Now Clippers Are Trying to Net Gill : Pro basketball: Deal with Hornets could be in works if team can work out contract. Roberts has big game in 123-116 victory over Kings.

Continuing to discuss blockbuster deals with the NBA’s trading deadline approaching, the Clippers received permission to talk with the agent for Kendall Gill and got a very positive response from the Charlotte Hornet star, sources said.

One person close to the situation confirmed that Tuesday, when the Clippers struggled past the Sacramento Kings, 123-116, before 10,206 at the Sports Arena as Stanley Roberts had a career-high 16 rebounds, a season-best six blocked shots and 18 points.

It is not known when the Clippers spoke with agent Arn Tellem, but the feedback, according to the source, was that “Kendall has expressed an interest to play for the Clippers.” Tellem and team officials declined comment.

Gill’s thoughts are an important consideration since he will be a restricted free agent at the end of the season if he follows through with a plan to use an escape clause. Clipper interest would be greatly reduced if he had no intention of staying long term.

The Hornets and Clippers have discussed a swap in which Gill, a versatile third-year guard with a very promising future, would come to Los Angeles in exchange for Danny Manning. Nothing is imminent, both sides insist, and Charlotte management has gone so far as to say they don’t expect any trade, but the latest development suggests a deal will be easier to consummate if final details are worked out before Thursday’s 6 p.m. deadline.

The other holdup remains, though. Charlotte does not want to acquire Manning, who will also became a restricted free agent this summer, if he will simply sign a qualifying offer and then leave after 1993-94 as an unrestricted free agent. Manning’s agent, Ron Grinker, said the Clippers have given permission to talk with only Seattle and Minnesota.

These developments came as the Clippers continue to consider several trade possibilities, including one that would bring Dennis Rodman from the Detroit Pistons. But, team officials said, no deal is imminent.

“It’s no secret we have been actively involved trying to talk to people,” Coach Larry Brown said. “Everyone has called us. But I don’t think we’re any closer (to a trade) today than we were three months ago.”

The victory over the Kings was sparked by a franchise-record 17 blocked shots.

Ron Harper scored 12 of his 25 points during the final 5 1/2 minutes to help the Clippers blunt a Sacramento rally.

Ken Norman, in his return after missing six games with chickenpox, was also back in the opening lineup. He reported no problems with fatigue after practicing 90 minutes on Monday, which, in addition to John Williams not playing because of a strained lower back, was enough to earn Norman the start.

“You don’t realize how much you miss this game until you’re away for a while,” Norman said before playing for the first time since Feb. 6, also against Sacramento at the Sports Arena. “I missed waking up at 5 (p.m.), catching the bus and being at the arena by 6.”

The Clippers led by as many as 12 points during the first half, 50-38, Sacramento passed them in the third quarter, 71-69, but the Clippers moved back into the lead heading into the fourth quarter, 92-89.

Norman finished with 14 points.

Clipper Notes

Phoenix continues as a player in the Danny Manning trade talks, but not a very viable one. The Suns, in no hurry to shake up a roster that has produced the league’s best record, is offering only reserves--some combination of Cedric Ceballos, Negele Knight, Jerrod Mustaf and Oliver Miller. The same thing goes in the Suns’ discussions with Dallas for Jim Jackson and Detroit with Dennis Rodman. . . . As expected, the Clippers signed Lester Conner to a second 10-day contract before the game. . . . John Williams is day-to-day. The Clippers don’t play again until Friday at Golden State. . . . The Kings, already shorthanded because of injuries to Mitch Richmond and Duane Causwell, played without Anthony Bonner, who was in St. Louis attending to a family matter.

LAKERS: Coach Randy Pfund says he won’t rush things for the recently acquired Benoit Benjamin. C4