Elton Brand Opts Out

[moonmash1323]

He opted out. He's rumored to want to return to the Bulls. I bet it would take Hinrich, Gooden, Thomas to get him in a sign-and-trade. Not sure that it's in the Bulls best interest to make this kind of investment, even though they still COULD have room in 2010 (they could trade Nocioni; Hughes' deal will be off the books; Ben Gordon will not be around) to sign a superstar. It makes some sense to me because I think that Brand is the best asset that the Bulls can acquire with those three players, all of whom are marginal--and yes, replaceable--talents. Down the road, if, for instance, they sign Wade, you could be looking at:

Rose
Wade
Deng
Brand

In other words, Brand will not (obviously) make the Bulls championship cocmpetitors right away, but he could be a piece on a championship team eventually. I know I can say that about Hinrich (ok, maybe he plays 2 for a little while this year, but are you going to win a title with Hinrich as your starting 2?), Thomas (he has not proven anything and he is small for his position), and Gooden (he's not in the Bulls' long-term plans anyway, and the only point of having an expiring deal guy is if you make a move with his deal). I guess I'm kind of warming up to this idea.

I'm not sure how much money he is looking for though. I wonder if he would be willing to sacrifice some dollars for a long term deal or structure his deal to assist the Bulls in 2010.

[ParkBall489]

*****All signs point to Marcus Camby*****

Though I like Brand, Camby is cheaper and in my opinion, better than Brand. Plus by the time Marcus retires or gets traded, Omer will be done developing.... it all makes sense now.....

[The Vision]

Where did you hear a rumor saying Brand wants to return to the Bulls.  Everything thats been posted regarding Brand has given indication he wants to remain a Clipper even if he opted out.  The only other team I've heard he's shown even a slight interest in is the Heat.  Other than that he's seems comfortable and content in LA. The Clippers also have given indication that there determined to keep him.  The only way Brand's going anywhere is if the Clippers offer him some bull$hit contract.  Which isn't likely because the organization is still high off the success they had in the 05/06 season.  Brand keeps them competitive and gives the fan's a reason to buy tickets.  He only opted out because he wants long term security.  I think Meggette is the only one thats leaving, and that's the one we should be trying to get anyway.  I also would rather see us get Camby instead of Brand.  We need to see what Tyrus Thomas can do.

[moonmash1323]

Where did you hear a rumor saying Brand wants to return to the Bulls.  Everything thats been posted regarding Brand has given indication he wants to remain a Clipper even if he opted out.  The only other team I've heard he's shown even a slight interest in is the Heat.  Other than that he's seems comfortable and content in LA. The Clippers also have given indication that there determined to keep him.  The only way Brand's going anywhere is if the Clippers offer him some bull$hit contract.  Which isn't likely because the organization is still high off the success they had in the 05/06 season.  Brand keeps them competitive and gives the fan's a reason to buy tickets.  He only opted out because he wants long term security.  I think Meggette is the only one thats leaving, and that's the one we should be trying to get anyway.  I also would rather see us get Camby instead of Brand.  We need to see what Tyrus Thomas can do.

Sam Smith was talking about it on the radio awhile back. The Daily Herald also did a story on it. Also, keep in mind that just about every team with just about every player will "give indication" that they want to sign their guy long term. No one is going to say in public that they are actively trying to get rid of Elton Brand. It's just a bad position to bargain from. Brand keeps them competitive? They like Kaman there more now, especially for the future.

[A11 1N]

*****All signs point to Marcus Camby*****

Though I like Brand, Camby is cheaper and in my opinion, better than Brand. Plus by the time Marcus retires or gets traded, Omer will be done developing.... it all makes sense now.....

Camby may be cheaper, but he is not better than Brand. Camby is older, and he has no inside game whatsoever. He is 34, and a decline is on the horizon. You want a second helping of Ben Wallace? are you kidding me?

[TradeMark]

Camby is cheaper and in my opinion, better than Brand.

Brand's career averages: 20.3ppg, 10.2rpg, 2.1bpg, 2.7apg
Camby's career averages: 10.7ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.6bpg, 1.8apg

Brand is the superior player no matter how you slice it. He had a serious knee injury, came back late last year and still put up very good numbers
(17.6ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9bpg, 2.0apg).

Camby is a great help defender, no doubt, one of the best in the league. But Brand gives you solid defense and offense.

Most importantly, Brand fits our needs more than Camby, of whom we have a younger clone in Joakim Noah. Brand is the low-post scoring machine we've clamored for, and honestly, never should have traded.

