The Journal Times Online - Racine, Wisconsin

BY GERY WOELFEL

Since the commencement of free agency in the NBA on July 1, it's been generally assumed the New York Knicks were the frontrunners for Ramon Sessions.

That might not be the case anymore.

The Los Angeles Clippers have intensified their interest in Sessions and appear on the brink of making a strong pitch for him.

The scuttlebutt around the NBA is the Clippers and Bucks are discussing a sign-and-trade scenario with Sessions, a restricted free agent, being the central figure.

The Clippers would ideally like to include point guard Sebastian Telfair in the deal, and have also tossed out some other possibilities, including a draft pick.

If the Clippers can't come to an agreement with the Bucks on a sign-and-trade arrangement, there are growing indications they'll extend an offer sheet to Sessions.

Sessions, 23, is generally considered the best available point guard on the free agent market. A lowly second-round draft pick in the 2007 draft, Sessions has already shown in his brief pro career that he can be an explosive scorer and reliable playmaker.

In a game against the Detroit Pistons last season, Sessions erupted for 44 points.

Two seasons ago, as a rookie, Sessions registered 24 assists against the Chicago Bulls, setting a franchise record.

Sessions averaged 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in 79 games for the Bucks last season. He was particularly impressive down the stretch, averaging a double-double -- 14 points and 10.4 assists -- over the final seven games.

What's more, the 6-foot-3 Sessions turned the ball over only 20 times in that span.

Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy has a high regard for Sessions -- as does Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni -- and especially likes Sessions' ability to protect the basketball.

The Clippers and Bucks are expected to resume conversations about Sessions today, although it's unlikely any agreement will be reached.

The Knicks also remain interested in Sessions, but are attempting to trade a player to free up more money to sign him.

There have also been rumblings the Sacramento Kings have recently inquired about Sessions. However, the extent of the Kings' interest isn't known.