A comcastsportsnet.com article today stated that Clippers‘ star Elton Brand has to opt out of his contract before the Sixers can attempt to sign him. Let the attempting begin.

According to ESPN.com, “Elton Brand said on Monday that he is opting out of the final year of his contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, but that he hopes to re-sign with the team.”

“We’re opting out,” Brand said. “It definitely doesn’t mean I’m leaving the Clippers. We’re trying to work it out. My intention is to stay.”

That may be true. Brand may want to stay in LA. But he may also just be saying what he is expected to say. Regardless of whether he wants to stay with the Clippers or not, by opting out he has announced that he is unhappy with his current contract or situation, which leaves an opening for the Sixers to slip in and lure him to Philly. And that appears to be just what Sixers’ GM Ed Stefanski plans to do.

According to the comcastsportsnet.com article,

If he does opt out and sign with the Sixers, his wallet would take a hit next year (the Sixers can only offer him $11 million for 2008-09), but Stefanski and co. could offer substantially more in the years to follow to sweeten the pot. He could also possibly be had via a trade if he doesn’t opt out.

That being said, there are a lot of things that have to happen for Brand to end up here, but the possibility is absolutely there.

If not Brand, then the Sixers have several other players to go after, as they are $11 million under the cap next season, more than almost any other team in the league.

Those players include: Josh Smith (Atlanta), Corey Maggette (LA Clippers), Andris Biedrins (Golden State), Ameka Okafor (Charlotte), J.R. Smith (Denver), Gilbert Arenas (Washington), Luol Deng (Chicago).

For more on the free agent market and the holes the Sixers’ are looking to fill, check out my article on the matter.

Continue to check back for more on the Sixers’ free agency moves.