The Clippers could very well be facing an unfamiliar new era come next season, with two centerpieces placing one foot out the door.
For much of the last decade, Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have served as faces for the franchise. The pair took another step together Monday when both used options in their contracts to become attractive, unrestricted free agents, bypassing the final year of their respective contracts.
Their deadlines to opt out ran into the NBA's official free-agency period that began at 9:01 p.m. Monday. Teams are now able to negotiate with free agents but are not allowed to officially announce deals until July 9, when next year's salary cap is set.
To that end, the Clippers took the first steps in filling their gaping hole at point guard. Coach Mike Dunleavy met late Monday with free-agent Beno Udrih, of the Sacramento Kings, in New York to discuss a multiyear deal.
They also contacted the Raptors' Jose Calderon, who is a restricted free agent, meaning Toronto can match any offer made to him. Baron Davis, who opted out of his contract with the Golden State Warriors, is also of interest.
But the Clippers' top priorities immediately shift to retaining Brand and Maggette.
"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," team President Andy Roeser said. "We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest."
When reached by phone, Brand said he is aiming to re-sign with the Clippers. He is a two-time All-Star who has been with the team since 2001-02 but played in only eight games last season while recuperating from a ruptured Achilles' tendon.
Now, the Clippers must decide whether they are willing to offer him a new maximum contract that could command $120 million over six years.
"It means I'm a free agent, but my intentions are to stay with the Clippers," said Brand, who was owed $16.44 million if he remained in his former contract. "That's always been my intention."
Referring to the Clippers as "we," Brand said he would like to see them be aggressive in this free-agent market.
"I think with the pieces we have, we can do some damage," he said, adding their focus should be on signing a proven point guard.
