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Clippers Lose Maggette, Brand to Free Agency

Posted on: Thursday, 10 July 2008, 06:00 CDT

By Chris Colston

Last season, the Los Angeles Clippers floundered to a 23-59 mark, a non-factor in the NBA's competitive Western Conference. But their roster comings and goings dominated the first day of free agency signings Wednesday.

Three of the biggest offseason moves have involved the Clippers, one a surprise: two-time All-Star forward Elton Brand's decision to sign a five-year, $82 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. Also leaving the Clippers is small forward Corey Maggette, to the Golden State Warriors.

"These signings are ... more personal-based than basketball-based," TNT analyst Kenny Smith says. "You can usually see it coming and it makes sense, like Rashard Lewis going to the Orlando Magic last year. These moves, you didn't see coming."

Among others raising their eyebrows: point guard Baron Davis, a two-time All-Star who had opted out of his last year with Golden State and agreed to a five-year, $65million contract with the Clippers in hopes of playing with Brand.

But Brand said there was no "underground handshake" between himself and Davis.

Todd Ramasar, Davis' agent, said only that his client would honor his commitment to the Clippers, who have scheduled a news conference for today.

Brand gave up $16.4 million to opt out of the last year of his contract, ostensibly to allow the Clippers more payroll flexibility in the free agent market. "My intention was to work out something with the Clippers," Brand said. "That was the goal."

But his agent, David Falk, said Clippers coach and "quasi-general manager" Mike Dunleavy put an offer on the table with the comment from owner Donald Sterling he was "not comfortable with the money offered. And if (Brand) turned it down, he'd be just as happy as if he accepted."

Falk said the circumstances proved "difficult to accept for a person of Elton's stature. ... That started the chain of events that led us here today."

Brand missed 74 games last year with a ruptured Achilles' tendon but returned in April and averaged 17.6 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.9 blocked shots in eight games.

"We got a great feeling that he was 100%," 76ers President Ed Stefanski said. Brand, asked about his readiness to play, said, "My explosiveness is there."

Brand's decision strengthens a 76ers team that finished 40-42 but won 22 of its last 34 games and made the playoffs. "I see myself ... helping them get to the next level," Brand said.

He joins a young, improving group that includes guards Andre Miller, Willie Green and Louis Williams, swingman Andre Iguodala, forward Thaddeus Young and center Samuel Dalembert.

"We needed a power forward," Stefanski said. "We're a running team, and this guy can run. He will be perfect for us. He's the prototype power forward."

Toronto Raptors President Bryan Colangelo, an Atlantic Division rival, certainly is impressed.

"Their athleticism is off the charts," Colangelo said. Brand is "one of the best low-post players around. This makes me glad that we were able to bring in a big man of our own in Jermaine O'Neal" in a trade from the Indiana Pacers.

Philadelphia might have work to do. Iguodala and Williams are restricted free agents, meaning the Sixers would have seven days to match any offer sheet they sign.

Smith thinks a Clippers team with Brand and Davis would make the playoffs and would be better than the Sixers with Brand. But Smith said Brand has a better shot for the postseason by moving to the Eastern Conference: "In Philly, he can make a bigger impact."

That, Brand said, wasn't a factor in his move. "The players here, the tradition here, that's what really drew me to the Sixers. Not getting out of the West." (c) Copyright 2008 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc.

Source: USA TODAY

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