Free Agents Move East?

A New Sixers Brand

The Philadelphia 76ers made one of the biggest moves so far in the young free agency period of the NBA. Philly added the services of 10 year NBA veteran and perennial All-star, Elton Brand. It had originally appeared like Brand would re-sign with his longtime Clippers, and align himself with their latest acquisition, PG Baron Davis. But the Sixers gave up enough cash to add the big man to their front court mix, and are now ready to compete in the East.

As noted on ESPN Radio's Mike & Mike show, more players are likely headed to the East because they have a better chance at competing there. In the West, talent is stacked and several teams are leaps and bounds above the rest. Right now the NBA Finals runner-ups, the Lakers, may lose Ronny Turiaf to the Warriors, as they need to match an offer made to him.
The Lakers basically steamrolled through the Western side of the playoffs, before being dismantled by Boston in the Finals. That said, Boston didn't have an easy route in the East. They were taken to the limit by both Atlanta and Cleveland. Meanwhile, Philly took the Pistons six games in the East, and with the addition of a solid upfront player like Elton Brand, the Sixers only increase their chances at making it deep into the playoffs.

The case was also made that teams like the Bulls and Nets made great draft night moves to position themselves. But that positioning might not pay off until a year or two down the road. The Bulls are young and able, but the Nets may be more of a rebuild as Vince Carter isn't getting younger and may decide to leave town for a title contender. Watch for more teams to attempt to sign key players in the coming weeks in order to compete in 2008-09.