Rumor Mill: Brand Headed to Miami
At this point most Clipper fans are certainly aware that there is a strong possibility that their franchise player and current power forward Elton Brand could opt out of his contract and sign with another NBA team. Earlier today the Miami Herald reported that Brand is being heavily pursued by the Miami Heat and there is a strong possibility that he may sign with them.
“One executive who spoke to the Heat said Miami would consider dealing Shawn Marion for a top player but also would be content allowing his contract to expire next summer and in 2009, sign Carlos Boozer, who would love to play here, or Elton Brand, if he doesn’t opt out now.”
During the NBA Pre-Draft workouts over these past few weeks, it has become clear to many general managers, scouts, and coaches, that the Miami Heat are not looking to draft Kansas State forward Michael Beasley, and if the Bulls take Memphis guard Derrick Rose with the number one overall pick than the Heat might select O.J. Mayo of USC at number two. The problem with this scenario is that Mayo is currently not projected as the second pick in this year’s draft. In fact several mock drafts have him going from anywhere from to Minnesota at number three or to the Clippers at number seven.
Therefore, if Brand is truly sincere about signing with another team than the Clippers could actually work a sign and trade with the Heat for the second overall pick and Shawn Marion, who is currently on the trading block right now. Drafting either Beasley at number two would give the Clippers a franchise player for years to come and another quality forward in Marion.
This is something that the Clippers must seriously contemplate right now, and it’s certainly not a time for management to be asleep at the wheel like usual.
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