBA. The Clippers complete a two-game Texas road trip with a game at Dallas tonight.
Coach Don Casey said he did not know if Benjamin would join the team tonight.
"I think he should get on a plane," Casey said. "But I don't know what his disposition is."
Casey said he welcomed the return of his regular center, and added that the acquisition of Harper and the imminent return of Danny Manning should solidify the Clippers at all positions.
Benjamin had turned down a similar deal on Oct. 16 and signed a one-year contract with Philips Milano of Italy. But four days later Benjamin was back in Los Angeles.