Clippers To Sign Baron Davis, Looking At New Deal With Brand
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Davis Agrees To Five-Year,
$65M Deal With Clippers |
The Clippers yesterday reached an agreement with G Baron Davis on a five-year, $65M deal, which is expected to be signed next week when the NBA's moratorium period ends, according to Jonathan Abrams of the L.A. TIMES. Also, free agent F Elton Brand, who Monday opted out of his contract with the Clippers, is "expected to reach an agreement" on a new multi-year deal with the team, "possibly as soon as today." Abrams notes Davis and Brand both entered the NBA in the '99-'00 season and have "other shared interests," as both recently have been involved in film projects. Brand in '07 produced "Rescue Dawn," while Davis yesterday screened his new film, "Made in America," for the S.F. Film Society (L.A. TIMES, 7/2). In N.Y., Howard Beck writes Davis' agreement with the Clippers "sent tremors through the league." Davis and Brand Monday both opted out of their respective contracts "at the last minute, contrary to expectations." Brand said that he "wanted to re-sign with the Clippers but terminated his contract to give them more flexibility to add a star player." Beck notes to some agents and GMs, it "appeared that the Clippers had a preconceived plan to land Davis," but "any prearranged deal would violate NBA rules and subject a team to sanctions." However, there is "no proof of misconduct, only speculation" (N.Y. TIMES, 7/2).
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Many Feel Clippers Would Be Able To
Contend For Title With Re-Signing Of Brand |
L.A. ALIVE: In L.A., Bill Plaschke writes yesterday was the "most glorious July Tuesday in franchise history." Clippers Owner Donald Sterling is showing he is serious "about creating a buzz" (L.A. TIMES, 7/2). Chicago Sun-Times columnist Jay Mariotti: “This is an opportunity for the Clips to shed their frugal, inept image and do something” (“PTI,” ESPN, 7/1). ESPN.com's J.A. Adande writes bringing in Davis and re-signing Brand would "make the Clippers matter again." The "important thing is the Clippers are trying, that [Sterling] didn't get discouraged when he spent big to keep that 2006 team intact only to watch the Clippers return to their losing, injury-filled ways" (ESPN.com, 7/2). In California, Can Inman writes if the Clippers re-sign Brand, they will "make noise not only in the Western Conference, but they could develop a great intracity rivalry with the Lakers. No need for the NFL in [L.A.] for a couple more years" (CONTRA COSTA TIMES, 7/2).
PICK & CRESCENT ROLL: In New Orleans, John DeShazier reports the Hornets have agreed to a contract extension with G Chris Paul in a four- or five-year deal worth between $60-80M. DeShazier writes with the Hornets also re-signing coach Byron Scott, "Give the Hornets props for taking care of their two most important signings this offseason, and for doing so with a timeliness that suggests the franchise is interested in building on what it has started and being a major contender for several years." And "no Hornet since the franchise relocated from Charlotte, N.C., has been more deserving of such a windfall" (New Orleans TIMES-PICAYUNE, 7/2).
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