Semi OT: Clips to make a run a Arenas

[steveb21]

I just read a blurb on hoopshype that talked about how the Clips are going to make another run at Gilbert Arenas. This could affect us in two different ways:

The good - it might be that they expect Brand to opt out and will use their cap space to throw at Arenas. This would mean that we would be free to negotiate with Brand.

The bad - they could try to work a sign & trade where they get Arenas and Brand ends up in DC.

Also of note is that the Clips are also trying to work a Magette for Ford/Calderon deal with the Raps. It makes me wonder if Andre Miller is not on their radar.

Of course everything is just speculation and rumors at this point...but hey, that's half of the fun.

[Skates]

Even if Brand opts out, unless he makes it clear that he is not returning and refuses to entertain a sign and trade, both of which are unlikely to happen since he wants to keep all of his options open, the Clips won't renounce him and will still have him clogging up their cap. The cap space is only freed if they trade him someplace and take less salary back, say to a team like the Sixers who are under the cap, or they renounce him and then they get nothing back in return. Trading Maggette for equal salaries won't help either. So there are three ways the Clips can go after Arenas:

1. Sign and trade involving Brand and Arenas between the Clips and Wiz.

2. Brand opts out and they renounce their rights to re-sign him and then they sign Arenas or do a smaller sign and trade for Arenas involving other players/picks.

3. Brand is traded with minimal salary returning (could be a straight trade or sign and trade depending on whether Brand opts out) from a team with cap space (Sixers, Griz) to absorb the excess salary, and then they sign Arenas or do a smaller sign and trade for Arenas involving other players/picks.

# 1 puts Jamison out of a job and on the market looking for a new team.

#2 is very unlikely.

#3 would likely help the Sixers immensely.

[tk76]

It is unlikely, but maybe a three way deal with the Clips, Wiz and Sixers could make this all happen. I just can't imagine what the Wiz would get back other than cap space and picks if Brand end up a Sixer.

[UptownPhilly]

If the Clippers are making a push for Arenas, isn't it in their best interest to keep Brand?

Players that could be moved in a brand deal: Livingston, 08 First + Filler

Starting Lineup

Arenas
Maggette
Thornton
Brand
Kaman

That's a playoff contender.

[Skates]

If the Clippers are making a push for Arenas, isn't it in their best interest to keep Brand?

Players that could be moved in a brand deal: Livingston, 08 First + Filler

Starting Lineup

Arenas
Maggette
Thornton
Brand
Kaman

That's a playoff contender.

Livingston only makes $5.8 million next year if his option is picked up and they don't have enough expiring filler to match up with the salary Arenas would want. I doubt the Wiz would take Tim Thomas and Cat Mobley as they have more time left on their contracts, although weirder things have happened.

[tk76]

Livingston's option is not being picked up because it is to much money for an unknown. He will be a free agent, but is expected to resign with the Clips for a lower number.