July 1st, 2008 
Stephen Rhodes 
Posted in ??????????????????????????????????????????
In a move that was pretty much expected, according to the Associated Press, Clippers forward Elton Brand and swingman Corey Maggette have informed the Los Angeles Clippers that they intend to opt out of their current contracts and become unrestricted free agents; in a statement, team president Andy Roeser said, “On Monday night, when NBA rules permit, we will be aggressive in contacting them to address our interest in having them remain with the Clippers.? We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest.”
Brand, to his credit, stated that just because he is opting out doesn’t necessarily mean he wants to leave the Clippers; both players filed by the Monday deadline for players to declare their free agency.? In nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers, Brand has averaged 20.3 PPG and 10.2 RPG while Maggette last season averaged 22.1 PPG.? I think that Brand will re-sign with the Clippers but Maggette is as good as gone – but that’s just my humble opinion.
