Yahoo: Brand leaning toward signing with Sixers

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;_yl...yhoo&type=lgns

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Quote:

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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.

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

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?

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

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

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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

Wow. Fuck.

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Originally Posted by Spurs Brazil

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

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The 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.

This is a fuck.

I dont think the clip want Maggs, I rather JR

That went south pretty quickly.

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

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.

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Originally Posted by Big P

That went south pretty quickly.

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I thought things were taking forever.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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Originally Posted by thekingrobert

I dont think the clip want Maggs

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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.

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

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)

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.

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

Fucking supid organization.

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.

Damn Baron is probably pissed...

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

This is the suck.

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.

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

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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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

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Originally Posted by 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.

---

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 :(

....

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI

Don't know how legit this is but

http://www.spursreport.com/forums/sp...ton-brand.html

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Yeah that is the second post in this thread.

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

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Originally Posted by timvp

Yeah that is the second post in this thread.

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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?

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.

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

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Originally Posted by GINNNNNNNNNNNNOBILI

Don't know how legit this is but

http://www.sarsreport.com/forums/spu...ton-brand.html

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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?

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Originally Posted by Obstructed_View

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

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

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Originally Posted by Donald Sterling

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

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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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

---

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.

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Originally Posted by 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.

---

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big P

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

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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...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big P

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

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

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Originally Posted by Aggie Hoopsfan

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...

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

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ChumpDumper

They don't really have to renounce any rights until they start signing players.

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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That was what people thought but things are achangin' if Brand goes to Philly.

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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

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

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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.

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

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Originally Posted by CBA FAQ

A sign-and-trade deal can be made even with players who have been renounced

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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.

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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...

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Originally Posted by Kindergarten Cop

It actually makes a HUGE difference - because in one scenario the S&T is available and in the other it is not.

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

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

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.

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Originally Posted by timvp

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

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:depressed

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by timvp

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 :(

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

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Originally Posted by SpursFanInAustin

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

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

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:

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Originally Posted by baseline bum

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

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:lol :lol :cry

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

This is pretty shitty.

But this is hilarious:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Samir Nagheenanajar

This is a fuck.

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brand was not cheap

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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:

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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:

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Big P

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.

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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.

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.

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.

Philly would be much improved with Brand.

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

Maybe B. Davis will play here for the MLE.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by TD4THREE

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

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bartleby

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

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Sorry, I was talking about the Clippers throwing a deal at Smith.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Bartleby

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

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

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

WE'RE FUCT!

clippers could throw a long term deal at jr smith

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.

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Originally Posted by SpursFanInAustin

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

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Yeah, they talked about it on espn. Bucher came on and said that if Brand leaves the clipps will most likely target Smith.

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

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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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

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Originally Posted by ducks

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

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If 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.

Believe.

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Originally Posted by xtremesteven33

Believe.

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I'm with xtreme.:toast

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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.

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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.

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

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

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

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Originally Posted by 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?

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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

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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.

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

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 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?

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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.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Ed Helicopter Jones

Maybe B. Davis will play here for the MLE.

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

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.

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