Clippers said to get Hill

The Clippers continued to put together an impressive roster, getting free-agent forward Grant Hill to agree to join the team Tuesday, according to NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

The Clippers still are working out the details on a two-year deal for the 6-foot-8 forward, but it’s expected to be done soon.

The Clippers could use the biannual exception that’s a maximum two-year deal for $3.875 million on Hill. Or they could use the veteran’s minimum that would be $1.3 million for a player such as Hill, who has 17 years of experience.

Hill, 39, would be the backup small forward behind Caron Butler. Hill shot 44.6% and averaged 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists in 28.1 minutes for the Suns last season.

Over his career, Hill has averaged 17.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

Hill was swayed to join the Clippers rather than the Lakers after he met with Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro in Las Vegas on Sunday, had dinner with Chauncey Billups recently in Las Vegas and had a phone conversation with Chris Paul.

The Clippers said they have used the NBA’s one-time amnesty provision on small forward Ryan Gomes. Gomes, waived just before the league’s 8:59 p.m. PDT Tuesday deadline, will make his entire $4-million salary, but it won’t count against the Clippers’ salary cap and luxury tax threshold.

Because the Phoenix Suns were not willing to participate in a sign-and-trade for Hill and Gomes, the Clippers were forced to waive Gomes, said NBA executives who were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter.

The Clippers also have had conversations with centers Darko Milicic and former UCLA player Ryan Hollins about being the fourth big man on the team.

Hollins is a 7-foot center who averaged 3.4 points and 2.3 rebounds for the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers last season. He is the preference of many inside the Clippers organization. The Clippers are looking at signing Hollins for the veteran’s minimum of $1.069 million for a player who has played six years in the NBA.

Milicic, another 7-footer, played for the Minnesota Timberwolves last season, averaging 4.6 points and 3.3 rebounds in 29 games. Minnesota used the league’s amnesty clause to waive Milicic this month.

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