Heat to Get Brand-ed?

ESPN's J.A. Adande has reported that the Miami Heat will make a run at unrestricted free agent Elton Brand in a sign-and-trade. The undersized power forward opted out of his contract yesterday, permitting him to negotiate with other teams. David Falk, Brand's agent, said a recent trip to Boston influenced the 2000 Co-Rookie of the Year to opt out.

"He watched what happened when a few stars get together and agree to have a communal effort," Falk said. "He said 'That's what I'd like to accomplish in my career.'"

The report from ESPN may be news, but this should not come as a surprise. Brand, despite coming off of surgery, is a low-post presence. He will be able to make things easier for Dwyane Wade and Michael Beasley. Moreover, despite his size, he has been one of the best rebounders in the League in recent memory. He has developed into a nice shot-blocker. Without any low-post presence, Pat Riley should be aggressively courting Brand. Maybe he already is.

Elton Brand did sign an offer sheet to Miami in the 2003 off-season, but the Clippers were able to match the offer. It has been well-documented that Riles would love to have Brand on his team, and the Clippers were even mentioned in pre-Draft rumors. However, Riley would have to roll up his sleeves and convince Brand that signing to a long-term deal may not be the best idea. The free agent class of 2010 is loaded; the Heat have indicated they will try to clear up cap space for summer two years down the road.

Due to Miami's plethora of forwards in Udonis Haslem, Shawn Marion, and Michael Beasley, as well as other factors, a sign-and-trade is the most plausible route. I do not see Miami trading Beasley, despite the rumors before the Draft that Riley would consider doing so. Pat Riley would, however, like to get rid of Mark Blount's contract, with two years remaining at more than $7 million apiece. By contrast, the Clippers would like to get rid of Chris Kaman's bloated contract, which goes beyond the '10 summer.

Elton Brand and Baron Davis could be the most coveted free-agents this summer. As much as it may seem Elton wants to be in South Beach, there will be a lot of teams in the sweepstakes to acquire both of them. The Clippers and Golden State will also want their star players. Pat Riley is going to have to heavily pursue Brand. If Brand does move to sunny South Florida, Miami will instantly be put right up there with Boston.