Mavericks claim Elton Brand off amnesty waivers

The Dallas Mavericks claimed Elton Brand off amnesty waivers, securing the ex-All-Star forward to fortify their frontcourt for next season, league sources told Yahoo! Sports.

Brand joins a remade Mavericks frontcourt with center Chris Kaman, as well as point guard Darren Collison. Brand and Kaman allow the Mavericks to pair Dirk Nowitzki with two solid veteran frontcourt players on one-year deals, while maintaining its salary cap space to pursue major free agents or absorb significant contracts next summer.

Philadelphia used the amnesty clause to clear Brand, 33, and the $18.2 million owed him this season off its salary cap. Under the amnesty provision, the Mavericks will pay $2.1 million and Philadelphia will be left to pay the remaining $16.1 million.

Brand, 33, averaged 11 points and 7.2 rebounds for the 76ers in 2011-’12.

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