LOS ANGELES -- The Los Angeles Clippers dealt problem center Benoit Benjamin to the Seattle SuperSonics for center Olden Polynice and two future first-round draft choices Wednesday on the eve of the NBA's trading deadline.
The draft picks in 1991 and 1993 were acquired by Seattle from Phoenix in the Dec. 7 trade that sent forward Xavier McDaniel to the Suns for forward Eddie Johnson. The Clippers will have six first-round selections over the next three years.
Benjamin, who is making $1.75 million this season, can become an unrestricted free agent after this season. Should he leave the Sonics and sign with another team, they would receive no compensation.
There was no immediate word if Seattle has begun negotiations with Benjamin. During a news conference Tuesday, the 7-foot, 260-pounder said he was seeking a big contract.
'Guards now are making $2.6 (million a season), forwards are making $3.1,' he said. 'I mean, centers should be well over the $4-million mark. That's just the reality.'
Benjmain, 26, has played in 39 of Los Angeles' first 50 games this year. He has spent his entire six-year pro career with the Clippers and this season is averaging 14.9 points, 12 rebounds -- fourth-best in the league -- and 2.3 blocked shots a game.
Polynice, a former standout at Virginia, is in his fourth NBA season. Serving as a backup recently to Shawn Kemp and Michael Cage, the lanky 7-footer is averaging 8.3 points and 5.6 rebounds in 20 minutes a game.
'Olden Polynice is a hard-working, enthusiastic player and we are looking forward to having him in the Clippers' organization,' Los Angeles General Manager Elgin Baylor said. 'Acquiring Polynice and having six first-round draft choices over the next three years gives us more flexibility to improve our team.'
In 1985, Benjamin left Creighton with one year of eligibility remaining and was made the No. 3 overall pick by the Clippers. But he never reached his potential in Los Angeles, averaging 13.1 points and 8. 4 rebounds over his first five NBA seasons.
Benjamin has been criticized at times for not playing hard and being out of shape. He once could not play in a game because he brought two left shoes with him.
Entering Wednesday night's home game against Phoenix, the Clippers were 16-34 and seven games behind Seattle in the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. They have not made the playoffs since 1976 when they were the Buffalo Braves.
The Sonics, who lost at Philadelphia Tuesday night, are 23-27.
