ESPN's Marc Stein is reporting that Baron Davis has an agreement with the Los Angeles Clippers to join the team for the 08-09 season and beyond. Details of the contract are not yet available (5 yr, 65 mil as rumor has it)
If the Clippers can bring back Elton Brand, as they are expected to do fairly quickly, they could be real contenders next season. Here is what their lineup could look like:
C: Chris Kaman
PF: Elton Brand
SF: Al Thornton
SG: Eric Gordon
PG: Baron Davis
With Shaun Livingston's return (assuming he resigns), and Cuttino Mobley on the bench, this team would have moderate depth as well.
The signing of Davis also signifies the end of the Corey Maggette era in L.A. Where will he sign? My guess is the Grizzlies or 76ers, who have the cap room necessary to acquire him at a high contract. Rumor has it, the world champions Celtics have contacted Maggette and offered him the mid-level exception (approx. 5.8 mil).
Look for the Clippers and Blazers to be a part of the playoff hunt next year in the loaded Western Conference, and the Nuggets and Warriors to drop out.
