Clippers Trade Rumors

"Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers could have expiring contracts going into next season and therefore be trade-deadline bargains. The same could be true for Sacramento forward Ron Artest and Washington guard Gilbert Arenas. And New Orleans guard Jannero Pargo, Philadelphia guard Andre Miller and swingman Andre Iguodala, Portland sharpshooter James Jones, and Toronto guard Carlos Delfino, to name a few."

"Does Elton Brand opt out of the last year of his contract? Does Corey Maggette do the same? Who is the team's starting point guard? How does Shaun Livingston fit into plans? What about their lottery pick?"

"Speaking about his future for the first time, Marion confirmed our earlier report that he ''definitely'' would like a contract extension and will have agent Dan Fegan ask the Heat for one this summer -- even though Miami's seemingly in no position to do that because it wants big salary-cap space in 2009... The Heat might not get a chance in '09 to lure Elton Brand, who hasn't decided whether to opt out this summer instead. "

"Clipper forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have played together for the past seven seasons. That bond could end this summer because both Brand and Maggette can opt out of their contracts July 1."

"The Clippers expect to retain Shaun Livingston for next season, but the only question will be for how much. They could easily keep him by making a qualifying offer before July 1 and pay him $5.8 million next season."

"Brand also maintained he intends to be a Clipper next season. He again fell just short of saying he will not use his opt-out clause and test free agency. Brand is believed to still be wavering on whether to opt out of the final year of his contract in which he is due $16.4 million. Few teams, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Grizzlies among them, are expected to have enough salary-cap space to sign a high-profile free agent."

"One idea about Brand's return is that it is connected to his decision to use his player option to stay with the Clippers next season or opt out of his contract. All signs point to him staying with the Clippers. If he opts out, it likely would be to negotiate a new contract with the team."

"There is for some on the Clippers' skeleton-crew roster incentive to play out the string with purpose. Only six -- Chris Kaman, Al Thornton, Josh Powell, Brevin Knight, Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley -- have guaranteed contracts next season. "

"Although the Bulls believe they need an upgrade over Kirk Hinrich, the belief is they'd go for Beasley if they got first pick and Rose if they got the second... This Bulls team needs to be more like the Celtics of last season: package the pick with one or two players and perhaps pick up a veteran point guard like Andre Miller. I could also see them pursuing a star player in perhaps a sign-and-trade with Washington for Gilbert Arenas, sort of a go-for-broke summer. Perhaps Elton Brand tells the Clippers he won't re-sign and the Clippers cash in for a package that includes Hinrich, Andres Nocioni and the Bulls' first pick. And if Nene gets healthy, the Nuggets have to move someone."

"Point guard Jason Williams of the Miami Heat isn't the only one who will go into free agency this summer hoping the Orlando Magic will give him a call. With the Magic having so many guards in the final year of their contracts -- and with center Dwight Howard locked in for many years -- there are players all over the league hoping for a ride to Orlando. Shooting guard Corey Maggette of the Los Angeles Clippers will be another one looking to see what the Magic will do, which is why he smiled last week when he was asked about opting out of the final year of his contract to become a free agent this summer."

"The Clippers are interested in signing veteran point guard Smush Parker, waived recently by the Miami Heat, for the rest of the season, Clippers sources said."

"I see Elton sticking around to finish up his deal one more season. I've suggested the Wizards try to resign Gilbert Arenas and trade him for Brand, which could work well for both teams with Arenas from L.A. and Brand perhaps walking on the Clippers after next season. If he does, I see him ending in Miami, where they can be under the cap by letting go Shawn Marion, which I believe they will after next season, and have courted Brand for years."

"It would be unlikely that Brand would walk away from a large contract coming off a serious injury with few teams in a position to throw money at free agents. But Brand also has a strong desire to win. If he does opt out, the Clippers are intent on re-signing him and can tack on another year to Brand's deal, while other teams can only offer him deals of up to five years."

"It's no secret that Clippers forward Corey Maggette intends to opt out of the final year of his contract at the end of this season to explore the free agent market. Star forward Elton Brand also is eligible to do the same, although he is leaning heavily on not exercising that option. However, swingman Quinton Ross, one of the unsung players on the team, will be an unrestricted free agent this summer and Clippers coach Mike Dunleavy said Sunday that he definitely wants Ross to be back for his fifth season with the team."

