NBA | Elton Brand gets big deal with 76ers

Elton Brand left behind all those power forward battles in the Western Conference for some new tough ones in the Atlantic Division.

Brand signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, the biggest move on the first day NBA deals could be completed. A power forward was the Sixers' biggest need in free agency, and they got perhaps the best one available.

"I'm prepared to do some big things this year," said Brand, who reportedly signed for five years and $82 million. "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 Los Angeles Clippers for an offer with the Golden State 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.

"Everybody's been talking about how the East hasn't been strong," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said. "Well, one thing I know, that changes. They get strong."

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 Minnesota 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.

Walsh brought in a new point guard, signing Chris Duhon to either compete for the starting job, or inherit it if the Knicks part ways with Stephon Marbury before next season.

Notes

• New Orleans formally announced Chris Paul's contract. Should Paul remain in New Orleans all four years, the total value of the contract would be about $68 million.

• Sacramento re-signed point guard Beno Udrih to a five-year deal for $32 million.

• James Jones signed a five-year contract with Miami, one that'll pay him $4 million next season and could be worth more than $23 million over the life of the deal.

• DeSagana Diop returned to Dallas, which traded him to New Jersey in the Jason Kidd deal. Diop signed a five-year, $31 million deal.

• Lakers forward Ronny Turiaf, a restricted free agent and former Gonzaga star, is expected to sign an offer sheet with Golden State today, the Los Angeles Times reported. It would be a four-year deal for about $17 million.