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A source close to Brand told The Inquirer last night that the Sixers' acquisition of Brand was a "done deal." The contract, which numerous sources said would be worth about $82 million over five years, can be signed today, when the NBA lifts its moratorium on free-agent signings.
Sixers spokesman Mike Preston said last night, "We are still right smack-dab in the middle of a moratorium period and we are unable to comment on any trades or roster moves."
Brand, 29, played in only eight games for the Los Angeles Clippers last season as he recovered from a ruptured left Achilles tendon.
The acquisition of Brand apparently was made possible earlier yesterday when the 76ers opened up additional room under the salary cap by trading reserves Rodney Carney and Calvin Booth plus a future first-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves. That deal, which will become official today, gives the Sixers more than $3 million in yearly cap space.
In the trade, the Sixers acquired Minnesota's $2.8 million trade exception, which can be used in a future deal.
"I have been informed that Calvin's contract would be traded to Minnesota," said Mark Termini, Booth's agent.
The 6-foot-8 Brand would give the Sixers the low-post threat that the team has been lacking in recent seasons - one who can command a double team.
With Brand in the lineup, the Sixers will have the option of moving Thaddeus Young to his more natural position of small forward. The 20-year-old showed promise as a rookie while playing mostly power forward last season.
The Sixers' new addition also could make a shooting guard of Andre Iguodala, who probably will continue to see time at the small forward position as well. The combination of the 6-6 Iguodala and 6-2 point guard Andre Miller gives the Sixers an experienced backcourt that plays both ends of the floor.
Before Brand's arrival, Miller may have been the Sixers' best post player.
Brand has averaged 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds in his nine-year career. The Sixers' up-tempo style of play should get a boost as he teams with center Samuel Dalembert to bang the boards and get the team into the transition game.
Coach Maurice Cheeks' team struggled with its half-court offense last season. Often, when the fast break yielded no points, the Sixers were hard-pressed to score. They were one of the worst three-point-shooting teams in the league, and there was no dependable force to score close to the basket.
Brand will be that player for the Sixers, and in the process, he will open things up for his teammates. Dalembert could increase his dunk total from last season, and all of the Sixers' outside shooters can look forward to getting better looks with Brand on the floor.
Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers, who have upgraded their roster by reaching an agreement with free-agent guard Baron Davis, but one source close to the process told ESPN.com: "Elton wants to go East."
The Chicago Bulls made Brand the No. 1 draft pick out of Duke in 1999. After two seasons with the Bulls, Brand was traded to the Clippers.
The NBA was to announce its salary cap for the 2008-09 season last night. With this signing, the Sixers are expected to fall below the new cap.
Josh Smith, a 22-year-old restricted free agent, visited the Sixers last week but left town without an offer sheet. The 6-9 Atlanta Hawks forward could command more money than the Sixers will pay Brand.
Carney, a 6-7 swingman out of Memphis who was obtained in a draft-night trade two years ago, averaged 5.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in his second season with the Sixers. The 6-11 Booth, a nine-year veteran who played at Penn State, was used sparingly in his only season with the Sixers after being signed as a free agent.
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