RUMOR HAS IT…

Today's section is geared exclusively towards the latest rumors floating around the NBA …

Opting Out?  Multiple sources tell HOOPSWORLD that Ron Artest is seriously considering opting out of the final year of his contract.  Artest can stick with the Sacramento Kings for one final year at $7.4 million or choose to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Should Artest choose to opt out, he would likely look for a full Mid Level Exception (MLE) deal with a championship contender such as the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs or even the New Orleans Hornets.

The current MLE starts at $5.356 million.  While it may climb slightly, Artest is said to be open to the idea of a five-year, $31 million contract.  One source says Artest believes he's worth far more than that, but is coming to grips with the NBA's tightening economic climate.

Very few teams have cap room this summer.  Unless the Kings are willing to give Artest a long-term extension, he'd be in a similar situation next year.  There may be a few more teams with space, but there's a high probability they're unwilling to spend it on a player with such a "difficult" reputation.

Artest has somewhat avoided trouble in Sacramento but he did have numerous run-ins with Coach Reggie Theus this past season.

If Artest embraces the notion that he may never get a deal larger than the MLE, he may forgo the additional ~$2.1 million to stay with the Kings and lock in as much long term money as he can this summer.

The Spurs are said to have tremendous interest.  The talent alongside the big three of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili is waning.  Artest would give San Antonio a worthy successor to the 37-year old Bruce Bowen.

It's a little trickier with the Lakers considering the contracts they have committed to Vladimir Radmanovic and Luke Walton.  Since neither has made a particularly high impact this season, LA may be open to the idea despite the financial repercussions. 

Coach Phil Jackson has always been interested in Artest.  Imagine the team currently playing in the NBA Finals with the addition of Artest along with the return of Andrew Bynum.  Artest also has a strong relationship with both Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom.

It's difficult to say if the Hornets would have interest.  They need a shooting guard but creative lineups with Peja Stojakovic and Artest could bolster their chances in the Western Conference.

As far as the potential for a sign and trade, the Kings aren't going to take in any players or salary they don't covet.  To acquire a risky player like Artest, few teams are going to give up choice assets to make tempt Sacramento into a deal.

Multiple sources are clear that Artest hasn't yet decided.  He's waffled back and forth on this one even before the regular season came to a close.

His ultimate decision could have a major impact on next year's playoff picture.

Elton Staying or Going? Elton Brand of the Los Angeles Clippers is another player with a big decision looming.  He can invoke his early termination option and forgo the final $16.4 million he's set to earn next season.

It appears unlikely that Brand would be able to recoup that full amount on the open market, but he may look to move on from a team that peaked two seasons ago.

The question that Brand has to consider carefully is where exactly can he go to get paid? 

Very few teams have cap room.  The Golden State Warriors might if Baron Davis opts out and the team lets Andris Biedrins walk, but that appears unlikely.  Even if Monta Ellis re-signed, Brand might be better off in LA.

The Charlotte Bobcats can only get under the cap by renouncing the rights to (or trading) Emeka Okafor. 

The Grizzlies do have cap room but after trading Pau Gasol to the Lakers, they don't exactly appear close to putting together a championship contender.

The only way the Miami HEAT can get under the cap is if Shawn Marion opts out.  If he does, Brand is said to have serious interest in Miami.

Seattle has a little bit of cap space but not enough for Brand.  It would take both Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison walking from the Wizards to create cap space in Washington.

The one team that looks like a viable destination would be the Philadelphia 76ers.  They should have slightly over $11 million in space.  The Sixers are coming off a bounce-back season with their impressive (albeit losing) playoff performance against the Detroit Pistons.

In the end, Brand and his agent David Falk need to decide if it's worth leaving LA to lock in a long-term deal - or just finish out his contract and wait for a better market.  An extension with the Clippers is not out of the question, but Brand wants to make sure he's best in a position to win as well as get paid.

Clippers:  Of course the Clippers want to keep both Elton Brand and Corey Maggette.  They have a better shot to do so than either player might have thought going into the offseason. 

Cap room is scarce and the Clippers are only going to sign and trade Maggette if they get the perfect return.  LA is desperate for a point guard and has some long term concerns at shooting guard.  They may answer one of those needs in the upcoming draft. 

The Clippers will not extend a $5.8 million qualifying offer to Shaun Livingston who is still recovering from knee surgery.  Should they lose all three, LA would stand to have more cap room than just about any team in the league.

In addition to a core of Chris Kaman, Al Thornton and the seventh pick in the draft, LA could have about $25 million in space if both Brand and Maggette simply walk away from the Clippers.

It's the plan of last resort but the rebuilding effort would get a jump start from free agents desperately looking for teams with cap room.