[excerpt] Jason Hart never wanted to become part of a saga.
He simply wanted to know his status, to know why he wasn't playing or whether he would have a chance for a better opportunity. So when he received the news Wednesday night that he would be released from the Kings and, if all went as planned, eventually join the Clippers, it was the joyful conclusion to a bad situation.
"It's an opportunity, and you have to take advantage of the opportunity because they don't come around often," Hart said by telephone Thursday night. "I can't wait. I'm very, very excited. It's going to be exciting, a fresh start."
Hart was released Thursday afternoon. He flew with the Kings to Los Angeles, where Sacramento plays the Lakers tonight, only because it coincided with his next destination, as Hart expects to sign Tuesday with the Clippers. He must clear waivers first and would be free to sign Monday.
The need arose Monday, when Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston dislocated his left knee in a gruesome, season-ending injury. Hart's agent, Bill Neff, called the Clippers on Tuesday. Hart was let go on the final day when players must be released to qualify for a playoff roster should their team reach the postseason.
The deal was a buyout, with Hart forfeiting part of his salary to the Kings but expecting to make all of his money back with the Clippers. Although he wouldn't comment on the specific amounts that each team would pay, he said he would finish the season having made the same $1.6 million he was owed.
"One man's misfortune is another man's opportunity," Neff said. "I wish it didn't happen that way. I wish (Livingston) were playing because I hate to see that happen."
But Neff said he hated nothing more than the way he felt Hart was treated with the Kings and, specifically, by coach Eric Musselman. In mid-January, Neff went public with his complaints when he told The Bee of perceived mistreatment.
"The only thing I was disappointed by was the callous disregard that the coach had for Jason, the lack of respect he demonstrated towards Jason," Neff said. "In the end, as always, (Kings basketball president) Geoff (Petrie) helped rescue the situation and did the right thing. It's over. We move on. I just wish it didn't go that way."
"I'd like to thank God first, but myself, too, for keeping myself sane," Hart said. "It was hard, but I'm glad it looks like it'll work out."
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