I really expected that of all the budding stars on the Clips, Band would be the on Sterling felt he had to give the max contract. But this is Sterling and the Clips. With the rumored dealus interuptus -- apparently because he couldn't bear to part with Odom -- on draft night, the drafting of two 4's no one seems to have a whole lot of interest in, and the public statement that he would not offer Brand the max, it looks like the Clips may have put themselves into a situation where they have to sacrifice Brand to get the PG they covet and keep all the other players theywant.
Personally, I don't get it. I dont think too much of Odom, and with Miles and Maggette at the 3, Odom would hardly be missed. He's a great handling and pretty good passing 3 whoi s really not fast or explosive enough to go over or by defenders. Plus the wrist injury. Brand is a consistent workhorse who gives you 20 & 10 nightly. Plus he has a developing post game that forces double teams. His addition was definitely the key to the Clips improvement last year.
That said, and it looks like Brand might be available -- if he helps the clips get the PG they covet. Why not offer Baron for Brand? Do a sign and trade where they both get the max. Maybe have them send us some point guard help in exchange for Elden Campbell or PJ?
I love Baron's game. And he's perfect for the Hornets. He provides full court defense, playmaking, scoring, and outside shooting. I think he's way better than Andre Miller- who is a great pure point, but not nearly the scorer or physical presence all over the cout. He's not a superstar like Baron and he's not worth 25% of a team's salary -- not a team that wants to win it all and avoid the luxury tax.
I hope I'm wrong, I hope Baron sees the offer and decides to forget his dislike of the owners/organization, and go for the sure cash. But this rumor of the draft night deal makes me think the Hornets brass knows they can't resign Baron and something is in the works.
If we're forced to part wit Baron, you should try to get another young superstar in the making -- and that is Brand. I know he doesn't fill the PG void, but he is the type of guy who can change the course for your franchise long term. Like Karl Malone did for Utah. Miller is a short sighted quik fix.
Put Brand out there with Magliore, Mash, Alexander, and a solid PG like Jeff Mginnis (clips free agent) or Kenyon dooling (clips), and you probably still get to the second round in the East. Plus you have a guy who can be the centerpiece for a long time. Of course I'd rather have Baron as my centerpiece.


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