Elton Brand News

January 20, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Orlando Magic power forward Glen Davis defends Dallas Mavericks power forward Elton Brand during the second half at Amway Center.

As the 2013 offseason approaches, I have noticed more and more people pointing to the amnesty clause from the new collective bargaining agreement as a way for their favorite team to get rid of a large contract and become players in free agency.

It was far from a noteworthy Mavericks season as far as fans were concerned. The Dallas Mavericks, buoyed by the return of a former MVP, limped to a .500 record to close the season.

Dallas is coming off a 41-41 season and the franchise failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 1999-2000. All signs point to the Mavericks going after a superstar, such as Dwight Howard or Chris Paul , to try and give the team a player they can build off of for the next several years.

Any, every, all observers agree that the Mavericks are a long shot to get Dwight Howard or Chris Paul .

And like any other quality basketball prospect at the time, Elton Brand had a keen interest in the NBA Draft lottery.