What's more important, the cost or the Brand?

This morning while watching ESPN First Take I learned that Elton Brand was perpetuating the Clipper Curse by "opting" to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. This after the Clips had done what they thought was necessary to keep Brand by signing a "semi-elite" veteran point guard in Baron Davis, a home town guy who starred at UCLA.

Skip Bayless, a personality on First Take, ripped Brand for being the typical selfish NBA guy. He feels that the street code, "My word is bond," should hold true for professional athletes, especially Brand, who is known as a pillar of the community and generally one of the "nice guys" of the NBA. He reportedly helped recruit Davis away from the Warriors (albeit speculation) only to jet when more money ($20 million more) was presented. Admittedly, Elton Brand will have a better chance in the East with the Sixers than with the Clips in the West.

But should we be surprised by this display of the almighty dollar? It was not long ago that Carlos Boozer convinced the Cavs to "tear up" his contract so that they could resign him for more money, only to leave the next week with bags packed for Utah. But that was shame on the Cavs. They didn't have to let him out of his deal. In the case of Brand, it was a player option.

For every Gilbert Arenas who supposedly took less money so that the Wizards could resign Antawn Jamison, there are 15-20 guys who opt out with the best intentions only to find themselves in a new city and uniform the next season. If one of the elite teams in the league (i.e. - Celtics, Spurs, Lakers, Pistons, etc.) had suddenly come up with more money, especially the East teams, I get the feeling that Agent 0 would have had to find a new ball boy for his late night shooting.

So what's more important, the money in the pocket or the name on the jersey? Unless you are a past your prime superstar looking for one last hoorah and a chance for a ring...Show them the money!!!!