Yahoo: Brand leaning toward signing with Sixers

[ducks]

Brand ready to trade coasts?
By Adrian Wojnarowski, Yahoo! Sports

In an improbable turn, Elton Brand is leaning toward accepting a five-year, approximately $80 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, multiple league sources said Tuesday afternoon.

Brand had been expected to return to the Los Angeles Clippers after opting out of $16.4 million in the final year of his contract, especially once Golden State’s Baron Davis agreed to join him in Los Angeles. Yet, Brand waited for Philadelphia general manager Ed Stefanski to create more salary-cap space for him – which he did on Monday night by dumping two contracts on Minnesota – and sources close to 76ers management say the organization believes it is close to luring away Brand.

Multiple league executives and agents now believe Brand is destined to sign with the 76ers. Even so, Clippers officials were still working furiously to convince Brand to return to the franchise where he has enjoyed great success over the past eight seasons. They hadn’t lost hope, but are fearful he could be slipping away.

What has hurt the Clippers chances of retaining Brand has been the organization’s refusal to offer anything but a “take-it-or-leave-it” deal since Golden State made its offer. People close to Brand say that stance “pissed him off,” and made him question his original desire to stay a Clipper.

The Clippers could renounce free agents such as Shaun Livingston and Corey Maggette to sweeten what’s believed to be a five-year, $70 million offer, but have resisted upping their bid. Perhaps that could change on Tuesday with the fear of losing him to the 76ers.

Losing Brand would be a horrible blow to the Clippers, who had believed him when he said he would stay for less money should they bring a talented teammate to join him. Golden State has offered the most money – as much as $95 million – but Brand, who missed all but eight games a year ago with a knee injury, had been intrigued with returning to his Eastern roots.

Brand can officially sign a contract on Wednesday when the league’s free-agency moratorium ends.

On Monday, the Sixers traded forwards Rodney Carney, Calvin Booth and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves to free as much as $2 million in additional salary cap space to offer Brand. Minnesota sent Philadelphia its $2.8 million trade exception from a 2007 deal of Mark Blount to the Miami Heat.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=Ai1g3EyXdiD2eqdfbn2O4Sy8vLYF?slug=aw-brandsixers070708&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

[ducks]

950 AM Radio in Philadelphia is reporting that Elton Brand has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. No terms of the deal have been released yet.

Many believed that Elton Brand would return to the Los Angeles Clippers, after he chose to opt out so the Clippers could add other talent. The Clippers had to renounce their rights to both Elton Brand and Corey Maggette to be able to sign Baron Davis. Then, they hoped to sign Brand too.

Today, the Sixers traded a future first round pick, Rodney Carney and Calvin Booth to Minnesota so they could add a $2.9 million trade exception and increase the salary cap space they had.

No one knew whether it would be Josh Smith or Elton Brand that space would be offered to. But 950, an ESPN affiliate, is reporting that a deal is done.

Brand is familiar with the area, because his doctor who performed ACL surgery for him last year is located in North Delaware, which is about 15 minutes from Philadelphia.

Brand played in only a handful of games last year due to that injury and expects to be at full strength this year.

Deals can be officially signed tomorrow, July 9th.

[SPURSGOAT]

FUCK!!! Clippers are going to go hard at Maggette now... at least now this takes the 76ers out of the game...

[baseline bum]

Shit. So long Maggette. Fucking cheap ass Clippers. I hope Baron Davis tells them to fuck off tomorrow.

[Big P]

The radio station is reporting he signed already, even though he is not able to until tomorrow?

[td4mvp21]

Hopefully Maggette wants to move on. If not it's back to the Clippers...

[timvp]

If true, the Spurs just lost all hope of landing Maggette.

[Spurs Brazil]

Many believed that Elton Brand would return to the Los Angeles Clippers, after he chose to opt out so the Clippers could add other talent. The Clippers had to renounce their rights to both Elton Brand and Corey Maggette to be able to sign Baron Davis.

If this is true, great news, if not no more Maggette

[SPURSGOAT]

Wait Maggette doesn't have to stay with the Clipps right? he might want to move on to another team... or do the Clippers have cap room too now?

[baseline bum]

If this is true, great news, if not no more Maggette

All they lost is Bird Rights by renouncing Maggette. Without Brand, they have plenty of capspace to re-sign him. The Spurs have nothing but Mahinmi to offer in a sign and trade for Maggette, and that ain't gonna get it done.

:pctoss

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

Wow. Fuck.

[timvp]

If this is true, great news, if not no more MaggetteThe Clippers would likely just re-sign Maggette even if they did renounce him. Sterling loves him. If they didn't renounce him, they'll either re-sign him or sign-and-trade him.

[Samir Nagheenanajar]

This is a fuck.

[thekingrobert]

I dont think the clip want Maggs, I rather JR

[Big P]

That went south pretty quickly.

[SPURSGOAT]

FUCK! Guess the Spurs better move on the JR fast...

[Obstructed_View]

Technically, Baron Davis hasn't signed a contract, so he could just as easily go back on his verbal commitment on the grounds that the Clippers failed to retain Brand. I'd damn sure do it if I were him, and I'd feel justified doing so.

[ChumpDumper]

That went south pretty quickly.I thought things were taking forever.

[timvp]

Technically, Baron Davis hasn't signed a contract, so he could just as easily go back on his verbal commitment on the grounds that the Clippers failed to retain Brand. I'd damn sure do it if I were him, and I'd feel justified doing so.Problem is Baron can't get that much money anywhere else.

[Big P]

I dont think the clip want Maggs

They dont have to want him....if Brand signs somewhere else then they dont have to renounce Maggs rights, meaning they could sign & trade him, getting him more money & the Clipps would get a pick or something in return....meaning the Spurs would be shit out of luck..again.

[baseline bum]

Fuck. JR Smith or bust is a shitty strategy, but it's our only hope now.
:pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss :pctoss

[TheMadHatter]

Damn the 76ers are going to be a powerhouse next season:

PG: Andre Miller (very underrated PG)
SG: Willie Green (decent)
SF: Iggy (premiere SF in the EC)
PF: Brand/Young (premiere PF and great up and coming young talent)
C: Dalembert (good defensive center and rebounder)

[FromWayDowntown]

How could the Clippers manage to screw this up? They have two legitimate stars willing to combine together under relatively favorable contract terms and might somehow end the summer with neither -- or least with a lateral move?

Only the Clippers!!!!

