Bay Area Sports Blogging

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.

Baron Davis, the face of the Warriors' resurgence, opted out of his contract yesterday night.  The choice was a bold move on his part as he leaves $17.2 million behind.

Rumors have Davis going to the Los Angeles Clippers were he will play in front of his hometown fans.  Elton Brand, who also opted out of his contract, is expected to resign with the Clippers at a lower rate thus giving them their own version of the Big-3 in Davis, Brand, and Kaman.

There have also been rumors with Davis heading to the New York Knicks to play under D'Antoni's wide-open offense.  Although Davis is a West-coast guy, there would be no complaints if the Knicks offer a max contract.

Its your boy BD, ya hear!!!

Baron Davis is having an All-Star year, leading the Golden State Warriors to 9 wins out of their last 11 games, good enough for a playoff berth in the loaded Western Conference. Without a doubt, Baron is the heart and soul of the scrappy Warriors team. Baron is also a key player in Don Nelson's mis-match small ball offense, and the numbers show it.