Category: NBA (Page 443 of 595)

Okay, he doesn’t have to re-sign with the Clippers, but he needs to.

As more details come out about Brand’s situation, it has become clear that when Brand elected to opt out of the final year of his contract, he and the Clippers had an understanding about how the team would proceed in free agency.

From the LA Times…

When reached by phone Monday shortly after choosing to become a free agent, [Brand] referred to the Clippers as “we” and said that he would like the Clippers to land a player “solid at the point guard spot,” before he would agree to re-sign with them.

At that time Falk said that Brand’s decision to opt out had partly been made to allow the Clippers breathing space under the salary cap to sign an impact free agent.

Were Brand and Falk just blowing smoke when they said that one of the purposes of Brand’s decision was to free up cap space so that the team could sign another star? Were they expecting the Clippers to get a player like Baron Davis for less than $13 million per season, leaving more money for Brand? What about all the talk about how Brand really appreciated what the Celtics did this season when their three stars came together and put their egos aside in the interest of one common goal?

From ESPN.com…

One source said that Brand, during negotiations on a contract extension in June, specifically told Clippers management that Davis was the player he hoped they’d pursue if he became available in free agency.

Okay, Elton… Your plan worked. You opted out. The Clippers had the cap space to successfully sign Davis. Now they’ve offered you a five-year deal worth $70 million. That’s a lot of long-term security for a guy coming off a torn Achilles. The Clippers stepped up and acquired the guard you wanted to play with. Now put your money where your mouth is, set your ego aside, and take the Clippers’ offer. Sure, Golden State can offer you more money, but only because the Clippers went out and did what you asked them to do – sign Baron Davis.

If you jet for Golden State now, your clean image will be tainted forever. Reporters will keep digging to find out exactly what you told the Clippers before and after you opted out. The truth will be revealed and you will probably look like a Judas. Is the public relations hit you’ll take worth the extra dough?

Doubtful.

It’s all fair in love and war… or in this case, love and basketball.

A day after the news broke that Baron Davis agreed to sign with the Clippers, his old team turned around and offered a max contract to the Clippers’ best player (and supposed Davis running-mate) Elton Brand.

Since the Clippers have agreed to terms with Davis, it was believed that the most they could offer Brand something in the neighborhood of a six-year deal worth $81 million. The LA Times is reporting that the Warriors offered a five-year deal worth $100 million.

So what will Brand do? Well, he recently implied that he liked what the Celtics did when a few stars checked their egos at the door and came together for a common purpose. But none of those guys had to take a major paycut or turn down an extra $6.5 million per season. My guess is that if Brand was lobbying Davis prior to the Clippers/Davis agreement, that he’ll take less money and stay in L.A. If not, all bets are off. If you put Brand on the Warriors, they’re certainly a playoff-caliber team. One could argue that Brand would have a better supporting cast in Oakland with the likes of Monta Ellis and Steven Jackson roaming the perimeter along with Andris Biedrins and Brandan Wright in the middle (assuming the team successfully re-signs both Biedrins and Ellis).

So will Brand put his money where is mouth is and take a pay cut to play with another star?

What was looking like a pretty boring free agency period has suddenly become quite interesting.

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.