Elton Brand knows that longtime GM Elgin Baylor is still in charge, but he would like Sam Cassell and Vladimir Radmanovic, two Clipper free agents, to return next season.

"I don't make the decisions, but I definitely want to see Sam back, Vlade back and, of course, Coach back," Brand said. "Wherever we end up this season, I want another crack at it, with the same team."

Radmanovic might accept a six-year deal in the neighborhood of $40 million, and Cassell probably would re-sign for $10 million to $12 million over two seasons.

"I get the sense that it could happen," Brand said. "You give Coach the extension he needs to be happy, and you get the players back. Ownership and management, they're enjoying it as much as we are, because they haven't been here either.

"The winning feels good, and I'm sure it's profitable. I haven't done the numbers, but I'm positive it's profitable."