INQUIRER Sports

LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Clippers forwards Elton Brand and Corey Maggette opted out of their contracts with the National Basketball Association team just prior to Monday midnight deadline, the team said.

Brand had a $16.4-million player option while Maggette's was for $8.4 million for next season.

The pair now can't officially sign with another team or re-sign with the Clippers until July 9, when the league's moratorium ends.

"We have been notified by Elton Brand and Corey Maggette of each player's decision to opt out of his respective contract," Los Angeles president Andy Roeser said.

"On Monday night, when NBA rules permit, we will be aggressive in contacting them to address our interest in having them remain with the Clippers.

"We will also be active in contacting other free agents in whom we have interest."

The Clippers are coming off two straight losing seasons - including an injury-riddled 23-59 finish last campaign.

They had reached the playoffs for the first time in nine years in 2005-06.

Maggette was among the team's few bright spots last season, scoring a career-high 22.1 points per game.

Brand, however, played only eight games after injuring an Achilles tendon in pre-season training.