Clippers Trade Rumors

"The Rockets expect to trim their roster and their bloated collection of forwards today by dealing Steve Novak to the Los Angeles Clippers, an individual with knowledge of the deal said Tuesday. The Rockets will receive future draft considerations from Los Angeles. This will likely include the right to switch places with the Clippers in a second round. It is unclear which season that would be because both teams have future second- round commitments. The Rockets selected Novak, 25, in the second round of the 2006 NBA draft. A 6-10 forward, he averaged 2.7 points in 70 NBA games, making 44.1 percent of his shots and 42.7 percent of his 3-pointers. The highlight of his two seasons with the ..."

"The Los Angeles Clippers, who lost unrestricted free agent forward Elton Brand to the 76ers last week, are trying to determine which remaining free agent might best fit their needs. And, according to a rumor circulating through the NBA, it could be the Sixers' Andre Iguodala. The rumor suggested that the Clippers, via coach Mike Dunleavy, already have had contact with Iguodala, who was in Las Vegas Saturday to watch the Sixers' summer league team play the Denver Nuggets. The contact, though, supposedly came in the days before that game."

"There will be change with the roster, that much is certain. How much and how soon remains to be seen. Walsh already proved he will work at his own pace when he turned down an offer from the Los Angeles Clippers for Zach Randolph, whom Walsh had been shopping for a while. The Clippers reportedly offered a second-round pick for Randolph, but Walsh believes he can get a better offer. Randolph, who has a hefty three years and $48 million left on his contract, is still a consistent double-double performer."

"As distasteful as it may seem for many local basketball fans, Seattle officials can learn a lot from Clay Bennett as they attempt to lure an NBA team. "If you're going to play this game and win, you must have commitments from three places: the private sector, the public sector and the NBA," said Marc Ganis, president of Sportscorp Ltd., a Chicago-based sports-industry consulting firm. "Oklahoma City had all three." Now that the dust has settled from the surprising July 2 settlement between the city of Seattle and Bennett, which allowed him to pay $45 million and immediately move the team, local officials face the cold realization that securing another franchise is no slam dunk. In ..."

"How soon the young duo can get major minutes depends on the status of incumbent starting forwards Zach Randolph and Quentin Richardson. The Knicks desperately want to trade Randolph's contract to get under the cap by 2010. SI.com reported the Clippers were interested in Randolph but president Donnie Walsh reportedly rejected a deal, likely because he couldn't get enough short-term contracts. Meanwhile, Richardson, coming off an out-of-shape, disgraceful shooting season, arrived in Vegas to work out with the summer-league team, claiming to be 228 pounds, 15 pounds lighter than when the season ended."

"The negotiations have been courteous. Okafor went out of his way last season to say he appreciated what the Bobcats offered, and that his preference is to stay with the team that drafted him four years ago. Still, there's no sense reaching free agency unless you're open to changing teams. The flavor of the moment is the Clippers, whose loss of Elton Brand leaves them short a power forward but holding abundant salary-cap room."

"Elton Brand's reported decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers rather than remain a Los Angeles Clipper could be bad news for the Charlotte Bobcats regarding Emeka Okafor. The Clippers now have a bundle under the salary cap and an obvious need for a power forward to complement center Chris Kaman in Brand's absence. NBA insiders expect the Clippers to consider signing one of two restricted free agents - Okafor or Atlanta Hawk Josh Smith - with the abundant cap room they now possess."

"The 76ers are close to trading forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a deal that clears salary cap space for Philadelphia to make a stronger push for free agents, a person in the NBA told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been completed and the NBA trade moratorium is not lifted until Wednesday. The 76ers will throw in reserve forward Calvin Booth, but are working out the particulars of what they will get back from Minnesota."

"The Philadelphia 76ers are structuring a contract offer for free-agent forward Elton Brand that will extend into the five years and $80-million range, according to NBA sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak about player movements.The 76ers are just the latest team to join the bidding frenzy for Brand, joining the Clippers and Golden State Warriors, who have already made five-year offers for Brand, according to the sources."

"As the NBA's salary cap officially goes up later today, so apparently does the 76ers' interest in Los Angeles Clippers unrestricted free agent Elton Brand. As suggested in the July 5 Daily News, the Sixers' plan appears to include waiting for a rise in the cap from $55.63 million to perhaps as much as $58 million or $59 million. Coupling that with the possibility of moving a contract or two, the Sixers could put themselves in position to 1) make one last push to acquire Brand, or 2) construct an offer sheet for Atlanta restricted free agent Josh Smith that the Hawks would have difficulty matching."

