According to free agent veteran forward Elton Brand’s rep, the New York Knickerbockers (who have an affinity for old basketball players) have shown interest in his client this summer. Per Newsday: “David Falk said Brand, 34, the first overall pick in 1999, is interested in the Knicks also, but they’re not the only team pursuing him. The 6-9 Brand averaged 7.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 21.2 minutes for Dallas last season. He has career averages of 17.4 points, 9.1 rebounds and 1.8 blocks for the Bulls, Clippers, 76ers and Mavericks. ‘Elton’s from New York,’ Falk said Tuesday. ‘The Knicks have a really good team. He’s definitely interested in New York. But it’s early. He’s exploring his options. We very much appreciate the interest the Knicks have shown.’ The Knicks could dip into their $3.18-million mini-midlevel exception to pay Brand, a two-time All-Star who went to Peekskill High. But it’s more likely that they will offer him the veteran’s minimum of $1.4 million. The Knicks may use part of their mini-midlevel to keep restricted free agent Pablo Prigioni. Re-signing the heady point guard is a priority, especially after Jason Kidd retired. According to a Spanish basketball website, the Knicks offered Prigioni a two-year deal. Calls and texts to his agent were not returned. The Knicks also hope to re-sign J.R. Smith, on a multi-year deal starting at the average salary of roughly $5.6 million. The Bucks, Pistons and Mavericks could make more lucrative offers to Smith, but he would like to stay with the Knicks.”
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