INQUIRER Sports

PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers landed one of the premiere National Basketball Association free agents available Wednesday, signing forward Elton Brand to a five-year contract worth $82 million.

In order to sign Brand, the Sixers cleared salary cap space earlier Wednesday, trading forward Rodney Carney, center Calvin Booth, a conditional first-round pick and cash considerations to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a second-round pick in 2010.

Limited to just eight games last season with the Los Angeles Clippers due to a torn Achilles tendon, Brand will provide a legitimate inside scoring threat for Philadelphia, which is considered an up-and-coming team in the weak Eastern Conference. Philadelphia qualified for the playoffs last season with a 40-42 record.

Brand, 29, spent his previous seven seasons with the Clippers.

A two-time all-star and former rookie of the year, Brand has career averages of 20.3 points and 10.2 assists.

His addition in Philadelphia also gives the 76ers a strong starting five that includes up-and-coming youngster Andre Iguodala, veteran point guard Andre Miller and steady players Willie Green and Samuel Dalembert.