Forward Elton Brand signed with the 76ers on Wednesday, the biggest move on the first day NBA deals could be completed.
“I’m prepared to do some big things this year,” Brand said. “They were one of the best teams in the second half of the season last year. I’ve been following them for a while and I see myself fitting in on the court.”
Teammate Corey Maggette was set to join him in leaving the Clippers for an offer with the Warriors — who had previously targeted Brand. At least the Clippers had some success in free agency, getting Baron Davis to head home from the Bay Area.
The 76ers were able to sign Brand to a big deal because they sent forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to the Timberwolves as part of a trade that cleared an additional $2 million in salary cap space.
Jermaine O’Neal went from the Pacers to the Raptors in a deal that was agreed upon before last month’s draft. Toronto sent point guard T.J. Ford, center Rasho Nesterovic, forward Maceo Baston and the draft rights to center Roy Hibbert to the Pacers for O’Neal and the draft rights to forward Nathan Jawai.
Moving Ford cleared the way for the Raptors to re-sign Jose Calderon and make him the starter after he was mainly the backup before Ford was hurt last season.
With O’Neal joining Chris Bosh, Toronto should have one of the league’s strongest interior duos — and O’Neal doesn’t care what his role in it is.
“This is Chris’ team,” O’Neal said. “I’m here to help him lead.”
The Knicks signed guard Chris Duhon to either compete for the starting job, or inherit it if they part ways with Stephon Marbury before next season.
In other moves:
• Guard Richard Roby, Colorado’s all-time leading scorer with 2,001 points, signed with the Nets, while former backcourt mate Marcus Hall signed with the Knicks.
• The Kings re-signed point guard Beno Udrih.
• Swingman James Jones signed a five-year contract with the Heat.
• Center DeSagana Diop returned to the Mavericks, signing a five-year, $31 million deal.
And more to come
Deals in the books Wednesday, the first day of the NBA’s offseason free agency period:
DALLAS MAVERICKS — Signed C DeSagana Diop to a five-year contract.
MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES — Signed C Marc Gasol.
MIAMI HEAT — Signed F James Jones to a five-year contract and G Mario Chalmers to a three-year contract.
NEW JERSEY NETS — Signed G Richard Roby to their summer-league roster for the Rocky Mountain Revue tournament.
NEW YORK KNICKS — Signed G Chris Duhon. Signed G Marcus Hall to their summer-league roster.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS — Traded C Calvin Booth, F Rodney Carney, cash considerations and the rights to a conditional first-round draft pick to Minnesota for a 2010 second-round draft pick. Signed F Elton Brand.
PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS — Acquired the draft rights to G Jarryd Bayless and F Ike Diogu from Indiana for the draft rights to G Brandon Rush, G Jarrett Jack and F Josh McRoberts.
SACRAMENTO KINGS — Re-signed G Beno Udrih to a five-year contract. Signed G Sean Singletary and F Patrick Ewing Jr.
TORONTO RAPTORS — Acquired F Jermaine O’Neal and the draft rights to F Nathan Jawai from Indiana for G T.J. Ford, C Rasho Nesterovic, F Maceo Baston and the draft rights to C Roy Hibbert.
