Ian Thomsen: Brand-to-Sixers gives jump-start to free agency

Posted: Tuesday July 8, 2008 11:21PM; Updated: Tuesday July 8, 2008 11:21PM The Sixers should vault forward in the East with clever Brand signing Brand's likely exile has dropped the Clippers back out of the West playoff race The Sixers should become legit contenders to host a playoff round next year The Celtics' chances of repeating could very well hinge on James Posey There was one difference-maker on the free-agent market this summer. He was Elton Brand, and the news emerging Tuesday of his agreement to sign with the 76ers may turn out to be the biggest player move of the offseason. (Unless the Cavaliers unload a blockbuster trade involving their $30 million in expiring contracts.) In the bigger picture, however, Brand isn't likely to win a championship for the young 76ers next season -- or the year thereafter. As... [read full story]