"That is the sound of the Los Angeles Clippers who, once again, appear to be on the verge of implosion. The coach and the owner aren't talking. The owner says the coach picks the players, then rejects a trade. One player (Sam Cassell) is leaving. Two others (Corey Maggette and Elton Brand) have a choice to leave."

"One of the few charismatic eras of the Clippers franchise came to an anticlimactic end Wednesday, with the team buying out the contract of veteran point guard Sam Cassell. After ending a stalemate that had been lingering for days, Cassell can now join the Boston Celtics, his preferred destination, once he clears waivers after a 48-hour period."

"Sam Cassell's stint with the Clippers ended Thursday when the veteran reached a buyout with the team and then was waived. Cassell is expected to join the Boston Celtics after he passes through waivers on Saturday. He was in the final year of a two-year contract, making $6.1 million this season."

"Sam Cassell remains in limbo from possibly getting a buyout from the Clippers. If he does get the buyout, the Boston Celtics could be Cassell's destination."

"With Brown, the Celtics will have 14 players on their roster, with one spot available. They are hoping to fill the opening with a point guard. Candidates include free agents Brent Barry and Flip Murray, and the Clippers' Sam Cassell, if he is bought out of his contract before Saturday's deadline to become eligible to play in the postseason for another team."

"Rivers can't talk about it, but the Celtics are a favorite destination for Cassell if his contract is bought out by March 1. This possibility of the Clippers and Cassell parting ways has been lingering over the team the last few days."

"Cassell continues to nurse a sore wrist. He still doesn't know whether the Clippers will agree to a buyout of his contract. Cassell must be waived by 8:59 p.m. Friday to have 48 hours to clear waivers and be signed by another team to be eligible for the playoffs."

"An NBA source said yesterday that Clippers owner Donald Sterling does not seem interested in buying out the final year of guard Sam Cassell's contract. Cassell's agent, David Falk, has given the Clippers a deadline of Saturday to complete the buyout so the 6-foot-3-inch, two-time NBA champion would be eligible for another team's postseason roster... The NBA source said the Celtics and possibly the Nuggets, both over the salary cap, would be interested in Cassell if he is bought out prior to Saturday's deadline."

"As of late Monday, all signs pointed to the addition being veteran point guard Sam Cassell, who was working on a buyout of his contract with the Clippers and was prepared to sign with the Celtics."

"The C’s were still waiting to see if the Clippers would buy out point guard Sam Cassell’s contract. Cassell, who must be waived before 9 p.m. Friday in order to be eligible for the playoffs, told the Orange County Register that his agent, David Falk, has been in talks with Clippers president Andy Roeser."

" The Mavericks still have one roster spot available and are holding that open in case either Brent Barry or Sam Cassell agrees to join them."

"The Cavs have two roster spots and $4 million left of their mid-level exception to bid if they chose. However, sources have hinted that the Cavs will not likely be getting seriously involved. They are still adjusting to their new players and Cassell is favored to go to the Celtics."

"Sam Cassell could soon be wearing the green and white of the Boston Celtics. Or the purple and orange of the Phoenix Suns. Even the yellow and blue of the Denver Nuggets."

"Boston looks like the likely destination for Cassell if the Clippers agree to buy out his contract. According to NBA rules, Cassell will have to be off the Clippers and clear waivers by 9p.m."

"Following Monday's morning shootaround, Cassell said that his agent, David Falk, has had discussions with the Clippers regarding a buyout of Cassell's contract. It could come today, according to three Clippers officials."

"That is why this week stands as one of the more memorable ones in Cassell's 15-year career. He soon will know whether he will be going to the postseason with any of three teams - the Celtics among them - or whether he will close down his third year in Los Angeles April 16."

"A little more than an hour before tipoff last night, Danny Ainge hadn’t heard from Brent Barry, and the Celtics director of basketball operations wasn’t taking that as good news... Meanwhile, Sam Cassell remains a possibility."

" The Dallas Mavericks have made their pitch to Brent Barry. And Jamaal Magloire. And probably Justin Williams and another free agent or two. Soon to come: Perhaps a run at Sam Cassell. "

"I think Miami will wait out Marion for one more year, get the lottery pick for this and next season and make a run at a free agent like Elton Brand and then hope D-Wade doesn't hate them by then for ruining his reputation and still wants to stay... I truly think that the Bulls could use Eddie Curry's low post moves in there offence.Think there's any interest in bringing him back home?"