Of course, this could all be bluster from Brand's camp; it might be that the Clippers have assumed all along that they wouldn't be Boozered by another Dukie and thought that going all out to get Brand was unnecessary. Given the date, it might conceivably be that Brand's people are floating a story about him thinking seriously about signing with Philly in the hopes that the Clippers will actually renounce Maggette and others to up their offer to Brand. The numbers on the deal with Philly are good, but 5/$70 and 5/$80 is hardly a huge difference -- and neither is what I would have expected Brand to draw in anything resembling an open market.

[GaryJohnston]

So what was the point of the Clips signing Baron Davis is they were not going to go hard after Brand?

Fucking supid organization.

[timvp]

Hopefully this is just a ploy to get the Clippers to raise their offer. Renouncing scrubs like Marcus Williams and then using that money to help lure back Brand makes a lot of sense. Then again, Sterling rarely makes sense.

[SPURSGOAT]

Damn Baron is probably pissed...

[Big P]

So what was the point of the Clips signing Baron Davis is they were not going to go hard after Brand?

Fucking supid organization.

He hasn't signed with them yet...and he still may not...in which case, the Clipps join us in gettting fucked over again.

[50 cent]

This is the suck.

[TheMadHatter]

Brand is smart. Unless the Clippers could retain Brand, Maggette, AND get Baron they aren't going anywhere in the WC. They'll be a 4-8 seed team at best.

Brand going to Philly makes them one of the elite teams in the EC. He won't have to deal with nearly as much competition.

[baseline bum]

I wish Stern would fold that fucking organization. Goddamn the fucking Clippers.

[montgod]

Problem is Baron can't get that much money anywhere else.

He could always do a Boozer and take back his committment and return to GS for more loot, right?

[Obstructed_View]

Problem is Baron can't get that much money anywhere else.

True. I'd imagine Golden State would take him back in a second, though. If he made the announcement early enough the Clips might be able to free up some money to throw at Brand and then Davis could go to Philly. :lol

[timvp]

How could the Clippers manage to screw this up? They have two legitimate stars willing to combine together under relatively favorable contract terms and might somehow end the summer with neither -- or least with a lateral move?

Only the Clippers!!!!

Of course, this could all be bluster from Brand's camp; it might be that the Clippers have assumed all along that they wouldn't be Boozered by another Dukie and thought that going all out to get Brand was unnecessary. Given the date, it might conceivably be that Brand's people are floating a story about him thinking seriously about signing with Philly in the hopes that the Clippers will actually renounce Maggette and others to up their offer to Brand. The numbers on the deal with Philly are good, but 5/$70 and 5/$80 is hardly a huge difference -- and neither is what I would have expected Brand to draw in anything resembling an open market.The scariest red flag to me is that Carney trade to Minnesota. That looks like a trade that is made only after you get assurances that Brand is coming. Trading away a first rounder makes sense if you can add Brand. Trading away a first rounder when you might have to settle for Maggette is pretty dumb.

That trade makes me think Brand to Philly is legit :(

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

....

[montgod]

Brand is smart. Unless the Clippers could retain Brand, Maggette, AND get Baron they aren't going anywhere in the WC. They'll be a 4-8 seed team at best.

Brand going to Philly makes them one of the elite teams in the EC. He won't have to deal with nearly as much competition.

Not totally true. I think Kaman could actually become a much better player with B. Davis at point. Then you have the young talent of Thornton, they could be very formidable if Brand returns.

If you were to compare the Sixers and Clippers with Brand, it's pretty much a wash in my opinion except for the fact that the Sixers are in the East (point taken).

So its just up to Brand and what he wants in terms of long term money, what he views as being the best environment to win, and where he feels most comfortable. Tough decision if he indeed is close with B. Davis, but 20+ million is hard to walk away from when you are 29, coming off another injury and just saw your teammate's career (livingston) pretty much go up in flames because of a knee injury.

[timvp]

Don't know how legit this is but

http://www.spursreport.com/forums/spurs-nba-fan-feedback/94070-sixers-sign-elton-brand.htmlYeah that is the second post in this thread.

[Obstructed_View]

And I'm not sure it's been said yet, but Elton Brand is a little bitch if he leaves the Clippers.

[GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI]

Yeah that is the second post in this thread.

Whoops.. I thought this was the same thread from yesterday.

My question.. with Brand jumping ship... does Baron Davis have a change of heart on the Clippers?

[TheMadHatter]

There's something else about the Clipper organization. They will always be the Lakers red-headed step child. They will never be the premiere team in LA. Maybe Brand has just gotten sick of the Clippers and their losing ways, maybe he just wants a fresh start.

Philly really seems like the perfect fit for him. They desperately need a player with his low-post scoring capabilities to complement their bevvy of perimeter players.

[td4mvp21]

I wish Maggette would just be all "Fuck the money I want to win" and just sign with us.

[montgod]

Don't know how legit this is but

http://www.sarsreport.com/forums/spurs-nba-fan-feedback/94070-sixers-sign-elton-brand.html

Looks like it is. This will be the true test of the Clippers and what CM really wants in this league. Will he go for the moola or the ring?

Even though he might feel a little burned by the Clippers, money sure would make him feel better. And I would assume he would have enough ego to think that he and BDavis could do pretty well with Thornton and Kaman. Not well enough to do any real damage in the West, but enough to be respectable.

What will CM do?

[Kindergarten Cop]

And I'm not sure it's been said yet, but Elton Brand is a little bitch if he leaves the Clippers.


Yeah, it was said moments after the report of him signing with Philadelphia:


Elton Brand is a little bitch if he leaves the Clippers.

[easjer]

How much does it really change though? Maggette has always had a choice between money and winning. LA is just GS redux - they are very unlikely to make the playoffs without Brand (and certainly not if Davis changes his mind and refuses to sign). Yes they can offer more money, but his chances of winning are no better.

Didn't they already renounce their rights? If so, the Spurs are in the same position they've been in for a week - the leader in "earn less cash, but get a ring" and the loser in the money game.

[Big P]

How much does it really change though? Maggette has always had a choice between money and winning. LA is just GS redux - they are very unlikely to make the playoffs without Brand (and certainly not if Davis changes his mind and refuses to sign). Yes they can offer more money, but his chances of winning are no better.

Didn't they already renounce their rights? If so, the Spurs are in the same position they've been in for a week - the leader in "earn less cash, but get a ring" and the loser in the money game.

They have not renounced Maggs rights yet, & they wont if Brand signs elsewhere...If the report is true, then this changes EVERYTHING.

