MVN - Most Valuable Network

Maggette destinations

Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo cites sources saying that Corey Maggette may end up in either Orlando or New Orleans.

The SF opted-out of the final year of his contract with the Clippers to become a free agent, and has the ability to have big games.

The Magic are a good fit, as they want one more scorer. Adding him would put them near the top at the East, if not at it.

The Hornets could also use another offensive weapon, to go along with Chris Paul and Co.

At this point, it looks very unlikely that Maggette will return to LA. He appears to be unhappy with the team, and wants to go elswhere.

Davis to LA?

Yahoo Sport’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that the Clippers are making a run at Baron Davis, who surprisingly opted out of his contract earlier tonight, becoming a free agent.

A deal may be close, as it’s unusual for a player to lose all the money Davis will if he isn’t close to a deal with another team. LA does have the money.

What a signing this would be for them. They are desperate for a good point guard, and he’d be great alongside Eric Gordon. Plus, signing Davis would help convince Elton Brand, who also opted-out, that they’re trying to win a title. Those three wouldn’t be bad together.

I don’t like to make transaction predictions, but I really think a deal could happen soon, possibly this morning. Both sides seem to be a good match.

The Clippers certainly seem content on making a big splash. Davis is really the only star left, with Gilbert Arenas nearing a deal with the Wizards. Good for them, maybe they’re finally undergoing an organizational change.

Artest to remain a King

ESPN.com reports that, as expected, Kings’ SF Ron Artest has elected to not opt-out of the final year of his deal and take the $8 million on his contract.

This comes after his agent, Mark Stevens, made it official today.

While Artest is one of the Kings’ best offensive players, I’m not sure they should keep him. He’s getting old, and we all know about his off-court troubles. They are rebuilding, and trading him could bring in some talented youngsters. He should be involved in some rumors this off-season.

Brand opts out

ESPN’s JA Adande reports that Clippers’ forward  Elton Brand has opted out of his contract, the final year that would have payed him $16.4 million.

The veteran Brand has established himself as an elite big-man in the NBA, even considering the fact that he only played in eight games last season due to a knee injury.

However, Brand does apparently want to stay in LA with the Clippers. He would like to see them make some moves though, as according to this article, he was moved by how the Celtics put a few stars together and won a title. He wants to do the same thing, something that the Clippers probably won’t do.

Therefore, I think he might need a new home. The Clippers are rebuilding, so losing him and Corey Maggette might actually be better. Like Baron Davis, I doubt a team can sign him, although the Sixers might have the dough and want a quality big-man.

I do see a sign-and-trade as a more likely option for that reason. Miami is a team that will certainly show interest in him, as he has ties to Pat Riley. They might want to wait until next off-season though, as that’s when Shawn Marion will be gone.

The Heat would be a heck of a team if that happened, with Wade, Marion, him, and Beasley together. Talk about a good starting lineup.

The Clippers do have the money to resign him, so I wouldn’t be shocked if they work something out. They’ll have to sign somebody, perhaps Beno Udrih.

Davis opts-out

Well, we have our first big surprise of the night.

The AP on ESPN.com is reporting that Warriors’ point guard Baron Davis has opted out of the final year of his six-year deal, not getting the $17.8 million he was due and becoming a free agent.

 Negotiations on a long-term deal have been frustrating, to say the least. Davis, who is clearly the leader and best scorer on Golden State, has also not been very happy with the team not making any moves this off-season to improve.

It’s doubtful that any team will straight up sign Davis to a contract. Nobody has any cap room, with the exceptions of the Clippers, Grizzlies, and 76er’s. Those teams should not make a play for him.

However, a sign-and-trade is possible, as some teams are in need of a point guard, and Davis is only twenty-nine. I expect that there would be a market for him.

Still, I don’t think anything will happen. Davis obviously wants a ton of money, and I’m not sure how many teams will be willing to give it to him.

What a shock this is, nevertheless. Most thought that he would stay and honor the final year of his contract. We’ll see what happens with this.

Free-agency

I know I haven’t posted here in a while, but I jut wanted to inform you all that I’ll be giving you all the updates tonight, starting at midnight eastern when the free agency period starts.

 I’m not sure if I’ll be writing full-time on this blog, but I will be doing things like this.