"By this time next week, we should have a pretty good idea if there are going to be any more add-ons to the Celtics roster. A number of players on executive director of basketball operations Danny Ainge's to-do list will become available, most notably Brent Barry tomorrow. Also possibilities: Sam Cassell (provided the Clippers buy him out and waive him by midnight Friday) and Chris Andersen (who would fit the need for an athletic big man, but who still is awaiting league and union approval on his reinstatement filings.)"

"Saturday is the next big day for player movement in the league. Not for trades, but for a view of what players think of your franchise. Players have to be released by March 1 to be eligible for the playoffs with a new team. So teams will be watching what the Clippers do with Sam Cassell and the Timberwolves with Antoine Walker."

"The clock is ticking faster on Sam Cassell's time to arrange a buyout of his contract in hopes of signing with a playoff-bound team. In order to become eligible to play elsewhere, Cassell would have to arrange a buyout by March 1. "

"The Cavs might target newly released guard Brent Barry or Sam Cassell if he gets his desire and is let go by the Los Angeles Clippers. However, they are not a favorite to land either."

"In the background of all of this is the fact that Cassell wants to be bought out of his contract so he can join a contender. The clock is ticking on that possibility because if a player joins a team after March1, he is ineligible to play in the postseason."

"There was no change on Cassell's contract situation Friday, even though his agent, David Falk, was in town. Falk sat next to Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling during the game, but it is not known whether the two had a lengthy conversation. Falk told a reporter he had laryngitis and was told by his doctor not to talk."

"The Celtics and several other teams are in the Brent Barry sweepstakes... The Celtics have also been rumored to have interest in veteran Clippers guard Sam Cassell. The 38-year-old has said his agent, David Falk, has contacted the Clippers about a potential buyout and that he would be interested in the Celtics."

"Sam Cassell is still a Clipper. And so, for that matter, is everyone else. The NBA's trading deadline came and went Thursday with nary a move made by the Clippers... Cassell said he would talk to David Falk, his agent, and discuss his options. If he seeks a buyout, it would have to occur by March 1, in order for Cassell to be eligible to be on the roster for a playoff team."

"There are two options — Cassell remains with the Clippers through the duration of the season or he and the team negotiate a buyout of his contract and Cassell is waived. That would make him a free agent, eligible to sign with any team."

"The "it" is a trade of the veteran point guard. The trading deadline is this afternoon, and Cassell was still with the Clippers on Wednesday night at Staples Center when they beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 100-86, in their first game since the All-Star break... Cassell's name has popped up in discussions among a slew of teams, including the Grizzlies, Denver Nuggets, Seattle SuperSonics, San Antonio Spurs and Houston Rockets."

"If either Cassell or Miller had any feelings about the latest rumored trade, between the Clippers and the Grizzlies, neither displayed them."

"Anything can happen by the NBA's 2 p.m. CST trade deadline. Then again, nothing is likely to occur regarding the Grizzlies. That was the tone within the organization late Wednesday with regard to potential deals, specifically regarding guards Mike Miller and Kyle Lowry."

"With only second-round picks or cash (or both) to offer, the Suns are trying to pry 6-foot-6 guard Quinton Ross away from the Los Angeles Clippers... Sources with the team said players like Denver's Yakhouba Diawara and Seattle's Mickael Gelabale were now secondary on the list, leaving Ross as the main target with the deadline approaching."

"Phoenix was talking about sending at least a second-round pick to various teams for the likes of the Los Angeles Clippers' Quinton Ross, Denver's Yakhouba Diawara or Seattle's Mickael Gelabale. Each of those players earns less than $1 million, making his pro-rated salary a mild hit on the payroll and luxury tax."

"Among other thoughts, Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling last month expressed a desire for his team to make a high-quality trade, bringing some light and hope into an otherwise dreary season. If that doesn't happen by Thursday's trading deadline, it won't be because of a lack of effort, said Elgin Baylor, vice president of basketball operations, and Coach Mike Dunleavy."

"The Celtics reportedly still have interest in Clippers point guard Sam Cassell, but unless that club buys him out, the chances of him getting to the C’s are probably minimal."

"The league's trade deadline is Thursday afternoon, and Miller and Lowry figure prominently in speculation suggesting that the Griz could move them as a combo. Denver and the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Griz face tonight in the Staples Center, are the teams reportedly making a serious push for Miller and Lowry's services."

