Here’s Some Real (Potential) Player Movement

So as you may recall, there are no good free agents available, or at any least willing and able to move on. How fast history can change its course. As of now, Clippers Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have declined player options, as has Warriors icon Baron Davis.↵
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↵The conventional wisdom goes something like this: Players in their prime always opt out, so they can secure a deal further into the future for as much as possible. Older guys take the safe money and hope for the best (and most) after that. But then, you’ve got interesting cases like Brand and Davis. Brand’s coming off of an injury, and would rather get a team to commit now, rather than wait to see what shape he’s in after 2008-09. Davis has a history of breaking down, and wants to move on while his stock is high. Plus, Brand -- like Maggette -- probably just wants to get away from the Clippers. Baron, too, might be wary of falling victim to a youth movement in Golden State.↵
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↵The Wiz locked up Jamison, and supposedly Gil’s not far behind. Who knows what happens with Artest. Still, the mere fact that Brand and Davis are on the move, whether through a straightforward relocation (unlikely, given the cap situation around the league) or a sign and trade, is kind of a big deal. Look for Philly and Miami to pursue Brand with ardor, and maybe, just maybe, for the Knicks to try and land Baron. Only time will tell.↵
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↵For all the talk about 2010, this summer there might be some real player movement. And that, rather than the caliber of names who could become available, is what really leads to change in the league.↵