NBA Free Agency 2014: Clippers Sign C Spencer Hawes to 4-year, $23M Deal, Still Interested In Pierce

Former Washington Husky Spencer Hawes and the LA Clippers have agreed on a 4-year, $23 million deal, reports Adrian Wojnaroski.

Reports indicate the full mid-level exception deal has some interesting provisions: a player option for the fourth year, and a 15% trade kicker. This could allow the Clippers to make the deal a sign and trade from Cleveland, preserving their trade exception, which would allow last year's  Pacific Division champion to continue its pursuit of free agent guard Paul Pierce.

Hawes' impressive inside-outside game, somewhat reminiscent of former Sonics center Sam Perkins, would give the Clippers a perfect counterpoint to Blake Griffin's low-post game and add another offensive weapon alongside Griffin and All-Star point guard Chris Paul.

Hawes offered high praise for Clippers president and coach Doc Rivers, saying " The creativity that Doc allows his guys on the offensive end, how he installs things to take advantage of skill sets ... we will be able to do a lot of different things and create a lot of different matchups."

This signing could really pay dividends for the Clippers. Hawes was arguably the best free agent center on the market, and after losing point guard Darren Collison to the Sacramento Kings just a couple of days ago the club is now reportedly in pursuit of Lakers guard Jordan Farmar.

The Clippers are definitely looking to build on the success of last season, and Hawes is a great first step in that direction.