"A sign-and-trade with Marion is another option. Miami could sign Marion to, say, a three-year, $20 million deal and get equal salary in return, thus landing two high-quality players. In that salary range the Heat could trade Marion for, say, Chicago's Luol Deng and Ben Gordon, or Charlotte's Emeka Okafor and Gerald Wallace. Or it could make a run at center-forward Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers, who earns $16.4 million next season, the final year of his contract."

"Meanwhile, the Nets will continue to wheel until Thursday's 3 p.m. deadline. Sources throughout the league say Kiki Vandeweghe is generating a heated rush of discussions involving Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Tinsley, Mike Miller and Nene... With Kidd apparently spoken for, the player drawing the most attention from promising title contenders is Philly's Andre Miller. Nuggets, Cavaliers and Rockets are sincere suitors - Celtics feel they're first in line for Sam Cassell - but not serious enough to offer more than expiring contracts and a first-round pick in the 20s."

"Despite what they say in Miami, the consensus is the Heat will let Marion's deal expire after next season and head for a big man like Elton Brand, a free agent after next season whom Riley tried to sign as a free agent in 2003... Meanwhile, what other coach would believe he could motivate and put Curry in position to succeed better than Riley? How much could it possibly cost? Curry is only 25."

" Because a Marion opt-out would leave the Heat with $15 million in cap space, which means they'd be front-runners for a very impressive class that includes Antawn Jamison, Elton Brand (he has an opt-out), or restricted free agents (Ben Gordon, Josh Smith, Monta Ellis) who could receive offers from Riley that would blow the competition out of the marketplace. And if Marion chooses to stay around for a while, that's fine, too. "

"Point guard Sam Cassell has been the subject of continued rumors, leaving the team either with a buyout or a trade. But when asked about the Cassell situation Tuesday, Dunleavy said, 'There is no Sam situation.'"

" No, the Mavs don't need Jason Kidd, because breaking up the core of the team to acquire him defeats the purpose. But Donnie Nelson and Mark Cuban had better be working the phones day and night to add a point guard – the Los Angeles Clippers' Sam Cassell or Philadelphia's Andre Miller would fit nicely – to the roster or this postseason will be every bit as disappointing as last season's embarrassing debacle."

"I believe the Bulls need a good PG and the Raptors need a solid SF. Would a Ford for Nocioni or Deng deal make sense to you? ... Shouldn't the Bulls go after Jermaine O'Neal as their primary target? ... How is Elton Brand's recovery is coming along and what would it take to get him for the Bulls if at all possible."

"It's uncertain whether the 38-year-old Cassell will finish out the season in Los Angeles, with his name being circulated in rumors before the trade deadline next week. One of the hottest rumors has him going to the Boston Celtics to back up young point guard Rajon Rondo, a move that would reunite Cassell with his former Timberwolves teammate, Kevin Garnett."

"Although Sam Cassell acknowledges he's unhappy the Los Angeles Clippers are losing, the veteran point guard made it clear yesterday he's not lobbying to play elsewhere. The Boston Globe reported Wednesday that Cassell was trying to buy out his contract so he could play for the Celtics. Cassell, averaging 13.1 points and a team-leading 4.5 assists in 34 games, is earning $6.1 million this season - the final year of his contract. "There's no truth to it," Cassell said by telephone from Toronto, where the Clippers play tonight. "

"Clippers point guard Sam Cassell is literally willing to pay the price to become a member of the Celtics. Cassell told The Boston Globe this morning that his agent, David Falk, has had conversations with the Clippers about a potential buyout and he is interested in joining the Celtics if such happens."

"Sam Cassell isn’t sealed off in a rumor-proof chamber. “I’ve heard what you guys have heard,” the Clippers guard said of reports that he could soon join the Celtics, either by trade or buyout. “It would be cool to get back with Kevin Garnett and help this organization get back to the glory years. But as of today, I’m a Clipper.”"

"The New York Daily News had a dicey item about Garnett and Sam Cassell dining last night in Boston, with Garnett trying to persuade Cassell to come to the Celtics. That would have been hard unless Garnett has a body double or it was a late, late meal in Chinatown (and Chinese wouldn't be KG's first choice) because Garnett was with the Celtics last night."

"Sam I Am has been mentioned as a candidate to land in Boston, where the Celtics now try to do what the Patriots could not. For all their wins so far, the Celtics don't have a first-rate point who knows how to win in the playoffs."

