Somebody’s lying: The Clippers or Elton Brand’s smarmy agent, David Falk. Sayeth Flak: The Clippers low-balled his client with a take-it-or-leave-it offer of 5-years, $70 mil. Sayeth Paper Clips coach Mike Dunleavy: We raised it from 70 to 75 and then 81. A bit surprised you guys don’t think the 76ers will be very good next season. In an attempt to save face, the Other LA Team is putting the full court press on Josh Smith, but might just be the bridesmaid because the Hawks can match any offer.

A James Posey decision seems imminent. Too many teams to list are still in the mix, but he’d be a terrific fit in Cleveland – veteran with championship experience, pesky (and overaggressive) defender who would guard the team’s best player (which means more rest for LeBron), and a nice compliment at the arc with Daniel Gibson. If rookie JJ Hickson can contribute anything inside, and the Cavs get Posey, we’l pick them in the East.

Sorry for not writing about Corey Maggette’s signing in Golden State, but unless the Warriors attempt to plug him in at SG, they now have two players with the same-ish skill set playing SF – Maggette and Stephen Jackson. Just don’t see how this makes the Warriors any better. Sure, they’re ridiculously athletic, but can they rebound and defend?