Sixers Clear The Decks

Shavlik Randolph, Herbert Hill and Louis Amundson are no longer property of the Philadelphia 76ers. That isn't to say they won't be back with the team by the time the season rolls around (I think there's a good chance at least one of them will), but this was an important move in freeing up the rest of the team's cap space heading into tonight's deadline.

When the clock strikes midnight on the East coast, the Sixers cap space will take effect and they can officially start contacting players and looking for ways to send their $11M+. Midnight is also the deadline for Corey Maggette, Elton Brand, Baron Davis and Ron Artest to decide if they will opt out of their current deals.

A couple pieces of news Sixer fans should take note of:

• Pat Riley has his focus on the Summer of 2010, when the free agent class could be historically stacked. This means no long-term deal for Elton Brand, if the story is to be believed. This should also mean the Sixers are the front-runners should Brand become available.
• It looks like the Wizards will be re-signing Antawn Jamison. Good news for the Sixers, as far as I'm concerned.

That's pretty much it for now. All we can do is wait for midnight to roll around and see if Brand is really an option. I'll have a post if/when I hear.