It’s Working Out for Radmanovic

SALT LAKE CITY — Forward Vladimir Radmanovic wanted a fresh start, and the Clippers needed help, so they decided to try things together.

The Clippers sent inconsistent forward-center Chris Wilcox to the Seattle SuperSonics on Feb. 14 for Radmanovic, a 6-foot-10 long-range specialist who can become a free agent after the season.

It’s early, but so far so good.

After a bad experience in Seattle, Radmanovic says he’s enjoying life in Los Angeles, and the Clippers are pleased with his consistent three-point shooting. They’re counting on Radmanovic to produce down the stretch in a playoff push, and that’s fine with him.

“That’s why I’m here,” Radmanovic said. “All the guys have been good to me, so it’s been a quick transition, and I just appreciate everything they’ve done for me ... because it’s all about confidence in this league.

“I kind of struggled with my old team before I came here, and that was one of the main reasons I decided to change my environment and try to do something different with my career. It’s getting better.”

Radmanovic said he felt underappreciated in four-plus seasons in Seattle, among the reasons he rejected a reported six-year, $42-million offer before the season and signed a one-year contract.

Frustrated about his role as a reserve and playing time, Radmanovic privately clashed with SuperSonic coaches. He played a key role in helping Seattle win the Northwest Division title in the 2004-05 season, but the team struggled this season and Radmanovic wanted out.

“Winning makes everything perfect, everybody knows that, but we got away with some things last year that we didn’t this year,” he said of the SuperSonics’ decline. “We didn’t have the chemistry that we had last year.... It just wasn’t a good situation.

“When I refused a long-term contract with Seattle, I didn’t refuse because I wasn’t satisfied with what they were offering, I just wanted to be able to go wherever I want. That’s what was important to me.

“After a couple of bad months of Seattle, I just wanted to move on. I wanted to join a team that’s going to the playoffs.”

In seven games with the Clippers, Radmanovic is averaging 12 points while making 45.9% of his three-point attempts. He had five three-pointers Feb. 24 in a 102-83 victory over the Lakers at Staples Center.

The Clippers are expected to offer Radmanovic the mid-level exemption this summer, but he might receive more lucrative multiyear offers.

“Coming here has been pretty sweet for me,” he said. “Like I said, I’m just happy to be on a team that’s going to the playoffs, and helping this team is all I’m thinking about right now.”

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Although this season is the final guaranteed in Coach Mike Dunleavy’s contract, the Clippers are expected to exercise their $2.5 million option for the 2006-07 season.

But owner Donald T. Sterling might have to offer Dunleavy a significant raise if Sterling hopes to retain Dunleavy -- the 1999 NBA coach of the year -- beyond next season. Dunleavy has played a major role in the team’s improvement the last three seasons, team sources said, and he has a good working relationship with General Manager Elgin Baylor.