Elton Brand Rooting for the Warriors?

by Hoopachoo on Apr 13, 2008 7:43 AM PDT Comment 33 comments

Just read the Clipper game recap over on ESPN. Check out this quote from Elton Brand:

"I hope they make it," Brand said of the Warriors. "I've got a lot of friends over there, so I'm rooting for them. I wasn't rooting for them tonight. I was trying to get a win, but now our game is done with, and I hope they make it."
Hmm. A lot of friends over there? Maybe getting this guy isn't such a pipe dream after all? Somebody with smarts tell me how we could get him. Would he have to opt out, can the Clippers match any offers, would we have to sign and trade, would we have cap room if we also expected to sign Baron, Beans and Monta? Could Brand be the missing piece to this team?

This FanPost is a submission from a member of the mighty Golden State of Mind community. While we're all here to throw up that W, these words do not necessarily reflect the views of the GSoM Crew. Still, chances are the preceding post is Unstoppable Baby!

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Realisticly

There's no way we can get Elton Brand unless if he'd be willing to take a huge paycut. The season ticket holder next to me said someone on the radio asked callers if he would trade Baron for Elton straight up. I would. Now I know Baron's a crowd favorite, but we need rebounding and a tough presence inside to compliment Biedrins. I won't say point guard's come a dime a dozen, but point guards can be replaced. Maybe not exactly on the same skill level, but they can be.

by Golden Boy on Apr 13, 2008 8:08 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Heh

That quote got me all hot and bothered, too. Per your questions...

Would he have to opt out? Yes. He has a $16.4M player option for next year.
Can the Clippers match any offers? I think when you opt out, you'e unrestricted, but don't quote me...
Would we have cap room if we also expected to sign Baron, Beans and Monta? Doubtful. Seems like we'd have to figure out a away to jettison Harrington at the very least. Maybe we could get Brand and Baron to tear up their player options for the opportunity to play together and a little long-term security? Say 4 year/$50M deals for each?
Could Brand be the missing piece to this team? If healthy, I think so. A starting 5 of Baron-Monta-Jackson-Brand-Biedrins? With Wright, Azubuike, Belinelli, et al. coming off the bench? Sign me up...

by Sleepy Freud on Apr 13, 2008 8:09 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

On matching

Sleepy,

Elton is not a Restricted Free Agent, so while the Clippers can pay him more than anyone else (Bird Rights), they have no ability to match should he choose to leave.

That said, it'd be really tough to facilitate a trade (no way the Dubs could sign him outright without Cohan being willing to go into the Luxury tax- if he were, it'd be easy since the Warriors have Bird on everyone), but the probable suspects would be guys like Al Harrington.

What would probably happen is the Dubs would dump guys like Al for essentially nothing (maybe some mediocre picks and/or Euros), then sign Brand, because that would give the Clippers space to sign Gilbert Arenas outright.

by dprodigy19 on Apr 13, 2008 9:45 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brand is still

listed as an unrestricted Fa, since he has the ability to go where ever he chooses. It's true that the Clippers can offer him the most money and most years, as per the new CBA deal.

Signing, or even attempting to sign Brand means giving up the Bird Rights for Biedrins. I'm guessing the same is not said for Monta, since his cap hold is so small. This situation came up with Orlando last year when they signed Shard' to that massive contract. They then had to give up the Cap Hold with Darko, thus making him an unrestricted FA.

If this were to happen, we'd basically not be able to re-sign Biedrins, unless he wants the MLE. We'd be in luxury tax territory, but we'd also front a team with Baron, Monta, Jax, Al and Brand.

Sign/Trade options still may apply to AB...hmm AB + 1st to move up in the draft?

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Apr 13, 2008 11:40 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks...

