NBA free agent rumors: Knicks, Hawks interested in Elton Brand

Although he considered hanging up his sneakers, Elton Brand has decided to return to the NBA for his 16th season and there are already multiple teams interested in the power forward/center. Two such teams are the New York Knicks and the Atlanta Hawks, this according to the Atlanta Journal.

More from Atlanta Hawks

• NBA rumors: Hawks trade candidate, Sixers miss out, Lakers almost lose Reaves
• NBA Rumors: 5 best trade destinations for Pascal Siakam
• The new NBA flopping rules explained
• NBA rumors: Raptors insider drops one player mentioned heavily in trade discussions
• 3 disastrous Zach LaVine trades the Bulls need to avoid

Brand of course comes off a one-year deal with the aforementioned Hawks who ended up playing more minutes than he likely thought he would given the injury to Al Horford. Shockingly though, Elton Brand looked very sharp at times and proved he could still play at an elite level despite his age. Given that, it’s understandable that multiple teams are interested in the free agent who shouldn’t command a very large salary.

The Hawks simply would like to re-sign Brand but the Knicks interest is a little more intriguing, though it’s questionable as to why Brand would fit in the triangle offense that Phil Jackson is so eager to employ. Given the nature of his game and his solid passing out of the block, one would think he’d be a good fit but I’m sure Brand isn’t exactly the type of marquee talent those in the Big Apple were hoping for (nor probably Carmelo Anthony) despite his solid play last season.

In addition to his play on the floor, Elton Brand brings with him a veteran leadership so you’re not only paying for his production on the floor but also his ability to control and handle a locker room, something vastly underrated by many.