[ChitownBulls]

Shoot go get them both lol but anyways i dunno about that rumor on Brand wanting to come here, If we can get him without trading Thomas, ill do it in a heartbeat.

[BteamBomber]

Camby is cheaper and in my opinion, better than Brand.

Brand's career averages: 20.3ppg, 10.2rpg, 2.1bpg, 2.7apg
Camby's career averages: 10.7ppg, 9.7rpg, 2.6bpg, 1.8apg

Brand is the superior player no matter how you slice it. He had a serious knee injury, came back late last year and still put up very good numbers
(17.6ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.9bpg, 2.0apg).

Camby is a great help defender, no doubt, one of the best in the league. But Brand gives you solid defense and offense.

Most importantly, Brand fits our needs more than Camby, of whom we have a younger clone in Joakim Noah. Brand is the low-post scoring machine we've clamored for, and honestly, never should have traded.

The difference, Camby has consistently played on playoff teams and Brand has consistently been on losing teams (or been injured).  Stats alone don't tell the true story of those two's values.  Guess what, Brands last full season looks better statistically than KG's did last year, are you going to imply that Brand is better than KG?  Because we know thats not true.  

Of course, I agree with whoever just posted that we could try to get both.  Although, I don't want to pay for Brand this season.  He costs too much.  This year should be about Tyrus Thomas's last chance to develop, and in the next two years Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh will be free agents.  I'd rather have either of them than the oft injured Brand.  

And Joakim Noah is nowhere near a clone of Marcus Camby.  The Bulls will never compete for a title until they are bringing Noah off the bench at the 4 and 5.  If he starts, we're in trouble.

[The Vision]

Noah is better suited as a starting pf.  I would look to trade him for a real center but it looks like theres not alot options this year.  We should hang on to him and have him come off the bench until a good name pops up.  Who knows, maybe Noah might surprise us again like he did last season.

[illinifan13]

I would like to see the bulls trade for Elton Brand, lets face it we need a veteran presence on the team, particularly one who can put up 20 and 10 every night.  Brand is a true professional and his attitude fits in with Pax’s style.   Both Tyrus and Noah would learn immensely form brand, Brand is an undersize PF at 6-8, who has been the best player on his team his whole life and accordingly always demanded a double team.  Additionally this would give us a chance to pick DeAndre Jordan.  He has tremendous talent, and the way the bulls want to push the ball he is a far better back up C than Aaron Grey (although I do like Grey).  Jordan could blossom under a fast pace game with a mentor like brand, at worst he a sub who can rebound, block shots, and finish alley-oops like Tyson Chandler.  Brand would have a lesser load than previous years with Tyrus coming off the bench.  I would trade Kirk, Gooden and Grey for Brand and Jordan.  Then if you can get rid of Hughes great if not, sit on his bad contract until 2010 and then you can upgrade with Bosh/Wade or save the cape space for Noah, Thomas, Thabo, and Rose.  But we have to have a competitive team by 2010 or else we have no chance of signing wade or Bosh. ( Lebron is going to Nets, end of story)

[ChitownBulls]

good post +1

[Yamcha]

Brand is rumored to want to return to the Clippers. I'm starting to lose hope that he will come back here.

[ChitownBulls]

I dont know why he would come back here, we traded him for a High Schooler. I wouldnt want to be back here. But then again we have Paxson now an we have a better team, so maybe he will consider it. You got to remember these guys have families too.Does he want to move his family back to cold Chicago or stay over in Sunny LA. If we are gonna do anything we better get this Gordon an Deng thing done with so we can approach him.

[The Vision]

Honestly, I don't think Brand wants nothing to do with Chicago.  If he can't get a contract done in LA, at his age he's looking to pair up with a contender.  Even though we got Rose and some nice pieces. It doesn't change the fact that were still looked upon in the NBA as a young team, and almost 2 or 3 years from competing for a title.  Brand's in his 30's now and doesnt have that kind of time.  Like Chitownbulls said, chicago's a cold city, not everyone wants to be here.  If that was the case, Meggette would've requested to come here instead of Orlando.  But Orlando's pockets are popped so that keeps us in the game.  Brand has been living in LA for almost a decade now and thats where his family is.  So no matter where he goes, LA is considered home to him.  So it shouldn't be a surprise that he wants to stay.  Not every player enjoys bouncing from team to team like James Posey.  If you don't think so, ask Richard Jefferson how he feels about being traded to the Bucks. :?

[ChitownBulls]

How about signing James Posey lol!? How do you think the team would react lol!?