"Orlando Magic General Manager Otis Smith said Monday that the club is seriously interested in signing free agent Corey Maggette but concedes they're a dark horse in the race. "Is it a long shot?" Smith said. "Uh, yeah." Smith said the Magic are in the running as long as Maggette can command only the midlevel exception, worth about $6 million per year. There are a few other teams with money under the salary cap to give Maggette more, but not many. Smith said he originally wanted to split the midlevel exception. Then Baron Davis opted out of his deal with the Golden State Warriors, which started a chain reaction of possible player movement."

"There was no definitive word during the NBA's quiet holiday weekend pinpointing precisely when Elton Brand will do what pretty much everyone around the league expects him to do and verbally commit to re-signing with the Los Angeles Clippers. One source close to the process said Sunday night that Brand's decision should be public knowledge within the "next 24 to 48 hours." Another suggests that the Clippers have known since the middle of the past week that they would have to wait until after July 4 to confirm Brand's intentions. Common sense, meanwhile, says this saga isn't likely to stray much beyond Wednesday, which is the first day NBA teams can officially announce signings and ..."

"When free agency began, the Detroit Pistons had no intentions of using their full mid-level exception for one player. But the Pistons might have a change of heart, especially if they have a chance to land a player such as Corey Maggette. The Pistons have had at least one conversation with Maggette's representatives since it became clear that the 6-foot-6 small forward is willing to consider accepting the mid-level exception, which is expected to be worth about $5.8 million."

"The Jazz's ability to land longtime Los Angeles Clippers swingman Corey Maggette is looking more and more long shot by the day. As many predicted earlier this week, the Golden State Warriors, with newfound money after point guard Baron Davis opted out of his contract and committed to the Los Angeles Clippers, now are in the mix for Maggette. Multiple reports today suggested as much."

"With Chris Duhon now heading to the New York Knicks, the Orlando Magic will turn their focus to two free agents: shooting guard Corey Maggette and point guard Keyon Dooling. Duhon has chosen the Knicks over the Magic, opting to take a shorter deal with a better shot at becoming a starter in New York... The club still has their entire mid-level exception available, worth an average of about $6 million per year. And apparently that is what is available around the NBA to Maggette, a top-flight scorer who could upgrade Orlando's shooting-guard spot."

"With Gilbert Arenas off the market and Clippers free agent Elton Brand no closer to Oakland, the Warriors headed into the holiday weekend sorting through contingency plans. Golden State has reached out to forward Corey Maggette, another Clippers free agent, according to two league sources. The Warriors are one of the few teams who can offer Maggette more than the mid-level exception, which is expected to be around $5.6 million when the new cap figures are released."

"Meanwhile, the Warriors have a contingency plan to land another Clipper if Brand declines their offer, the sources said. Golden State is expected to join a number of teams to lure free-agent forward Corey Maggette, who opted out of the final year of his Clippers contract on Monday. The Philadelphia 76ers, according to the sources, may also bid for Maggette, who led the Clippers in scoring last season, averaging 22.1 points. The Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs and Utah Jazz are also in the running."

"Three days into the NBA's free agency period, Corey Maggette is still talking to teams and weighing his options. It appears the free-agent swingman is heading into the holiday weekend a little bit closer to becoming a Spur than he was before the week began. A source close to the negotiations said Thursday that, though no deal is imminent, talks between the Spurs and Maggette are serious and the interest is mutual. The Spurs are believed to have offered Maggette a multi-year deal, starting with their $5.8 million mid-level exception. Maggette became an unrestricted free agent this week when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers."

"Suddenly and swiftly, the question in Clipperland on Wednesday became: What will Elton Brand do? In a whirlwind that amounted to ?who has the salary cap space now?? the Golden State Warriors reached deep down the coastline and even deeper into their pocketbooks, offering free-agent forward Brand a five-year, $90-million contract, according to multiple NBA sources who requested anonymity because they are not authorized to speak publicly about player movements. The offer came after the Clippers expected to reach an agreement with Brand, 29, as soon as Wednesday for a five-year deal worth about $70 million, the most the team could offer under salary cap considerations and still sign ..."