...for answering my questions. I'd definitely love that line-up! I won't get my hopes up like I did for KG, but it would be great.

by Hoopachoo on Apr 13, 2008 9:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe its worth letting BD go

I think this franchise needs to take a hard look at direction. I love BD. He has been the cornerstone of the franchise turnaround. Lets be real though, can BD and Nelly take the Warriors deeper into the playoffs? I just don't think so. This formula of hands-off coaching will work when we're hot but it won't work over the long-haul, in our effort to win MULTIPLE series. I think it's time for the Warriors to think about not picking up that option for BD next year. It's huge!!! 16-17 million. With that money we could go get Brand, a player that would put the Dubs over the top. Ellis, Jackson, Brand, Biedrins, Pietrus, Wright-That's a team that can compete in the West. Ellis is a scoring machine, Jackson is a vet and emotional leader, and Brand is a beast. He would make Biedrins and Wright better because they wouldn't be alone out there rebounding. No more of this "four guys on the floor have to shoot threes". That doesn't work in this league! Why does it matter about everybody shooting when the Warriors down the stretch are one and done three point shooters! No team in this league would sign BD for 15+ million money considering his decision making. Dude, the Dubs have thrown away possessions and games down the stretch. potentially 50 wins is incredible. But lets be real again, how many 5 minutes stretches of 0 field goals has this team had this year? Way too many! In each of the last three games its happened! But when you have a coach who doesn't sub based on performance (which is absurd) and a leader like BD who cannot control the game when the going gets tough, you're not going to be a special team. This team is tired, you can see it in the body language. has it occurred to anybody that the minutes are catching up to the Dubs? Why couldn't Nelly have used his bench better? Now we have a tired team that might not make the playoffs (though I think there's still hope) and an undeveloped bench. A black hole year potentially in terms of playoffs and talent development. I know it hurts to say this but Nelly and BD out, Keith Smart and Brand in.

Duke grad student missing the Bay but holding it down for the Dubs from afar.

by eastbayglory on Apr 13, 2008 9:43 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There's a problem with that

I think it's more than a personal opinion that a significant portion of the reason Brand has interest in Golden State is because of Baron, so it makes moving him to get Brand a little dicey.

by dprodigy19 on Apr 13, 2008 10:01 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

It's the KG scenario all over again. Why would Brand come to the Bay? Likes the weather? The bridges?

There is little incentive to move guys. Think about it in Brand's perspective.

His team is only in the lottery because of massive injuries, but they do have a bright future ahead of them.

Brand/Kaman/Thornton/Maggette (if he stays), form one of the best frontcourts in the entire NBA. They just lack the guard play. But with Livvy coming back, and a lottery pick, they shouldn't stress to much.

the 08-09' Clipper team could be better than the 08-09' Warrior team. So leaving to go to a "Playoff Contender" doesn't seem like enough of a conclusion for him to leave. He's already on one.

Donald Sterling was reported as saying he's basically going to bring Brand back next year. I know the front offices of NBA teams can play shadow games. But the dude shelled out a massive contract for Brand last time he was a RFA, and kept him from joining the Heat. Brand has lived up to his contract and then some. No reason to think Sterling is lying and wouldn't want Brand back, since he is the most important part of their team.

I believe all the Brand-talk is fan boy dreaming...though i thought the KG talks were fan boy dreaming as well.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Apr 13, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

don't know ...

the salary cap issues, but that starting five, Sleepy Freud just put together - sounds interesting.

no way i'd trade Baron for anyone not named: Deron, Chris or Gilbert.

" Sleepy Floyd is Superman!!!"

by CoachBarry on Apr 13, 2008 9:45 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

gilbert?

no thanks. im hoping you only meant point guards because id trade baron for guys named kobe, lebron, kg, and dwight in a heartbeat.

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 on Apr 13, 2008 11:47 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about dumping Al and SJax instead of BD?

Davis, Ellis, Pietrus, Brand, Biedrins= 4 seed next year. The Warriors are going to have to give up more salary to get Brand. There's no way BD and Brand sign for 12.5 million a year Sleepy Freud. Maybe BD but Brand no way. If we want them both together (which would be insanely great) we have to let SJax go.

Duke grad student missing the Bay but holding it down for the Dubs from afar.

by eastbayglory on Apr 13, 2008 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Richard Jefferson maybe?

Nets could want takers for RJ and VC.

Does anyone else think RJ at the 3 would make the warriors better? He's a better scorer than Jax and Al. He's also more consistent at getting to the free throw line. He has injury problems, and i don't know if he has the same leadership qualities as Jax can provide.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Apr 13, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

It can be done!