[baseline bum]

How much does it really change though? Maggette has always had a choice between money and winning. LA is just GS redux - they are very unlikely to make the playoffs without Brand (and certainly not if Davis changes his mind and refuses to sign). Yes they can offer more money, but his chances of winning are no better.

Didn't they already renounce their rights? If so, the Spurs are in the same position they've been in for a week - the leader in "earn less cash, but get a ring" and the loser in the money game.

The Spurs were basically bidding against one team that could outspend them. There were no sign and trade possibilities. Maggette was going to be forced to accept the MLE if Golden State wouldn't pay him. Now he can be signed and traded, and the whole league gets a shot at overpaying him.

[Obstructed_View]

There's something else about the Clipper organization. They will always be the Lakers red-headed step child. They will never be the premiere team in LA. Maybe Brand has just gotten sick of the Clippers and their losing ways, maybe he just wants a fresh start.

Philly really seems like the perfect fit for him. They desperately need a player with his low-post scoring capabilities to complement their bevvy of perimeter players.

They were losing because they were paying him millions of dollars to sit on the bench in a suit, and were willing to commit to him despite the fact that he's an unknown quantity coming back from injury. It's kind of funny that Golden State got the ball rolling by just offering him a big contract to fuck with L.A. and now everyone's forgotten about the questions surrounding him because they're too busy joining the bidding war.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

They have not renounced Maggs rights yet, & they wont if Brand signs elsewhere...If the report is true, then this changes EVERYTHING.

This fact seems to be up in the air, I've seen one report saying they did already renounce his rights, and another saying he hasn't been renounced...

[Kindergarten Cop]

They have not renounced Maggs rights yet, & they wont if Brand signs elsewhere...If the report is true, then this changes EVERYTHING.

No offense, but where did you read that they had not renounced his rights yet. Just asking for clarification.

[baseline bum]

This fact seems to be up in the air, I've seen one report saying they did already renounce his rights, and another saying he hasn't been renounced...

It doesn't matter either way if they have the capspace to bring him back, does it?

[ChumpDumper]

They don't really have to renounce any rights until they start signing players. Considering all the possibilities, teams would be stupid to do so before tomorrow.

[crc21209]

Actually, in order to sign Baron Davis the Clippers HAVE to renounce Maggette so if they still sign him Maggette's rights are renounced.

[timvp]

They don't really have to renounce any rights until they start signing players.True. I doubt the Clippers have renounced his rights. It'd make no sense to renounce a player's rights before signing anyone. For all the Clippers knew, Brand could get hurt or Davis could reneg and they'd be caught renouncing a player for no reason.

Renouncing typically happens on the same day the money is going to be spent. I'm willing to bet that Maggette wasn't renounced .... unless the Clippers are even dumber than I thought.

[timvp]

Actually, in order to sign Baron Davis the Clippers HAVE to renounce Maggette so if they still sign him Maggette's rights are renounced.That was what people thought but things are achangin' if Brand goes to Philly.

[Big P]

lol..no offense taken, but I check about a hundred sports sites, so I cant tell you exactly where I saw it....from what I understand, if Brand was/is going to resign with the Clipps, then the Clipps would renounce Maggs rights, that is the only way they would be able to sign Brand..if Brand signs somewhere else, then the Clipps dont have to renounce Maggs & therefore he could be S&T'd which means the Spurs get screwed because he will get more than the MLE.

[Kindergarten Cop]

It doesn't matter either way if they have the capspace to bring him back.

It actually makes a HUGE difference - because in one scenario the S&T is available and in the other it is not. I don't think that Maggette will return to the Clippers because he has already voiced contempt on them failing to do a long term deal with him in the past (unless they throw a very large check his way) - but I can see a S&T to a contending team for more than the MLE if they still have his rights.

[ducks]

if brand rights are not renounced clippers could still offer brand a 6 year deal
and then the sixers get screwed

[timvp]

A sign-and-trade deal can be made even with players who have been renouncedEh, so it doesn't even matter if Maggette was or wasn't renounced. The Clippers can sign-and-trade him either way. So, yeah, if Brand goes to Philly, Maggette's chances of landing with the Spurs are zero.

[Aggie Hoopsfan]

True. I doubt the Clippers have renounced his rights. It'd make no sense to renounce a player's rights before signing anyone. For all the Clippers knew, Brand could get hurt or Davis could reneg and they'd be caught renouncing a player for no reason.

Renouncing typically happens on the same day the money is going to be spent. I'm willing to bet that Maggette wasn't renounced .... unless the Clippers are even dumber than I thought.

I was going to say, I think you're giving them too much credit. They are the team that is apparently going to lose Brand because they tried to low ball him...

[timvp]

It actually makes a HUGE difference - because in one scenario the S&T is available and in the other it is not. False. He can be signed-and-traded whether or not he was renounced.

[crc21209]

But if Davis still signs with the Clippers even if Brand goes to the Sixers then Maggettes rights are still renounced.

[Big P]

or was it Brand that got his rights renounced? if so Brand could be pulling a Boozer.


Clippers Renounce Brand To Get Davis?

According to a report in the L.A. Times, in order for the Clippers to sign Baron Davis to the agreed contract, the team had to renounce their bird rights to Elton Brand, ruling out the possibility of a sign and trade and also restricting the Clippers to the maximum five contract years to which the Sixers and Warriors are also binded.

With bird rights, the Clippers could have offered Brand a six year deal.

The Clippers still desperately want to keep their former All-Star power forward but can offer, at most, a 5 year, $70 million contract, according to the article.

The Sixers are believed to be preparing an offer which will push the value up to around $80 million while it is believed that the Warriors have offered a contract close to $90 million for the same number of years.

A decision on Brand's future is expected to come soon.

[Kindergarten Cop]

False. He can be signed-and-traded whether or not he was renounced.

:depressed

[SpursFanInAustin]

Eh, so it doesn't even matter if Maggette was or wasn't renounced. The Clippers can sign-and-trade him either way. So, yeah, if Brand goes to Philly, Maggette's chances of landing with the Spurs are zero.

Guess we'll be seeing the Spurs signing Delfino or re-signing Michael Finley for the MLE :shootme

[Mark in Austin]

The scariest red flag to me is that Carney trade to Minnesota. That looks like a trade that is made only after you get assurances that Brand is coming. Trading away a first rounder makes sense if you can add Brand. Trading away a first rounder when you might have to settle for Maggette is pretty dumb.

That trade makes me think Brand to Philly is legit :(

yeah I'm thinking the same thing. I have to wonder how busy David Faulk's cell phone is right about now.

