Elton Brand, Corey Maggette opt out of their Clippers contracts

Clippers forward Elton Brand joined teammate Corey Maggette today in opting out of the final season of his contract and will become an unrestricted free agent.

Brand, who sat out all but eight games last season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, immediately becomes one of the most attractive big men in the market.

He was owed $16.4 million had he stayed in the final year of his Clippers contract.

Maggette, the longest-tenured Clipper, also is one of the most attractive free agents in this off-season’s market.

The only problem is, there may not be too many buyers.

Only the Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers have abundant cap space this summer, with the Clippers now joining that list. Other teams would be able to offer Maggette, who was owed $7 million had he remained with the Clippers, the lesser mid-level exception.

The Clippers have maintained they hope to re-sign Maggette; however, a sign-and-trade deal with him could also be in the team’s plans.

Maggette, 28, averaged 22.1 points a game last season.

jonathan.abrams@latimes.com