NBA Free Agency 2013: Why the New York Knicks Should Sign Elton Brand

The New York Knicks have shown interest in Elton Brand since the beginning of free agency, and are preparing an offer for him.

The terms of the offer are not yet known, but it shouldn't be for much more than the veteran's minimum.

The most the Knicks can offer is the taxpayer's mid-level exception of $3.2 million.

Which begs the question: why wouldn't the Knicks want to pick up Elton Brand?

Brand, who is 34 years old, would give the Knicks a workhorse in the paint who will provide rebounding that they could desperately use at times.

A defensive presence down low was an obvious need for the Knicks down the stretch and in the playoffs, and although Brand may not be the defender he once was, he still averaged 1.3 blocks per game this season in Dallas.

He would provide insurance for a Knicks front court that has been plagued by injuries for years, and would also give Carmelo Anthony a chance to spend more time at his natural small forward position.

Think of Brand as a younger, more reliable version of Kenyon Martin, who the Knicks are yet to re-sign.

The Knicks could definitely use a hard-nosed forward that scraps for rebounds and can throw a body down low, and unfortunately the recent acquisition of Andrea Bargnani does not fill that need.

There are obviously more important fish to fry in terms of free agency for the Knicks this summer, but reaching out to Elton Brand may not be as bad of an idea as some people think, especially for the right price.

Brand isn't going to fill the stat sheet or dominate the highlight reel, but he could be a productive piece for the Knicks in their quest for next year's NBA title.