April 15th, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in ?????????????????????????????????????? 
Anyone who follows or is a fan of the Clippers (OK, don’t raise your hands all at once) knows that forward Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have played together for the team for the past seven seasons; however, that may soon change.? The problem that the Clippers face is that Brand and Maggette can opt out of their current contracts after July; at the same time, both are signed through the 2008-09 season.? Maggette is due to make $7 million next season while Brand is due $16,440,000.? According to Art Thompson of the Orange County Register and as verified by Maggette’s agent, Maggette plans to opt out and test the free agent market.? What that will mean for him is unclear, but Maggette has said on more than one occasion that just because he opts out doesn’t necessarily mean his days as a Clipper are over.? Meanwhile, on Monday, Brand simply stated that he hasn’t made a decision as to whether he plans to opt out of his current contract.
Let’s look at the numbers.? Maggette and Brand alone account for a tick above $23 million of the Clippers’ payroll ($23,440,000, to be exact); team owner Donald Sterling isn’t exactly known for his generosity, so I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him ask one or both players to take a pay cut?for next season.? Negotiations should be real interesting this summer; I can see an actual case for Brand taking one as he was hurt most of this season.? Maggette?? Not so sure.? I obviously do not know what the Clippers’ total payroll is, but again, this summer should be real interesting in LA, especially between the agents for Maggette and Brand.
