Maggette and Brand

We have to keep these guys no matter what the cost.  They are the heart and soul of the franchise and without them, you may be looking at the worst NBA team ever next year.

Mr. C

Remember the Carolina Cougars                                                             

The only problem with keeping Brand and Maggette however, would be both of them wanting to remain Clippers. I believe both have player options after this season and unless they see the team having the potential to get back to their 2005-06 level, why would they? Out of the two, I can see Elton potentially staying but not Corey. Why should he feel any loyalty to the Clips when annually, he's been rumored to be traded for the last three years.

Again, in an ideal world both will be Clippers next year, along with Shaun Livingston at full strength. Add a healthy Kaman, Thornton, Cuttino, Tim Thomas and smart (hint: point guard) draft picks and you're looking at a huge improvement over this year.

If both Brand and Maggette bolt, we'll need help big time... but certainly not worst ever.

Can't wait for this season to come to a merciless end, though.

Peace.

I believe they can get both of them to come back because its obvious their a better team with both of them.I believe they should package the draft pick and the bad contract of Mobley for a key pg or sg.Hopefully Sean Livingtson can come back strong.But its hard to believe that after he's been out so long.Well he'll have the summer to get back in shape and maybe make a return.

I mean if you could have Brand back,Maggette,Thorton with a year under his belt,Kaman coming off a career year,Livingston coming back strong,and most likely a top 5 pick that would be huge.Even if Livingston doesnt come back strong they could trade the pick for a veteran pg.I dont think they should use the pick to draft anyone.If they do they'll find themselves in a rebuilding process soon.If they acquire a player to go along with the key players they have now they could set up for a big playoff run.

Think about the fact that they already have alot of key players.If they were to make a big trade it would most likely involve the draft pick.Hopefully they move up to 2 or 3.That way they wouldve even have to give up anyone out of their core.Which is Brand,Maggette,Thorton,and Kaman.They could seriously be competing next year,they just have to pull a Boston.However I think they have more pieces than Boston did last year.

By the way both Maggette and Brand could make more money if they dont opt out.The free agent market is dry so Maggette may only get the mid level exception to play for a contender.But if the Clippers can convince him that they want to compete next year he would stay and take the money.Brand makes 16 million next year and I doubt that he opts out.So I think the Clippers should find a key guy that is on the trading block after the season,then trade whatever pick they get for him.

If all doesnt go well with the Maggette situation,heres a list of players that will possibly be on the trading block after this year that the Clippers could use.

1-Michael Redd-Okay Redd was rumored to be on the block this year so the Bucks could start over.I think that the Clippers could use some more outside shooting.It all depends on if the Bucks want to go young.It may be hard to pull off but it can be done.And it could be done without giving up a pick.The Clipps have to keep some youth so I'd keep Thorton and start him at the 3.Trade Maggette(8 million expiring contract),Tim Thomas,and Brevin Knight(2 million expiring contract)and that could be enough to lure them out of Redd's contract.

2-Tracy McGrady-Okay this is not likely.However I know Houston is tired of losing in the first round.With Yao out its likely they'll do it again.I dont know if you blame T Mac for this,but he was just mentioned in trade rumors.There were rumors he could go to Chicago.A few years ago we wouldnt even think of T Mac's name at the deadline.I think Maggette,draft pick,Mobley,and Knight could do the trick.The problem is will the Clippers think T Mac can stay healthy a year.

3-T.J. Ford-Its obvious the Raptor claim to be committed to signing Calderon.However Ford has mentioned he would not like to be a backup.I could imagine Ford coming to the Clippers and then the Clippers going for a 2 guard in the draft.Maggette and a fill in could work here.

Others could be Ron Artest,Richard Hamilton,Mike Miller,and Vince Carter.

There is no way that Corey Maggette will come back to the Clippers due to the fact that he does not get along with head coach Mike Dunleavy. The best case scenario is that we sign Elton Brand to a long term contract and hope that SG Gilbert Arenas decides to opt out of his contract from the Wizards and come play in LA. Although he has already hinted in staying in Washington if Antawn Jamison is resigned this off-season.

 Moreover, with Shaun Livingston still on the IR we need to acquire a PG because we lost both of our playmakers in Livingston and Sam Cassell. Checkout my blog on the Clippers situation.

Although my main concern at this moment is whether Chris Kaman can stay healthy and be a franchise center for years to come.

Brand is going to Miami

Maggette is going to Portland

Brand is headed to Cleveland.

 LaC gets Ben Wallace ,Sasha Pavlocic and Wally  Serbiac.