"The first call Kenyon Martin received came from former Denver Nuggets teammate Chauncey Billups, telling the 6-foot-9 power forward that the Clippers would be a nice fit. Then Clippers All-Star Chris Paul called Martin, reiterating that the Clippers would love to have his services.

This all came around the same time Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro and vice president of basketball operations Neil Olshey had met with Martin to express the team's interest.

Martin apparently was sold, because on Friday he signed a one-year, mini mid-level contract for $2.5 million to play for the Clippers.

Del Negro said Martin will provide the Clippers with quality depth in the frontcourt off the bench to help out All-Star power forward Blake Griffin, center DeAndre Jordan and Reggie Evans.

Del Negro said the plan was for Martin to to join the team in Orlando by Sunday or Monday.

Del Negro said he didn't think Martin would play in a game with the Clippers for a few days. When he does, Del Negro said, Martin will be the third big man on the team.

"He's a pro and I think he's going to fit in perfect for us," Del Negro said on the team's plane Friday before the Clippers flew to Washington to start a six-game trip that begins against the Wizards on Saturday.

"I've talked to him a lot and kind of explained everything and he's very comfortable with the situation. Now we've just got to get him in here and figure things out as we go forward.""