"Though contract offers and mere contact with free agents often are confused during this rumor-laden time of year, the result can be maddening for the organization that is attempting to gauge interest in a player. That’s where the Celtics found themselves yesterday amid reports they made an offer to free agent Corey Maggette. A team source insisted no offer was made to the former Clippers swingman, though Danny Ainge reportedly has talked to a number of players, including Maggette, as he attempts to build a pool of candidates in the event his top priority - signing James Posey - falls through."

"The Spurs are expected to soon make an offer to free agent swingman Corey Maggette, if they haven’t done so already. After that, the wait begins. Maggette seems to be a popular man in the early stages of this summer’s NBA free-agency period, with as many as four other teams reported to have also contacted him to make known their interest. To land him, the Spurs will have to outpitch the likes of Orlando, Utah, Boston and Miami — all of whom have made Maggette an offer, according to various news reports — as well as any other suitors who might emerge in the coming days."

"The Jazz are one of four teams identified as having expressed interest in Corey Maggette, the longtime Los Angeles Clippers swingman who put himself on the NBA's summer free-agency shopping market Monday. Citing "a source close to him who requested anonymity because negotiations are still in the early stages," the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site Tuesday that "Maggette has been contacted by several NBA teams regarding his availability," including Orlando, Miami, Boston and Utah. The Jazz actually signed Maggette to a six-year, $42 million offer sheet in 2003, when he was a restricted free agent. But the Clippers matched that offer, retaining his rights."

"Admit it, you thought the shaken owner would crumble.You thought Donald Sterling would look around the smoking remains of his once-lavish Clippers team -- two best players leaving, coach steaming, star guard limping -- and he would quit. No more money. No more effort. No more Mr. Rich Guy.Admit it, you thought that this summer, the Clippers were going back to Square One.Instead, on the most glorious July Tuesday in franchise history, they have leaped to Seed Seven.Baron Davis? Are you kidding me?One of the toughest point guards in a point-guard league, bought for $65 million by a team desperately in need of a point guard?One of the coolest Los Angeles kids, with connections from ..."

"In a move that shakes the landscape of an already deep Western Conference, the Clippers reached agreement on a contract with All-Star point guard Baron Davis on Tuesday, according to Davis' agent.The deal is expected to be signed for five years and $65 million once the NBA's moratorium period ends next week."

"At 12:01 a.m. yesterday, Celtics general manager Danny Ainge made an expected call to one of his free agents, swingman James Posey. Not long after, Ainge also placed calls to several other free agents throughout the league, including Clippers forward Corey Maggette. On the first day of free agency in the NBA, the world champion Celtics, according to an NBA source, made contract offers to both Posey and Maggette. Since Boston, at most, has a mid-level exception available (expected to be about $5.8 million), it would seem doubtful they could land both players. Boston is also scheduled have New Orleans center Chris Andersen in for a visit today."

"Baron Davis is coming home. Davis has agreed in principle to a deal with the Clippers, a source within the organization confirmed. Davis surprisingly opted out of his contract with Golden State on Monday, even though he had one year remaining on his contract worth $17.8 million. Davis was in San Francisco on Tuesday for the premier of "Made in America," a documentary he produced on gang life in Los Angeles. Speaking to reporters, he didn't exactly confirm the report that he agreed to a deal with the Clippers, but made it known he'll be back in Los Angeles."

"Two seasons after the Spurs unsuccessfully tried to trade for Corey Maggette, they appear to be trying to recruit him. According to two NBA sources, one from each conference, the Spurs are preparing to make an offer to Maggette, who became an unrestricted free agent Tuesday when he opted out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers. Details are not known, but the Spurs are believed to be poised to offer the 28-year-old guard-forward their full mid-level exception worth about $5.8 million for the first year, the sources say."

"If the Spurs emerge from the Western Conference playoffs and win another NBA title next season they might have to consider giving a playoff share to Baron Davis. Davis' decision to opt out of the final year of his Golden State Warriors contract, which would have paid him $17.8 million, has set the table for the Spurs to make an offer to Clippers guard-forward Corey Maggette, just the sort of athletic wing man they have coveted for the past few seasons. Should the Spurs make an offer to Maggette, who on Monday opted out of a deal that would have paid him $7 million next season, they won't have to worry about the Clippers negating it by using their "Larry Bird" rights to offer him a ..."