[baseline bum]

Guess we'll be seeing the Spurs signing Delfino or re-signing Michael Finley for the MLE :shootme

Fuck. I think I'd rather have Finley. :vomit:

[Cant_Be_Faded]

Who would've ever guessed in a million years that this summer, other teams would play actively, make things happen, and reach agreements, while the Spurs played it cheap and passively, slowly watching every good option they had go to another team....I sure didn't.

:smchode:

[timvp]

Fuck. I think I'd rather have Finley. :vomit: :lol :lol :cry

Yeah Delfino versus Finley is like asking if you want HITA or HOTP.

[rAm]

This is pretty shitty.

But this is hilarious:


This is a fuck.

[ducks]

brand was not cheap

[ChumpDumper]

Who would've ever guessed in a million years that this summer, other teams would play actively, make things happen, and reach agreements, while the Spurs played it cheap and passively, slowly watching every good option they had go to another team....I sure didn't.

:smchode:What more could the Spurs have done in Maggette's case?

[timvp]

Who would've ever guessed in a million years that this summer, other teams would play actively, make things happen, and reach agreements, while the Spurs played it cheap and passively, slowly watching every good option they had go to another team....I sure didn't.

:smchode:The Spurs have actually been one of the most active and ambitious teams this summer. Can't really blame the Spurs for the Clippers somehow finding a way to screw things up yet again.

[Bartleby]

The Sixers are believed to be preparing an offer which will push the value up to around $80 million while it is believed that the Warriors have offered a contract close to $90 million for the same number of years.

If it basically comes down to signing with the team that will pay him the most, I don't see why Brand wouldn't just sign with GS.

I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that he is using the Sixers to leverage a better offer from the Clippers.

[Solid D]

Wow. If true, great signing by Philly. They were a tough team the second half of last season. They had become a defensively tough-minded team and now with Brand, they will be a team to be reckoned with...maybe Top 4.

I have been secretly hoping that the Spurs can lure Posey away from Boston, even though it may mean a 3-year commitment.

[TD4THREE]

If true this might actually help the spurs. If Brand leaves then they could make a serious offer to Josh Smith. The clippers I mean.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Philly would be much improved with Brand.

Posey would make a good Spur. I don't think Maggette is coming here...especially now.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

Maybe B. Davis will play here for the MLE.

[Bartleby]

If true this might actually help the spurs. If Brand leaves then they could make a serious offer to Josh Smith.

Wishful thinking. Sadly, I don't think the Spurs could even get Childress with the MLE.

[TD4THREE]

Wishful thinking. Sadly, I don't think the Spurs could even get Childress with the MLE.
Sorry, I was talking about the Clippers throwing a deal at Smith.

[SpursFanInAustin]

Wishful thinking. Sadly, I don't think the Spurs could even get Childress with the MLE.

I think he meant the Clippers would go after Josh Smith.

[baseline bum]

http://obadiah.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/aflac_1.jpg

WE'RE FUCT!

[ducks]

clippers could throw a long term deal at jr smith

[timvp]

Sterling's favorite player in the NBA is Maggette. He nixed at least three trades involving Maggette. If Brand leaves, I think the Clippers just re-up Maggette and then build their team around Baron instead of Brand.

[TD4THREE]

I think he meant the Clippers would go after Josh Smith.Yeah, they talked about it on espn. Bucher came on and said that if Brand leaves the clipps will most likely target Smith.

[ducks]

which would mean if he signs a deal with the clippers then he knows he is stuck there forever

[canadianspursfan]

Just so I'm clear, the Clippers can just offer Magette more money because he is there FA? He is not restricted in any way from signing from another team?

He did walk away from a guaranteed 8.6 million this year, is it likely he gets more than that? I think we could still be in the hunt.

[ducks]

spurs can only offer the mle
unless they can work out a sign and trade

[SpursFanInAustin]

Just so I'm clear, the Clippers can just offer Magette more money because he is there FA? He is not restricted in any way from signing from another team?

He did walk away from a guaranteed 8.6 million this year, is it likely he gets more than that? I think we could still be in the hunt.


If that's the case, then we better pray that if Brand leaves, friggin Sterling throws the remaining caproom at Josh Smith.

[TD4THREE]

spurs can only offer the mle
unless they can work out a sign and tradeIf in fact the clippers do go after Josh Smith, then there's only one team who can offer more than the MLE and that's the Warriors.

[xtremesteven33]

Believe.

[Kindergarten Cop]

Believe.

I'm with xtreme.:toast

[oligarchy]

Just so I'm clear, the Clippers can just offer Magette more money because he is there FA? He is not restricted in any way from signing from another team?

He did walk away from a guaranteed 8.6 million this year, is it likely he gets more than that? I think we could still be in the hunt.

It was either 7.0 or 7.4 million.. Unless someone else offers him more than that, he'd probably take the same to return.

[SpursFanInAustin]

This reminds me of the old message board when the Spurs were trying to re-sign Derek Anderson and he announced he was committed to Portland. I thought everyone was about to jump off a bridge when that happened. :lol

[xtremesteven33]

im sure the spurs FO have thought of every sort of scenario and discused it with CM. hopefully CM will be loyal IF he gave his word to the Spurs

[TD4THREE]

Wait a sec. Can Baron Davis back out of the agreement? Could he choose not to officially sign tommorrow, now that Brand might walk?

[ducks]

Wait a sec. Can Baron Davis back out of the agreement? Could he choose not to officially sign tommorrow, now that Brand might walk?

has he signed the contract
he can not tell midnight
then he can do whatever he wants

[oligarchy]

im sure the spurs FO have thought of every sort of scenario and discused it with CM. hopefully CM will be loyal IF he gave his word to the Spurs

I seriously doubt he gave any sort of word to the Spurs; other than he is waiting to see where the money falls. He'll chase the money.

[picnroll]

Too bad Deng had a crappy year or he'd be a target for GS or the Clips

[oligarchy]

Wait a sec. Can Baron Davis back out of the agreement? Could he choose not to officially sign tommorrow, now that Brand might walk?

It's only a verbal, so Davis can back out of it. Most likely he wouldn't, but there is that possibility. If GSW decided to go ahead and resign him, he could sign with them.

[024]

Maybe B. Davis will play here for the MLE.

RC: just do it davis. anywhere is better than the clippers now.

[Spurs Brazil]

Sources say 76ers confident of signing free agent Brand
By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Philadelphia 76ers are growing increasingly confident that they will win the Elton Brand free-agent sweepstakes, according to NBA front-office sources.

Sources told ESPN.com on Tuesday that Brand has given the Sixers indications that he is poised to accept a five-year deal worth an estimated $82 million and spurn what was presumed to be a slam-dunk return to the Los Angeles Clippers to hook up with Clipper-to-be Baron Davis.

The Sixers, though, still face a nervous wait until Tuesday bleeds into Wednesday, which is the first day that NBA teams can officially complete signings and trades after the lifting of a leaguewide moratorium which began July 1.

Philadelphia has nonetheless convinced numerous teams around the league that it will soon land Brand after first reaching an agreement in principle with the Minnesota Timberwolves on a trade that, according to sources, will send Sixers forward Rodney Carney, center Calvin Booth and a future first-round pick to the Wolves without Philadelphia having to take back any salary. The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that the Sixers will receive a second-round pick in return.

That trade will shave nearly $3 million off the Sixers' payroll next season and increase what was already substantial salary-cap space, positioning them to sign Brand to a five-year deal believed to be starting in the $14-to-15 million range. Exact figures are expected to be available later Tuesday evening when the league reveals next season's salary-cap figure to its 30 teams and the media.

Said one source close to the process: "Elton wants to go East."

Another source described Brand as leaning "70-30" in favor of going to the Sixers and didn't rule out the possibility that the Clippers could still increase their five-year offer beyond the latest estimate of roughly $75 million. The Clippers are also the only team in the running with the ability to offer a no-trade clause to Brand, something that only one other player in the league -- Staples Center co-tenant Kobe Bryant -- has in his contract.

Philadelphia's shedding of two salaries to set up a major free-agent signing is reminiscent of the move made by Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 1996, when then-Lakers personnel chief Jerry West sent Anthony Peeler and George Lynch to the then-Vancouver Grizzlies, creating the cap space that made it possible for L.A. to sign Shaquille O'Neal away from Orlando.

Getting Brand away from the Clippers might not quite have a Shaq-sized impact on the Sixers, but it would be an undeniable coup for Philadelphia on a variety of levels.

Brand is the proven power player Philadelphia clearly lacks on an otherwise promising roster that won many admirers as last season progressed. The Sixers extended Detroit to six games in a first-round series more competitive than many anticipated and, if they can formally secure Brand's signature, would be adding a two-time All-Star to veterans Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala, top youngsters Louis Williams and Thaddeus Young and the considerable wingspan of Samuel Dalembert at center.

A move to the East would also come with on- and off-court benefits for Brand, sending him to a conference with far fewer title contenders and moving him closer to his East Coast-based family with Brand and his wife expecting their first child this fall.

If Brand indeed goes through with his apparent intent to join the Sixers, such an outcome is still bound to be widely branded as a shocker after he and agent David Falk announced last week that Brand was opting out of the final year of his previous contract (worth $16.4 million) to give the Clippers more payroll flexibility to strengthen the team around Brand. Within 24 hours, L.A. responded on the first day of free agency by reaching a verbal agreement with Davis in what easily ranks as the biggest free-agent coup in Clippers history.

Brand told ESPN.com on June 30 that his "intention is to stay" with the Clippers, while Falk spoke optimistically of Brand signing a deal to "finish his career with the Clippers" if the team could make another significant personnel acquisition or two. ESPN.com reported late last week that Davis was the player Brand specifically asked Clippers management to chase in June.

During the ensuing week, while L.A. has been trying to convince its 29-year-old franchise forward to stay, Brand has also been weighing an offer from the Golden State Warriors believed to be worth more than what the Clippers or Sixers can offer him. After Davis informed the Warriors that he was leaving the Bay Area to sign a five-year deal worth an estimated $65 million with his hometown Clippers, Golden State responded by presenting Brand with a five-year offer worth an estimated $90 million.

Marc Stein is the senior NBA writer for ESPN.com. To e-mail him, click here. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3479059

[Bruno]

Clippers have the same amount of cap space than Sixers and can offer a longer contract with bigger raises.
All what happens could be done with the goal that Clippers offers more money to Brand.
Wait and see.

[SpursFanInAustin]

Clippers have the same amount of cap space than Sixers and can offer a longer contract with bigger raises.
All what happens could be done with the goal that Clippers offers more money to Brand.
Wait and see.


I still think if the Clippers lose Brand, they will throw out big money at Josh Smith. I know Ric Bucher said something to that extent on ESPN earlier today.

[Tully365]

Damn Baron is probably pissed...

Who knows.... maybe if Brand leaves, Baron will abandon ship too. He'd be crazy to waste the last 5 years of his prime in Clipperland, with even less hope than he had in Golden State. Damn, there's a helluva lot of drama tonight!

[Bruno]

I still think if the Clippers lose Brand, they will throw out big money at Josh Smith. I know Ric Bucher said something to that extent on ESPN earlier today.

I don't know what will happen if Brand signs with Sixers but I'm not optimistic at all on Spurs' chances to get Maggette in this case.

[oligarchy]

Clippers have the same amount of cap space than Sixers and can offer a longer contract with bigger raises.
All what happens could be done with the goal that Clippers offers more money to Brand.
Wait and see.

How can the Clippers do that?

[Bruno]

How can the Clippers do that?

They have his bird rights.

[oligarchy]

They have his bird rights.

I thought they renounced his rights?

[Amuseddaysleeper]

I feel ill.


I hope Sterling isn't a complete idiot and can somehow lure Brand back to LA

[picnroll]

I thought they renounced his rights?

That's what the article on Realgm said.

[Tully365]

Philly with Brand looks awfully good, and has a nicer path to the Finals. This is better than draft night!

[Big P]

They have his bird rights.

Clippers Renounce Brand To Get Davis?

According to a report in the L.A. Times, in order for the Clippers to sign Baron Davis to the agreed contract, the team had to renounce their bird rights to Elton Brand, ruling out the possibility of a sign and trade and also restricting the Clippers to the maximum five contract years that the Sixers and Warriors are also binded to.

With bird rights the Clippers could have offered Brand a six year deal.

The Clippers still desperately want to keep their former All-Star power forward, but can offer at most a 5 year, $70 million contract, according to the article.

The Sixers are believed to be preparing an offer which will push the value up to around $80 million, while it is believed that the Warriors have offered a contract close to $90 million for the same number of years.

A decision on Brand's future is expected to come soon.

[Bruno]

I thought they renounced his rights?

I highly doubt it, the July moratorium hasn't even ended.

Clippers can sign first Brand using their bird rights and then sign Davis.

[ducks]

clippers should up their offer and offer 6 years

[SpursFanInAustin]

I highly doubt it, the July moratorium hasn't even ended.

Clippers can sign first Brand using their bird rights and then sign Davis.

But then I thought they wouldn't be able to afford to sign Davis if they renounced Brand's rights.

[Big P]

clippers should up their offer and offer 6 years

The Clipps are door knobs for not offering Brand the max from the get go.

[MannyIsGod]

I'm 99.9% sure no rights have been renounced yet. It would be really fucking stupid for a team to do it before they could sign a player.

[Bruno]

According to a report in the L.A. Times, in order for the Clippers to sign Baron Davis to the agreed contract, the team had to renounce their bird rights to Elton Brand, ruling out the possibility of a sign and trade and also restricting the Clippers to the maximum five contract years that the Sixers and Warriors are also binded to.

With bird rights the Clippers could have offered Brand a six year deal.

The Clippers still desperately want to keep their former All-Star power forward, but can offer at most a 5 year, $70 million contract, according to the article.


First, Clippers can sign brand before Davis. None has signed for the moment.
Second, the $70M figure is BS. Clipper can offer Brand more, even on a 5 years contract.

[picnroll]

Brand's no innocent here. Supposedly he said he'd take less if the Clips would bring in Baron. If true now he's going back on his word and screwing his buddy and the Clips.

[MannyIsGod]

But then I thought they wouldn't be able to afford to sign Davis if they renounced Brand's rights.

They woudln't. But they don't have to afford him until they can sign him which they can't do yet so why would they throw away bargaining chips until they had to?

[rj215]

I hope cheap ass Donald Sterling opens his wallet and pays the only player that mattered on his team for the past few years. If not, what numbder do you think J.R. Smith would like to wear?

[timvp]

According to a report in the L.A. Times, in order for the Clippers to sign Baron Davis to the agreed contractDavis hasn't signed anything so I can't believe the rest of that report after that error.

The Clippers are pretty damn dumb but renouncing players before July 9 is too dumb for even the Clippers.

[Kindergarten Cop]

clippers should up their offer and offer 6 years

I heard Stein on ESPN radio today say that Elton Brand was oddly the one that was only wanting a 5yr deal, and not a sixth year.

[benefactor]

Dammit...just dammit. I will hate Clippers forever for this.

:bang:ihit:flipoff:smchode:

[MannyIsGod]

I'm almost positive Brand is trying to get more money from LA. I think he's using extreme measures to get it and its Sterling so I doubt he does so we may very well see him in Philly next season.

Amazing.

[Bruno]

And I agree with FWD. If Clippers screw that and don't re-sign Brand, they are beyond pathetic.

[SpursFanInAustin]

I hope cheap ass Donald Sterling opens his wallet and pays the only player that mattered on his team for the past few years. If not, what numbder do you think J.R. Smith would like to wear?

JR Smith will likely still wear #1 for the Denver Nuggets in 2008-09

:depressed

[ducks]

brand is probly ticked that clippers matched his deal last time when he could have went to the heat
now he is playing hard ball with sterling

[timvp]

Looking at this situation with my Sterling glasses on, I don't think he cares that much of Brand re-signs. Baron is the attraction and the person who will sell tickets. Brand will make the team better but since when has Sterling cared about that? Brand has a pretty boring game to the casual fan.

As long as Sterling lands Baron, everything else is just gravy.

[MannyIsGod]

Really if we don't get Magette the only option that is attractive is JR Smith. If Posey and Delfino are off the table as well then we may end up with the Spurs bringing back Finley and Barry which would be about as horrible as it can get.

And what sucks is that you really can't blame the Spurs. They probably could have locked up Pietrius but if you do that and give up on Magette early you've made a big mistake imo. Not only that, but you would have had to severely overpay the frenchman.

Shitty the way things have shaped up this offseason if indeed the Spurs don't get new blood.

[ducks]

Magette knows spurs went after him first
they wanted him

[SpursFanInAustin]

Looking at this situation with my Sterling glasses on, I don't think he cares that much of Brand re-signs. Baron is the attraction and the person who will sell tickets. Brand will make the team better but since when has Sterling cared about that? Brand has a pretty boring game to the casual fan.

As long as Sterling lands Baron, everything else is just gravy.

And really to be honest, even though Baron would like for Brand to stay with the Clippers......I really just think Baron is happy to be playing in LA, Brand or no Brand.

[SpursFanInAustin]

Magette knows spurs went after him first
they wanted him

That's nice and all. We went hard after Chris Webber in 2001 and Jason Kidd (even though I'm glad we didn't get him) in 2003. Didn't really mean much in the end.

[benefactor]

And what sucks is that you really can't blame the Spurs. They probably could have locked up Pietrius but if you do that and give up on Magette early you've made a big mistake imo. Not only that, but you would have had to severely overpay the frenchman.

Shitty the way things have shaped up this offseason if indeed the Spurs don't get new blood.
Indeed...we did what we needed to do but we basically wound up like Ving Rhames in Pulp Fiction...kidnapped and screwed.

[spursreport]

If spurs dont land Maggette, next season will be a disaster. We better hope Maggette wants to win that badly to still have a shot at him. Otherwise he will be with someone else.

[timvp]

If we are looking for a fallback option, I like Posey but he wants a lot of years. I doubt Delfino wants to go back to Detroit ... but he'd probably demand a 2-year, $12M contract, which is pretty ridiculous for Carlos F'ing Delfino.

JR Smith may be a target but he'd be risky too. The Nuggets match and the Spurs may be looking at starting Finley with not even Barry behind him to back him up.

[picnroll]

If Maggette is out Spurs need to make a play for JR Smith. Nobody else left is going to put them in true contention, including resigning Finley and Barry, anyways.

[oligarchy]

If Smith isn't the target after CM, who else out is there?

If Posey wants a long-term, I don't believe the Spurs are going to give it to him. Who else would the Spurs give the entire MLE too?

They can try to split it up to target someone like Wright, who looks to be an expendable option now if the Jones rumors are true. I don't see it. They'll probably end up right where they are at. Welcome to 2007.

[timvp]

If Maggette is out Spurs need to make a play for JR Smith. Nobody else left is going to put them in true contention, including resigning Finley and Barry, anyways.I'd have no problem with that. I'm not sold that the Nuggets will match Smith. They probably will but might be forced to let him walk.

Then again, I don't know if the Spurs want to hand out a contract longer than two years. Part of the lure of Maggette is he'd be signed to a short contract that would give both parties a lot of options in 2010. To get Smith, the Spurs would probably have to go with a max MLE offer.

[picnroll]

I doubt that Maggette was going to sign an MLE contract that would have had a team option in 2010, just a player option. I go with a long term front loaded contract for Smith if the Spurs can front load it.

[ShoogarBear]

WTF, did Brand decide he wanted to produce Rocky VII?

[Obstructed_View]

If it's a choice between keeping Barry and letting him walk while waiting for Denver to match, I'll take Bones.

[Obstructed_View]

WTF, did Brand decide he wanted to produce Rocky VII?

I think Jerry Maguire was on TBS yesterday...

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Here we go, now the offseason starts. :hungry:

[DPG21920]

What is Philly going to do to sign Andre Iguodala? Now that they have tied so much money up in Brand I do not know what they will do...

[timvp]

What is Philly going to do to sign Andre Iguodala? Now that they have tied so much money up in Brand I do not know what they will do...Re-sign him.

[1Parker1]

WTF, did Brand decide he wanted to produce Rocky VII?

:pctoss There's more to Philly than Rocky you know?


....I heard he's a big fan of cheesesteaks.

Shoot, if he comes here next season, Sixers are looking goooooooooood. Esp in the weak East.

[1Parker1]

What is Philly going to do to sign Andre Iguodala? Now that they have tied so much money up in Brand I do not know what they will do...

There's no way they are going to let Iggy walk.

[NewJerSpur]

EB would be better served to sign with Philly. They are young and have an easier course to navigate in the Eastern Conference....the Clippers likely wouldn't make it to the playoffs even with the addition of B-Diddy if Brand stayed on, and Davis has had his fair share of injuries so there's no guarantee he plays a full season. Brand should DEFINITELY look eastward in this instance IMO. Hope we take a look at Barnes again in the meantime.

[1Parker1]

EDIT, Breaking News, Brand has verbally accepted the Sixers offer :wow :wow

[Big P]

EDIT, Breaking News, Brand has verbally accepted the Sixers offer :wow :wow

huh?

[ShoogarBear]

:pctoss There's more to Philly than Rocky you know?

Well, yeah, there was Teddy Pendergrass but then, well, . . . :depressed



....I heard he's a big fan of cheesesteaks.

Just wait till she finds the other thread.

[1Parker1]

The deal is 5 yrs/82M? Weren't the Warriors offering him a lot more than that?

[1Parker1]

huh?

:lol This said he was LEANING towards signing with the Sixers, but I just heard on ESPN that he's actually verbally accepted their offer.

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

The deal is 5 yrs/82M? Weren't the Warriors offering him a lot more than that?

It was the same, I believe.

[1Parker1]

It was the same, I believe.

Ah, in that case I can understand the attraction of Philly over Cali :)

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Ah, in that case I can understand the attraction of Philly over Cali :)

Especially since they were scrambling around for a trade to give him that extra money.

[1Parker1]

I always disliked Carney, so I didn't mind :lol

[Mr.Bottomtooth]

Just wait till she finds the other thread.

:rollin

[angelbelow]

wow im shocked.

[DPG21920]

Re-sign him.

Don't be so sure buddy boy, with all that money they just threw at Brand combined with the fact that Andre already turned down a contract extension for 55 million dollars, means that Philly is running out of money. Some one can offer him big dollars that Philly might not match...

http://www.the700level.com/2008/05/has-andre-iguod.html

[rj215]

The Spurs better hope that Davis changes his mind and heads back to Golden State somehow. If his agent can somehow manage that, maybe Maggette doesn't sign there.......man that sounds pathetic.....nevermind...

[timvp]

Don't be so sure buddy boy, with all that money they just threw at Brand combined with the fact that Andre already turned down a contract extension for 55 million dollars, means that Philly is running out of money. Some one can offer him big dollars that Philly might not match...

http://www.the700level.com/2008/05/has-andre-iguod.htmlIt's theoretically possible for the Sixers to let AI2 walk but posting a blog entry from May 2nd isn't going to change many opinions.

[duncan228]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/ian_thomsen/07/08/brand.freeagency/index.html

The Sixers should vault forward in the East with clever Brand signing
Ian Thomsen

There was one difference-maker on the free-agent market this summer. He was Elton Brand, and the news emerging Tuesday of his agreement to sign with the 76ers may turn out to be the biggest player move of the offseason. (Unless the Cavaliers unload a blockbuster trade involving their $30 million in expiring contracts.)

In the bigger picture, however, Brand isn't likely to win a championship for the young 76ers next season -- or the year thereafter. As surprising as the last week has been, none of the agreements reached thus far is likely to affect the makeup of the NBA's final four next May.

With that in mind, let's look at the teams that have benefited from this free-agent period -- taking into account that many more moves are still to be made.

TEAMS WITH THE MOST TO GAIN FROM FREE AGENCY

1. Philadelphia 76ers -- One big move -- and only one -- made exquisite sense for the 76ers: Use their cap space to land Brand, the perfect fit to fill their hole at power forward, give them veteran leadership and enhance their up-tempo style. A lineup built around Brand, Andre Iguodala and point guard Andre Miller could challenge for homecourt advantage in the first round next season -- while enabling young talents like Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams and rookie Marreese Speights to improve in a hospitable environment.

One alternative to signing Brand was for the Sixers to make an offer big and front-loaded enough to pry restricted free agent Josh Smith away from Atlanta. But imagine starting a new era with Smith and Iguodala as your max players: Smith, 22, hasn't established the self-discipline to manage the responsibility of being the highest-paid player in a market like Philadelphia. And whatever salary Smith might have received from the 76ers would have served as a new threshold for Iguodala, who would have demanded even more as a restricted free agent.

The other option was to trade for a young but experienced power forward like Chris Wilcox, Channing Frye, Charlie Villanueva or (don't laugh) Zach Randolph, any of whom would have improved the Sixers next season. By making the trade with Minnesota earlier this week to clear more cap space for Brand, the Sixers boldly acquired a true No. 1 player who enables Iguodala to be a secondary star. Had Brand remained in Los Angeles and succeeded in doubling last season's 23 wins, the Clippers still wouldn't be a playoff team in the West. By moving to the East instead, he needs to only incite a six-win improvement to give 40-win Philadelphia a shot at homecourt advantage in the first round next season. They still could use more shooting, however.

2. Washington Wizards -- They made quick work of re-signing Antawn Jamison, and the negotiations with fellow free agent Gilbert Arenas were surprisingly low-maintenance (or so they appeared), as he resisted the wanderlust that drew Davis to the Clippers.