Sign Monta long term, give BD an extension because as great as Monta is YOU NEED LEADERSHIP, and let Bedrins go. You do not need Bedrins and Brand, especially when you have Brandon Wright waiting in the shadows. Letting Bedrins go, free's up the 10 million you guys figured in, in his salary, when you put him in the lineup, inaddition to Barne and Peitrus who will be gone (thats 6 million right there), so in essence, we might have to be 4-5 mill over the luxury tax but in this era of basketball that something you gotta do if you wanna compete. Plus, I dont think it will hurt the organization that badly since they will be chargeing $50 to sit in the nose bleeds next year. All I gotta say is, if he is our there, we better go get him

by silence da haters on Apr 13, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

NO!!!!

The Warriors cannot let Biedrins go!! Have you been watching this guy? He can do it all for a Dubs bigman. The Warriors' problem is that they think they only need one post presence out there to be successful. You need two in this league. BWright will be good but he didn't play enough this year to be a legit starter next year. Getting Brand and letting Biedrins go would be an upgrade, but it wouldn't change the nature of the team's attack enough. The Warriors need to be able to get easier buckets when the shots aren't falling. Brand and Biedrins down low would be one of the best 4-5 combos in the league. BD and Ellis would be one of the best 1-2 combos in the league.

Duke grad student missing the Bay but holding it down for the Dubs from afar.

by eastbayglory on Apr 13, 2008 10:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

but

the price would probably inhibit having both. i love biedrins but if you replaced him with brand id be all for it. and of the 3 potential free agents (bd, monta, beans) biedrins is the one id be most comfortable with losing, even if he is the best big man we've had in 20 years.

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 on Apr 13, 2008 11:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

Brand and Biedrins

Complement each other perfectly. A slightly undersized 4 with one of the most refined post games in the league, and a long, lightning quick 5 who likes to run, roll off screens, and jump around the rim. Both crash the boards like madmen and are solid and active on defense. Think David West/Tyson Chandler in New Orleans, only better.

p.s. -- Dude, if you want people to take your thoughts on the Ws seriously, you might consider learning to spell their names correctly. You managed to misspell Barnes, Pietrus, Biedrins, and Brandan Wright in the same one-paragraph post. Pretty impressive.

by Sleepy Freud on Apr 13, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

One more thing...

One more thing to think about is the fact that BD and Jackson have such similar skill sets. Both have a tendency to heave unwarranted 3s and stop moving the ball. Can this team go deep with such similar stars? I think it's time to spread some more salary down low, that's really all I'm saying.

Duke grad student missing the Bay but holding it down for the Dubs from afar.

by eastbayglory on Apr 13, 2008 10:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

oh cmon

we are seriously taking baron davis for granted, monta ellis is to some extent, allowed to be monta ellis because of the attention his backcourt partner, baron davis gets. baron davis has been clutch for us all season, he is the leader of this team, and he allows us to start monta ellis because baron is an extremely good defender. quite frankly subtracting baron davis and adding brand in his place would not put us in a better situation than we are in now, besides, maybe we can work out a sign and trade with the clippers using our midlevel exception and add brand to a team with baron already! yay!

by bigbenny11 on Apr 13, 2008 10:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice Idea

But it won't happen. Division foes never want to make one or another better.

by Golden Boy on Apr 13, 2008 10:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

especially not the clips

at least not as long as dunleavy is there. is he on the hotseat?

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 on Apr 13, 2008 11:51 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

I agree to some extent

That the only reason to bring Brand over is to play with Baron, Jax and now Monta. That's 4 threats out there.

Warriors, Stupidest franchise in the league.

by kenntoe on Apr 13, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

BD is far from

beeing extremely good defender, because his feet move like you put them in slow motion.

by buky on Apr 13, 2008 3:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

You obviously dont watch much.

Hes #2 in steals in the league. #1 in blocks amongst point guards. #2 in defensive rebounds amongst point guards per game. Also he can gaurd guys much bigger than himself because of his strength. He gaurds point guards, shooting gaurds, and sometimes small forwards. He is probably the best defensive point gaurd in the league. Please educate yourself.

by ilubthedubs on Apr 13, 2008 4:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

lmao

some of you guys are reading too much into the quote. I highly doubt Brand will opt out. The Clippers will be good next year and will be able to fight for a playoff spot next year. No need for Brand to come over to the warriors to do that.

by saintdee on Apr 13, 2008 11:33 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

WHO WE NEED TO KEEP? AND SIGN

Baron Davis
Monta Ellis
Marco Belinelli
Stephen Jackson
Brandon Wright
Andris Biedrins
Al Harrington
Kosta Perovic
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to sign

PIetrus
&
Azubukie

but i would feel terrible for barnes... But thats life. i guess

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

DUMP:

BArnes

Watson

crosher

POB (DUMBO)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SOmehow we sign ELton brand, ( i know he wnats to come here.. everyone knows hes the key piece missing) We cant afford t give up harrington though, because we cantr id the starters all season again, or else well end up like this season..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are team would look like this?