"As far as Rivers is concerned, Sam Cassell doesn't exist. When asked what he thought of the Clippers point guard (who will be in town tomorrow night), Rivers replied, 'He's been hurt, right? Livingston.' The response was clever, considering the rumor mill has been cranking out scenarios, including the Clippers buying out Cassell and the 14-year veteran possibly landing in Boston."

"The Bulls have had some interest in Gooden for several years, and you are right that the Cavs are seeking a point guard. The problem is playing with LeBron you need to shoot and Duhon isn't a good shooter. More than that, I think the Cavs are holding out Gooden, probably their best trade piece, to make a deal for a bigger target like Mike Bibby, Jason Kidd or Sam Cassell."

"Don't plan on seeing Brand in a Knicks uniform. They would have to dispatch Eddy Curry or Zach Randolph, and then Isiah Thomas would have to make up with agent David Falk, whose clients were not always happy with the high rate of turnover here."

"So Indiana's Jermaine O'Neal is supposed to go next—and for next to nothing, assuming he comes back from a knee injury. Then goes Jason Kidd, though I seriously doubt the Bulls will get him. And when he is traded, it's clear the Nets won't get much, not after what Memphis and Minnesota received for Gasol and Garnett... Denver, which is now sending feelers to the Clippers about Sam Cassell, seemingly has to move on a point guard with the league's third-biggest payroll and paying the second-highest luxury tax."

"The Nuggets have inquired about acquiring Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell, though trade talks have not intensified, a team source said."

"Once Damon Stoudamire clears waivers tomorrow morning, the veteran point guard is expected to sign with the Spurs, according to an NBA source... The Celtics have been on the lookout for a veteran point guard and had some interest in Stoudamire. Rumors persist that they have interest in Clippers veteran Sam Cassell, but they don't seem to have the means to make a viable trade offer."

"Which team will it be? The Boston Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks or the Denver Nuggets? All three teams have been rumored to be pursuing Cassell in a desire to add one final piece to their NBA championship quests."

" The Mavericks like the team as currently constituted. But had Harris' absence been longer, they may have been inclined to explore options, such as: Earl Boykins... Sam Cassell or Damon Stoudamire... New Jersey's Jason Kidd is rumored to be on the trading block, but it is believed the Mavericks are not interested because of the heavy price."

"If I were Ernie Grunfeld, I'd make a run at the Clippers' Elton Brand, like Arenas out with an injury but also due back this season. Brand has one year left on his contract. It's questionable whether he'd stay after that, especially with the low-post development of Chris Kaman."

"The Celtics appear to be taking their time on Damon Stoudamire. At their current rate, the Celts may run out of time... According to league sources, the Celts are checking out other possibilities and it’s believed they may have interest in another player, thought to be Sam Cassell of the Los Angeles Clippers... Goodwin acknowledged his client has interest in the Celtics, as well as San Antonio, Phoenix, Toronto and Denver, but time is of the essence."

"The Celtics likely will have interest in Grizzlies point guard Damon Stoudamire if he clears waivers, as expected, Wednesday. His buyout papers are expected to be signed today. The Suns and Raptors also are expected to have interest... Speculation persists that the Celtics also have interest in Clippers point guard Sam Cassell, a former teammate of Garnett's."

"But I know the veteran player this Denver team needs to bring a passionate edge that can so often make the difference in a playoff series. And he's on the trading block. Go get 38-year-old Los Angeles Clippers guard Sam Cassell, a proven winner and still tough in the clutch after all these years. What's more, his salary of $6.15 million is not outlandish by NBA standards. "

"You can get away with Rajon Rondo as your starting point guard only for so long, even if you're 34-7 and running away with the East. So the Celtics are finally facing facts as they pursue Damon Stoudamire and Sam Cassell to come in and shore up the position."

"With Clippers owner Donald T. Sterling having leveled complaints at his top management -- Mike Dunleavy and Elgin Baylor -- the team's players on Tuesday attempted to avoid escalating the dispute. Corey Maggette, the Clippers' leading scorer, is at the center of the organization's top-tier rift. Maggette and Dunleavy have had their disputes, but Tuesday Maggette came to Dunleavy's defense."

"Dunleavy said he had two deals lined up which would have eased the Clippers' injury situation this season, but both were vetoed. He said when that happened he foresaw the potential for the team's current plight... Sterling said if Dunleavy or Baylor could not make Los Angeles fans proud of the Clippers, then he'd have no choice but to make changes."