This is a team of three All-Stars and quite a bit of young talent -- plus they have a few million dollars extra to sign a role player or two before training camp. If they could benefit from the good fortune of a healthy season, the Wizards could make a deep playoff run -- in which case they'll look back on the quiet success of their negotiations this summer.

3. Atlanta Hawks -- With Philadelphia out of the running for Smith, the Hawks must wait to see if he receives a big offer from the Clippers; if not, then they can offer Smith -- without competition -- a reasonable, less-than-max contract with an opt-out, so that if he feels slighted by this contract, then at least he'll be able to re-enter the market in a few years.

By signing Smith at a reasonable number and retaining fellow restricted free agent Josh Childress (who has commanded a lot of interest from teams in the range of the mid-level exception), the Hawks might have enough leftover money to add another role player via free agency. Which would position them to make the playoffs for a second straight year.

TEAMS WITH THE MOST TO LOSE

1. Los Angeles Clippers -- The loss of Brand is a shocker, but let's congratulate the Clippers for making the effort. Owner Donald T. Sterling stunned the market by signing Baron Davis as a surprise free agent, in hopes of pairing him with Brand at no small price.

But now they're without Brand and Corey Maggette, who was expected to sign with the Warriors.

The Clippers could try to fill Brand's position by making a run at Smith, though the Hawks have promised to match any offer. They could go after another restricted free agent like Nenad Krstic (or Iguodala of the Sixers, if they wish for revenge) or they could trade for frontcourt help.

A team led by Davis and center Chris Kaman is going to have a hard time challenging for the playoffs in the West. A week ago, the Clippers looked to be on the move; now they're back in trouble. Again.

2. Golden State Warriors -- By reportedly agreeing to terms with Maggette, at least they didn't come away empty after losing Davis to the Clippers. But Davis was their engine, a physically dominant point guard who bullied the opposition. Will restricted free agent Monta Ellis provide as much leadership on the floor? The Warriors have a lot of perimeter talent, but who will drive them? Much as the Clippers suffered a reduction in talent by losing Brand, so have the Warriors been diminished by the departure of Davis.

3. Boston Celtics -- If the Celtics don't re-sign James Posey, will they be able to repeat as champions? They couldn't have won the title without him this season. It's very difficult to believe they will let him walk, giving his importance as a finishing piece to their three expensive stars. But if he were to go, they wouldn't be nearly so strong next season.

[DPG21920]

It's theoretically possible for the Sixers to let AI2 walk but posting a blog entry from May 2nd isn't going to change many opinions.

What does the date of the blog have to do with the facts presented. I can post you a link for multiple stories about:

AI declining a 55 MILLION DOLLAR EXTENSION, which would have paid him 11 million a year because he expected more from either Philly or FA.

With Phillies cap space being eaten up by Brands 14-15 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT, how will they have enough cap room to sign AI to the amount he wants? He is definitely not taking less than the previous extension offer. That would be like believing Maggette would except the MLE...

Philly does not have unlimited money, they seem like they have made their decision or they are hoping no one will try and make an offer to AI, either way a dangerous game is being played. You can not alienate your players, that is why teams like Washington step up and offer contracts to guys like Arenas. That is why teams like the Warriors who do not step up, lose their best players like Baron Davis...

[timvp]

What does the date of the blog have to do with the facts presented. I can post you a link for multiple stories about:

AI declining a 55 MILLION DOLLAR EXTENSION, which would have paid him 11 million a year because he expected more from either Philly or FA.

With Phillies cap space being eaten up by Brands 14-15 MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT, how will they have enough cap room to sign AI to the amount he wants? He is definitely not taking less than the previous extension offer. That would be like believing Maggette would except the MLE...

Philly does not have unlimited money, they seem like they have made their decision or they are hoping no one will try and make an offer to AI, either way a dangerous game is being played. You can not alienate your players, that is why teams like Washington step up and offer contracts to guys like Arenas. That is why teams like the Warriors who do not step up, lose their best players like Baron Davis...They have his Bird rights and can pay him whatever they want.

[DPG21920]

You can not pay him what ever you want....they can not pay him max money without going into luxury tax

[timvp]

You can not pay him what ever you want....they can not pay him max money without going into luxury taxYes they can. His cap hold right now is $11.4M. There is a $12M+ buffer between the cap and the lux tax threshold. The Sixers have plenty of room to sign him to a max deal if they so choose.

[ss1986v2]

You can not pay him what ever you want....they can not pay him max money without going into luxury tax
those two sentences dont have anything in common. while its unlikely they go above the tax line, they can still do if they want to. they can offer AI2 whatever they want to.

and who is going to be spending max dollars on AI2? id could see him behind both josh smith and monta ellis for many teams. and that still leaves players like deng, biendris, and gordon that might see some interest from the teams with cap space left.

im too lazy to crunch the numbers, but after current events, only memphis and the clippers have any significant space right now, no?

[DPG21920]

There is no way they match a 15 million dollar offer for AI, and like I said he turned down an 11 million dollar offer. If the 76'ers do not step up and offer him his money, he will just play out the remainder of his contract and walk for nothing next year...

[TDMVPDPOY]

whats the chances of gsw resignin barnes, kalenna, monta and the center?

man they got a big hole at PF though

[timvp]

There is no way they match a 15 million dollar offer for AI, and like I said he turned down an 11 million dollar offer. If the 76'ers do not step up and offer him his money, he will just play out the remainder of his contract and walk for nothing next year...

Be sure to bump this when the Sixers re-sign AI2 and pay him more than the $11M per they offered him last summer.

[DPG21920]

If no one makes a run at AI then they will not pay him more, if he gets offered too much, lets say 15 mil a year, I do not think they match..

It is my assessment of the situation, I would like you to be held accountable for all the things you have said, but I guess you have never been wrong, so your good...

[timvp]

If no one makes a run at AI then they will not pay him more, if he gets offered too much, lets say 15 mil a year, I do not think they match..

It is my assessment of the situation, I would like you to be held accountable for all the things you have said, but I guess you have never been wrong, so your good...Good point :tu

[Sissiborgo]

Wow that's a pretty good deal.. And the Sixers are getting better and better so if they get brand they might be on a good role:downspin:

[Rummpd]

As a Sixers fan good news and Clippers weaker as well.

[1Parker1]

Sixers still need a bench and perimeter scoring, but in the East this may be good enough to get them to the Conference Finals at least in the next 2-3 years.