The official start of NBA free agency started today, and there has been several major announcements already. The biggest move so far has to be Elton Brand signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for 5 years worth an estimated $82 million. There has been some talk about how Brand and the Clippers had a predetermined deal in place for Brand to resign with the Clips, but that Brand and his agent, David Falk, turned their backs on the deal. I doubt we will ever know the truth, but it does make for good drama.
The second biggest move is the Baron Davis move, which directly relates to the Elton Brand move. Davis agreed to a long term deal with the Clippers days after Elton Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers. Some were reporting that there had been shady dealings under the table between the Clippers, Elton Brand, and Baron Davis. Whatever agreements took place seems to have vanished as Brand bolted for Philly. Also interesting is that there has not been an official report of Baron Davis actually signing a deal with the Clips.
Another semi big announcement is that the Golden State Warriors came to terms with Corey Maggette for a reported 5 year, $50 million deal. After the Warriors lost Baron Davis, the team had huge cap space. Warriors tried to get Gilbert Arenas, but failed. Warriors tried to get Elton Brand, but failed. Third time's the charm. Although I'm not a big Maggette fan, he is not afraid to shoot the ball. He can also drive to the rim, which will help the Warriors offensively.
To round off the announcements, former Warriors player Mickael Pietrus has signed with the Orlando Magic. The Miami Heat tried to obtain Pietrus last year, when Pietrus was a restricted free agent, by having the Warriors do a sign and trade. Pietrus became an unrestricted free agent, and was able to sign with any team without requiring a trade.
It has been reported that the Warriors signed Lakers restricted free agent Ronny Turiaf to a 4 year, $17 million offer sheet. The Lakers will have seven days to match the offer. If they do not match the offer, Turiaf will be signed with Golden State. Turiaf is a great energy player and gives the Warriors another big coming off the bench. He will be a great fit.
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