PG: BAron Davis
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Stephen Jackson
PF: Elton brand ( DOMINtAE JUSt LIKE AMARE STOUDIMIRE Is With shaq)
C: ANDRiS BIEDRINS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
BEST BENCH:

( PF, C) AL HArrington (SIX MAN AWARD)
( PF, SF) BRandon Wirght
( SG, SF) PIETRus & AZUBUKIE
(SG) Marco Belinelli

We would end up with a 10 man roster.. making things easier on nelson...

by goldenstatewarrior4lyfe on Apr 13, 2008 11:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Watson and Croshere

I don't see the point in getting rid of Watson and Croshere - it's not like they earn much money and I don't think a 10-man roster is big enough, even if Nelson is coach. We would have no back-up PG without Watson, he is young (23 on Thursday) and has been pretty solid of the bench, making few mistakes.

Croshere has been a solid player this year who also brings good experience to the team. He has averaged 14.4 Points, 9.2 Rebounds, 2.8 Assists per 40 Minutes which isn't bad as well as being a 3-Point shooting big man and shooting 90% from the free-throw line - by far our best free-throw shooter.

by zaki on Apr 13, 2008 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

dam

thats going to be more expensive than a high end prostitute in new york

What you thought that I only played basketball? I AM A Golden State WARRIOR!

by 24k state fan since 87 on Apr 13, 2008 6:27 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

brand

if the clippers dont want to risk losing brand for nothing, wouldnt it make a ton more sense for the clippers to trade him to miami in a sign and trade for marion? we cant offer anything even close to the value of the matrix. riley gets his favorite player, brand is in south beach with dwade giving them a dominant inside outside combo again and they still have a top lottery pick(rose or beasley). miami is in contention again, no way any contender will have the money to pay brand as a free agent this year. marion gets his wish to be THE guy (and in LA no less) and it gives the clips a flexible forward tandem with thornton that doesnt clog things up inside for kaman.
HEAT-
quinn/cook
dwade
dorrell wright
beasley?
brand
CLIPPERS-
livingston/mayo?
maggette
marion
thornton
kaman

both teams would be in pretty good position to contend. sorry to rain on everyone's parade, id love brand here, but no deal getting him here really makes sense to the other parties involved. the only possibility would be brand really wanting to play with baron and jack under nellie and taking a significant pay cut. the only time i can think of a player doing that was karl malone and the glove in LA. i love baron, jack and monta but they aint exactly shaq and kobe.

passes it to the man...and boom goes the dynamite!

by sam23 on Apr 13, 2008 12:21 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

I LIKE THAT LINE UP

But who is your back up PG?
Monta is better at SG

Dr. Jeff

by JEFFSJAZZ on Apr 13, 2008 12:29 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Everybody

Pietrus is not coming back to the Warriors, no point of including him in your future rosters.

by belilaugh on Apr 13, 2008 2:48 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

brand

brand would be great, no way would we trade baron straight up for him, baron does it all for us, rebounds, scores, defends, steals, passes, ya i agree he chucks up garbage every once in awhile. I think if we brought in brand baron's assists would almost go to 10 a game. I just don't see how we could get brand though cause we still have to sign baron and monta to huge deals, im hoping beans wont want to much money. As far as bench goes, barnes is nowhere to be found so dont sign him, i dont think pietrus wants to stay even though he has played well since the trade deadline, i would like to sign kelenna then we have bwright and belinelli hopefully progressing, the future is bright, if we could find a way to get brand without losing BD, monta, cap jack or beans that would be unreal

by FeartheBeard4 on Apr 13, 2008 5:20 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

get my boi EB to the bay....

trade Action JAckson, Brandon Wright, Jrich 10 millions or Al Harringto if they want him too. He is the PF were missing PF all along all along. Get him here and were going to make some noises in the playoff next season. We need some D's ppl, not gave up shit load of points and lose.

by warriorfan4life on Apr 13, 2008 8:54 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs