Clippers say Brand and Maggette opt out

Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have told the Los Angeles Clippers they will opt of the final year of their contracts and become free agents.

By The Associated Press

Elton Brand and Corey Maggette have told the Los Angeles Clippers they will opt of the final year of their contracts and become free agents.

"We have been notified by Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of each player's decision to opt out of his respective contract," Clippers president Andy Roeser said Monday in a statement. "On Monday night, when NBA rules permit, we will be aggressive in contacting them to address our interest in having them remain with the Clippers. We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest."

Brand, who played in only eight games last season because of a knee injury, told ESPN.com he is opting out of the final year of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent.

"It definitely doesn't mean I'm leaving the Clippers," Brand told the Web site Monday night. "We're trying to work it out. My intention is to stay."

Brand had $16.4 million left on deal he signed in 2003. Monday was the deadline for players with an option to opt out of their contracts to notify their teams and the league.

The Los Angeles Times reported earlier Monday that Maggette filed the paperwork to opt out of his deal.

In nine seasons with the Chicago Bulls and Clippers, Brand has averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds.

Maggette, who like Brand played at Duke, led the Clippers in scoring this season with a 22.1 average.

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