Author: John Paulsen (Page 694 of 937)

He can’t sign on the dotted line until July 9th, but Baron Davis has a verbal agreement in place to join the Los Angeles Clippers.

Sources told ESPN.com that Davis, 29, will receive a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million.

“It’s tough, but you have to do what’s best,” said Davis, his usually bushy beard trimmed short below large black-rimmed glasses. “You have to do what’s fair. I’m happy with where I’m going. A big reason is because of the impact and the things that I can do going forward. I knew I could have done them here and created all kinds of good things and positive things in the community, and ultimately, me going home helps me make an impact on young kids.”

He cited only vague reasons for the decision Tuesday night, but Davis could have been upset by Nelson’s recent vows to play the Warriors’ young players more next season, even at the expense of a few victories.

What a difference 48 hours makes. Just two days ago, it looked as if Davis would play out the final year of his contract with Golden State. Now, his decision to opt out plus his decision to sign with the Clippers may have a ripple effect throughout the league. What if Gilbert Arenas decides to take the Warriors’ offer? Will Elton Brand agree to a slight pay cut to remain in L.A. or will his camp push for a trade with Miami despite the Davis signing? Where is Corey Maggette going to land?

I like the signing by the Clippers, but it all depends on Davis’ health. He has missed significant time in the past, but $13 million a season is worth it for a healthy Baron Davis. His numbers are likely to take a dip as the Clippers play at a much slower pace than the Warriors do. With Maggette likely gone (unless he’s willing to sign a deal for the mid-level, which is a possibility in this tough market) there is a hole at shooting guard. Cuttino Mobley is under contract, but his game seems to be on the decline. The team drafted Eric Gordon to fill that role, but there’s no telling if the rookie is ready for prime time. One possibility to would be to offer Denver’s J.R. Smith a mid-level deal. That would produce a formidable lineup of Davis, Smith, Al Thornton, Brand and Chris Kaman. Offensively, that’s a very solid group.

If not, Gordon is going to have to grow up quickly.

Maybe I should be an agent.

Ever since Ron Artest publicly stated that he did not intend to opt out, I questioned the decision. Why play out the final year of a contract that pays $7.4 million when you could (at worst) sign a five-year deal at the mid-level for almost $34 million? Now, after Elton Brand and Baron Davis decided to opt out, Artest regrets his decision to stay in Sacramento.

“I don’t see myself with [the] Kings beyond 2008-09… I think I made the biggest mistake by staying in my contract and I have to live with it,” Artest said. “I had some misleading information [in making the] decision on not opting out.”

I realize that Artest’s skills make him worth much more than the mid-level, which would pay around $6.5 M per season, but his off the court issues make him a risky proposition. It is doubtful that even next summer, when there are a number of teams projected to have salary cap flexibility, that any title contender is going to pony up $10 million-plus for Artest. Why not take the guaranteed $34 million and pick your destination?

Since he has a very favorable contract and is still playing at a high level, it’s very likely that Artest will be traded before next season’s trade deadline. But he’s lost control over his destiny.