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Elton Brand signed with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, instantly giving them the low post presence they need to become contenders in the Eastern Conference.

The former Duke star's arrival represents a huge move for the Sixers. He should immediately improve the emerging Sixers with his 20.3 points and 10.2 rebounds per game average over nine seasons.

Brand, who played in only eight games last season because of an Achilles' tendon injury, agreed to a five-year deal with Philadelphia worth a reported $82 million.

The 76ers were able to sign Brand to a big deal because they sent forward Rodney Carney and a future No. 1 pick to Minnesota as part of a trade that cleared an additional $2 million in salary cap space.

That meant the Sixers -- who entered the summer already $11 million under the cap -- could offer a starting salary in the $14 million range. Brand had $16.4 million left on deal he signed in 2003.

KNICKS: Chris Duhon signed a two-year deal worth more than $11 million, choosing the Knicks over Orlando because of an opportunity to play in new coach Mike D'Antoni's system -- perhaps as the starter.

"Are the Knicks one of the best teams in the league? No, not at all," Duhon said. "But the opportunity to be part of a change is also great and something I'm looking forward to."

MAVS: DeSagana Diop signed a five-year, $31 million deal with Dallas on Wednesday, six months after the team sent him to New Jersey in the Jason Kidd trade. The team used its entire midlevel exception.

BUCKS: Center Andrew Bogut will sign a five-year, $72.5 million extension later this week, his agent said.

GRIZZLIES: Memphis signed Spanish center Marc Gasol, finishing off the last piece of a trade that sent his older brother, All-Star Pau, to the Lakers in February.

KINGS: Sacramento re-signed point guard Beno Udrih to a five-year deal.

HEAT: James Jones signed a five-year contract with his hometown team.

OKLAHOMA CITY: The NBA wants to intervene in former SuperSonics owner Howard Schultz's bid to regain control of the team, claiming it would interfere with the stable operation of the franchise.