"The Nets have a list of about 20 names, mainly wings, and near the top is Roger Mason, a 6-foot-5 guard who averaged 8.0 points with Washington last season, when he made a minimum $770,610. Figure he'll command in the $2.5 million range. Also of interest to the Nets are Warrior forwards Mickael Pietrus and Matt Barnes, Orlando's Maurice Evans, Indy's Kareem Rush, Knick Fred Jones Fred Jones and Clipper Quinton Ross."

"Baron Davis' agent, Todd Ramasar, told The Times that they have a verbal agreement to sign with the Clippers. Davis is expected to sign a contract in the five-year, $50-million range. "From a basketball standpoint it's always been about winning for Baron," Ramasar said. "This presented a good opportunity to do that to pair him with Chris Kaman and Elton Brand is expected back." The Clippers can't announce any deals until July 9 when next year's salary cap is determined."

"Los Angeles Clippers guard Corey Maggette told friends over the weekend that he was encouraging the Orlando Magic to make a competitive offer in free agency, allowing him to return to the team where he started his NBA career nine years ago. Maggette, 28, averaged 22.1 points last season for the Clippers, where he has spent the last eight seasons as a shooting guard/small forward."

"Ron Artest remained with the Kings on Monday, when the deadline passed for the small forward to opt out of the final season of his contract and take his skills to free agency. But just as one offseason question was answered for the Kings, another arrived in the form of the official arrival of free agency. Point guard Beno Udrih became a former King at 9 p.m. Monday, when the team was expected to dial his agent, Marc Cornstein, in New York before anyone else in an attempt to bring him back. Numerous sources close to the team said the Kings were prepared to offer Udrih their full midlevel exception (approximately $6 million) in a five-year deal. The Kings' most ardent competition ..."

"To that end, the Clippers took the first steps in filling their gaping hole at point guard. Coach Mike Dunleavy met late Monday with free-agent Beno Udrih, of the Sacramento Kings, in New York to discuss a multiyear deal. They also contacted the Raptors' Jose Calderon, who is a restricted free agent, meaning Toronto can match any offer made to him. Baron Davis, who opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, is also of interest."

"Atlanta's Josh Smith, a restricted free agent, may be the Sixers' No. 1 candidate. The Hawks have vowed to match any offer made to Smith, but an $11 million price tag might be too much for them to overcome. Other big men believed to be under consideration are Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers and Andris Biedrins of the Golden State Warriors. Yesterday, Brand opted out of the last year of a contract with the Clippers that would have paid him $16.4 million this year."

"As the 76ers delve into NBA free agency today, their primary objective is a post player. Next premise: The most attractive post player available is Elton Brand, who, according to the Los Angeles Times' Web site, opted out of his $16.44 million contract last night. Reality: The Sixers certainly will inquire about what it would take to bring Brand to Philadelphia, but one source familiar with the situation suggested that Brand's asking price could be beyond the Sixers' means."

"Leading scorer Corey Maggette is expected to officially become an unrestricted free agent when he opts out of the final year of his contract, a year in which he is owed $7 million.When reached Sunday, forward Elton Brand, who also can become an unrestricted free agent, said he and agent David Falk would release their decision today. If he does not opt out, Brand is due $16.4 million in the final season of his contract.Rehabilitating point guard Shaun Livingston also would become an unrestricted free agent if the Clippers decline to make him a $5.8-million qualifying offer. Livingston will be free to talk to teams, but the Clippers are still aiming to negotiate with him for a lesser ..."

"The Timberwolves held their final pre-draft workouts Monday, looking at three prospects, including a pair of projected top-10 guards in Arizona's Jerryd Bayless and Indiana's Eric Gordon. Vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale, in his last media session before Thursday's NBA draft, said he expects trade offers for the Wolves' third overall selection to heat up between now and then. "Up until now, there's been a lot of people who have just kind of thrown some stuff out there," McHale said. "They'll get more serious starting (Monday) and (Tuesday) and on Thursday you'll get a good offer. The teams you talk to, you say, 'Will I do this?' And they say, 'Will I do that?' ..."

"So no second-hand news here. Just a simple suggestion to Heat brass on how to make the best of a big week: Make Shawn Marion the player you look to trade. Keep Beasley. By Tuesday, Marion has to decide whether to stay put and collect his $17 million next season or pass on that for a chance at millions more with a new deal. That means the Heat has to make the same choice, deciding whether The Matrix is worth seeing again for the next few years or for just one more year. The third option would work best: Move Marion and avoid either scenario. Move him to the Clippers for Brand? Of course, if you can pull some sort of Jedi mind trick on Donald Sterling and Elgin Baylor and convince them ..."

