The young man who was once a 'future NBA superstar' is now the epitome of an NBA 'bust'. The player who the NBA was in awe for one off season at the least, is now often the butt of jokes.

The path that Kwame Brown has taken is as follows.

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This time, in utter excitement.

After enduring 38 years of mediocrity (and I'm being nice here), Clipper fans have something to look forward to this season. A couple of days ago I brought up the intriguing idea that either Baron Davis or Elton Brand were concerting a scheme to get the other player to join their team. Considering episodes like these almost never happen, I dismissed the notion.

Well it turns out Baron Davis has verbally agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, leaving Chris Mullin and co. stranded on the outskirts of Oakland. How did this happen? Tim Kawakami blames the charade on Brand's agent, David Falk. Others let history be their guide.

The Warriors aren't going to give up though, they are putting out their best efforts to replace the gaping hole Davis has left, even if they are just trying to save face. To top it off, that's not the only thing the Warriors have to worry about--reports indicate the Heat and the Cavaliers are interested in Monta Ellis. Mullin would be crazy not to match the offers. Wouldn't it be something if Ferry or Riley offered a ridiculous amount of money just to piss off the Warriors?

A couple of days ago the Clippers were the franchise of bad news, today LA got a lot fuzzier. For Clipper fans, it's time to get excited, even if some are a bit more realistic. Me? I'm excited too. I can't wait for a Lakers-Clippers rivalry to ensue, as I'd finally be able to get a decent deal on a good Laker game.

While Clipper Nation holds a reunion party, Warriors fans may need to add a question mark to their 'We Believe' slogan.

UPDATE: Check out Steve's post at ClipsNation. He goes a bit more in-depth on who exactly was/were the one(s) behind the scenes.

Word on the street is that Andrew Bynum is seeking a maximum contract from the Lakers. In other words, Bynum's agent David Lee wants his share of the dough--and he wants it gift-wrapped this summer.

Lee had these words of encouragement for the Lakers:

"The ball is in their court," Lee said. "They've got a decision to make. The question is whether they believe in him the way I believe in him. It's their decision to make if they want him there for the future."

Bynum averaged career highs in points and rebounds this season along with a career high in minutes played under philosophical coaches. His play was certainly impressive but he only did it for a few months before he went down with a knee injury. Heck, he's only played one full season--his sophomore year, which typically translates into a Phil Jackson rookie year.

In the article, Lee also mentions how he skewed the young, naive Andrew Bynum into seeking a fat maximum contract. Before you put blame on the gold-digging agent, the best option for Bynum would be to get the most out of his share...he already hired the leech anyway. In such a case that Bynum would sign for less cash, it's not likely the Lakers' owner Jerry Buss would be willing to utilize the savings in team investments.

Should the Lakers pay up and secure Bynum ASAP or should they take the easier route and let Bynum prove himself another season? The latter is the safest option.

Some of the most notable 'free agents' this summer are restricted free agents. This group consists of players such as Atlanta's athletic phenom Josh Smith and the Chicago Bulls' Luol Deng. The reason these free agents are 'restricted' is because the players could receive offers from whatever team, but the original team has the right to match the offer. Very often, the offers are matched and the players stay put. This is why I exclude these players from my breakdown..

( 5 ) Corey Maggette - Corey hasn't exactly had a great relationship with Coach Mike Dunleavy during his tenure with the Clips. Rumors indicate that he will opt out for free agency, but you never know what Donald Sterling has in mind.

( 4 ) Grant Hill - This talented veteran is anxious to get to the big stage. After the Suns' unsuccessful run this post season, Grant Hill will be exploring his options. I wouldn't be surprised to see him head back East.

( 3 ) James Posey - Most recently described as the 'new Robert Horry', James Posey could mimic Robert Horry's ring-chasing ways. His play in the finals against the Lakers showed that Posey is a definite winner. Posey could possibly be receiving a raise soon. Some teams that may be interested are the Lakers, the Suns, and the Jazz.

( 2 ) Ricky Davis/Jason Williams - Either (or both) of these players could sign a new deal this summer, perhaps even net an MLE deal. Despite the Heat's struggles, both players provide assets that teams are searching for. Either/both players could also be subjects of a sign-and-trade deal, especially with Pat Riley exploring trade opportunities. I guarantee that at least one of these players will not be with the Miami Heat next season.

( 1 ) Kwame Brown - After the Gasol-to-LA deal was completed, the Grizzlies let it be known that they were only interested in Kwame's expiring contract. There is no doubt he will not be around with the Grizzlies next season.

Bonus: Jannero Pargo - During the Hornets' big rise, general managers have had a glance at what Pargo can provide off the bench. If the Hornets decide to go Mike James direction, Pargo could be seeking a new home.

Also Smush Parker, Devean George, Matt Barnes, and Mickael Pietrus.

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Free agents least likely to switch teams:

Gilbert Arenas - Many fans freaked out a few months ago when Gilbert Arenas stated he would opt out of his deal this summer. Most writers thought otherwise, concluding it was nothing more than a smart business move. I agree with my fellow brethren, that Arenas will stay a Wizard for years to come.

Lindsey Hunter - Unless someone offers him a big chunk of change (think double his salary), Hunter will not be leaving the Pistons. Hunter seems to be comfortable with the organization, and will likely stick around after his retirement.

Jermaine O'Neal - Jermaine O'Neal's injury-plagued season (and career?) has hurt his chances at opting out for big dough this summer. He'll be making superstar money, which he wouldn't get out in free agency. In fact, I bet the Pacers would be delighted if he opted out.

The knock on Neitzel is his lack of athletic abilities. He doesn't have the 'tools' to become a great defender or a great scorer. To those people I say this, I'd rather have a player who leaves it all on the court than a player with outstanding athletic ability who leaves it all in the locker room. It's a safe bet for an intelligent player like Neitzel to listen to everything the coach demands.