New York Knicks may have eyes for Elton Brand
- Just as quickly as the Elton Brand era began in Philadelphia, it may be coming to an end.
According to New York Daily News, Leon Rose has targeted Brand as the next GM of the New York Knicks. Rose, the new President of the Knicks, has history working with the Sixers’ GM having previously represented Joel Embiid as an agent; Rose is also a Philadelphia-area native.
This isn’t exactly a simple situation. For starters, both Brand and current Knicks’ GM, Scott Perry, are under contact next season. While Perry is expected to opt out of his contract this offseason, the same cannot be said for Brand. A team source has already confirmed their plans to retain Brand to NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Paul Hudrick:
A team source on Wednesday confirmed Brand is under contract beyond this season and said the organization is very happy with his work since being named GM in 2018. The source cited Brand’s leadership and strong working relationships with players, agents, and executives around the league.
While this does sound like an endorsement, it’s hard to ignore the source’s anonymity. If the team wanted, a member of ownership could’ve issued a direct statement and squashed any rumors of the Knicks courting Brand. Instead, Sixers ownership did what it always does and offered some lip service to maintain the status quo. Others have pointed to this as an attempt to save face months from now if the team ultimately does part ways with Brand.
There are also reports that Rose is simply waiting for the Sixers to release Brand this offseason before he makes a move. If rumors of a potential release are circulating around league circles, it’s safe to wonder just how secure Brand’s job really is.
In the event Brand is interested in the Knicks and the Sixers are ready to make a change at GM, the two sides could potentially work out a trade of sorts. The Knicks sent a second-round pick and cash considerations to the Sacramento Kings in order to acquire current-GM Scott Perry. Rose and the Sixers have a history together, so a trade could be within the realm of possibility if they are indeed ready to move on from Brand.
For all we know, the Sixers may view this situation as an easy out on EB. Only time will tell.
