At 9:04pm, Marc Stein reported that the 76ers have won the Elton Brand Sweepstakes. Brand has reportedly accepted a 5 year $82 million deal to join the Sixers. Although this can’t be announced until after midnight, ESPN confirmed that Brand gave the 76ers a verbal commitment to sign.
Phil Jasner has confirmed this as well.
This is a major signing for the 76ers who have made a major splash at the onset of the NBA Free Agency season. This move gives the Sixers a bona fide big man in the middle who gives you a double-double almost every game. He has averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game for his career.
This should be a great opportunity for recently drafted forward Marreese Speights to learn from an All-Star power forward and serve as a valuable asset off the Sixers’ bench.
A possible opening night lineup:
Andre Miller
Andre Iguodala
Thaddeus Young
Elton Brand
Samuel Dalembert
Bench:
Willie Green
Lou Williams
Jason Smith
Reggie Evans
Marresse Speights
–
Along with ESPN, Yahoo Sports has been tracking this story closely. Yahoo confirms that the Sixers believe they have won the Elton Brand sweepstakes.
Additionally, Yahoo has updated their story about the Rodney Carney and Calvin Booth trade.
It was reported yesterday that Elton Brand has put his house on the market which could indicate a move back east.
Yahoo blogger Kelly Dwyer wonders if this is the right move for the Sixers.
SI.com describes how Elton Brand’s decision will shape the free agent market this year.
The salary cap will be announced around midnight. Could we wake up to a Brand new world?
1 Comment
July 9, 2008 at 3:42 am
[...] going to be every bit the player Smith is …Depressed Fan – http://www.depressedfan.com/|||Elton Brand UpdateAt 7:58pm, Marc Stein reported that the 76ers are confident they will be able to lure Clippers [...]