Baron Davis confident he’ll be playing with Elton Brand

Clipper-to-be Baron Davis today expressed an eagerness to join his hometown team and confidence that he would be teaming up with free-agent forward Elton Brand to create a dynamic tandem next season. “I can’t wait to have an opportunity to play with one of the best big men in the game and one of the best underrated big men in the game,” Davis said. “It’s really a big reason why I wanted to do it. Just having somebody I can give the ball to and make plays.”

Davis, 29, a two-time All-Star, is arguably the team’s most celebrated free agent. The former Golden State Warrior reached a verbal agreement to play with the Clippers on Tuesday under a five-year, $65-million contract.

He is from Los Angeles and attended UCLA.

“It means a lot for a kid growing up in the Los Angeles area and to be playing for the Clippers and playing in Southern California because it gives them hope,” Davis said. “I want to inspire young kids in the community and do things for the community and it was just time to come home.”

Brand, 29, who has played seven seasons for the Clippers, opted out of his contract on Monday to become a free agent and has not reached a verbal agreement to re-sign with the team. He is also being courted by a hefty deal from the Warriors. An agreement with either team is not expected to be reached today.

“I’m not worried,” Davis said. “He has to make the decision that’s best for him and we all have to respect that. But it would be great to have him with the Clippers. To have him on the court, the possibilities are endless to be able to win a championship.”

 jonathan.abrams@latimes.com