"After nearly a year and a half of rehabilitation, Clippers point guard Shaun Livingston has been medically cleared for basketball-related activities. Livingston, 22, has played two games of one-on-one this past week and his seriously injured left knee has improved to the point where is now dunking. The odds of him being cleared to play in the Las Vegas summer league, however, remain small. Livingston will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 if the Clippers do not offer him a salary starting at $5.8 million. The team is still waiting to see how he progresses before making the decision, but will probably attempt to resign him at a lesser price."

"Forward Corey Maggette will officially opt out of his contract at the end of the month and become an unrestricted free agent. Elton Brand can do the same, but recently said he plans to remain a Clipper.Dunleavy said he believes that both will be playing for the Clippers next season."The reality is that there's no money out there," Dunleavy said of the market value for free agents. Later, he added, "People will come to reality and probably make a deal. That's how I see it.""

"Coach Mike Dunleavy said that the Clippers would entertain offers to move up in the draft and that the Miami Heat may shop the second overall selection.If the Clippers stand pat, they figure to choose among D.J. Augustin, who is short but considered the top pure point guard in the draft, Indiana's Eric Gordon and Westbrook. Bayless is expected to be taken by the time the Clippers pick, as is USC guard O.J. Mayo.The pick is also heavily contingent on the status of injured point guard Shaun Livingston, who is still recovering from a serious knee injury."

"The calendar and the weather may suggest otherwise, but the NBA climate has the feel of February. Much like the frenzy and wild speculation that serve as a prelude to the league's trade deadline, caution must be observed and logic exercised. With so many teams looking to improve and so many names being bandied about, it wouldn't surprise any one if one or two roster-altering moves are completed, perhaps more. Until the NBA final runs its course, no deal will be announced in an environment where there's no shortage of possibilities, some that appear to have merit."

"With the Heat eager to clear big 2009 salary-cap space to add another elite player, one logical scenario -- if the Bulls pass up on Derrick Rose -- would be drafting Rose at No. 2 (Miami's hope) and pursuing potential free agent power forwards Carlos Boozer or Elton Brand in the summer of 2009. But if Miami drafts and keeps power forward Michael Beasley, Pat Riley faces harder decisions. Although nothing can be assumed in free agency, an associate said Boozer -- who has a residence here -- likes Dwyane Wade and would be very receptive to Heat interest in 2009, when he is expected to opt out of his Utah contract. Brand displayed a liking for Miami when he signed a Heat offer sheet ..."

"Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers could have expiring contracts going into next season and therefore be trade-deadline bargains. The same could be true for Sacramento forward Ron Artest and Washington guard Gilbert Arenas. And New Orleans guard Jannero Pargo, Philadelphia guard Andre Miller and swingman Andre Iguodala, Portland sharpshooter James Jones, and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino, to name a few."

"Does Elton Brand opt out of the last year of his contract? Does Corey Maggette do the same? Who is the team's starting point guard? How does Shaun Livingston fit into plans? What about their lottery pick?"

"Speaking about his future for the first time, Marion confirmed our earlier report that he ''definitely'' would like a contract extension and will have agent Dan Fegan ask the Heat for one this summer -- even though Miami's seemingly in no position to do that because it wants big salary-cap space in 2009... The Heat might not get a chance in '09 to lure Elton Brand, who hasn't decided whether to opt out this summer instead."

"Clipper forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have played together for the past seven seasons. That bond could end this summer because both Brand and Maggette can opt out of their contracts July 1."

"The Clippers expect to retain Shaun Livingston for next season, but the only question will be for how much. They could easily keep him by making a qualifying offer before July 1 and pay him $5.8 million next season."

"Brand also maintained he intends to be a Clipper next season. He again fell just short of saying he will not use his opt-out clause and test free agency. Brand is believed to still be wavering on whether to opt out of the final year of his contract in which he is due $16.4 million. Few teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Grizzlies among them, are expected to have enough salary-cap space to sign a high-profile free agent."

"One idea about Brand's return is that it is connected to his decision to use his player option to stay with the Clippers next season or opt out of his contract. All signs point to him staying with the Clippers. If he opts out, it likely would be to negotiate a new contract with the team."