PHILADELPHIA — If everything goes as expected, the 76ers will become a much better team today with the signing of Elton Brand, a free-agent power forward who would fill their biggest need.
A source close to Brand told The Philadelphia Inquirer on Tuesday night the 76ers’ 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.
“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,” 76ers spokesman Mike Preston said Tuesday night.
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 Tuesday 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 Timberwolves. The 76ers acquired Minnesota’s $2.8 million trade exception.
Footnotes.
The Warriors will sign Clippers free-agent swingman Corey Maggette to a five-year contract worth around $50 million.
• The Magic will sign guard Mickael Pietrus, who averaged 7.2 points last season for the Warriors.
• The Raptors signed Hassan Adams. The guard last played in the NBA in 2006- 07, when he averaged 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds in 61 games with the Nets.
Denver Post wire services
