Philadelphia ? 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 power forward’s arrival represents a huge move for the Sixers, who have worked quickly to become a threat in the East. He should improve the emerging Sixers immediately with his 20.3 points- and 10.2 rebounds-per-game average over nine seasons.

Brand played in only eight games last season because of an Achilles’ tendon injury.

Last week, Brand opted out of his contract with the Clippers, but Los Angeles was expected to make a strong push to re-sign him. Instead, he spurned the Clippers and agreed to a five-year deal with Philadelphia worth a reported $82 million.

Philadelphia targeted a big man this summer and had Hawks restricted free agent Josh Smith in town last week for a visit, but he left without being presented with an offer sheet. Smith will look elsewhere, or possibly stay in Atlanta.

Brand was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1999 draft out of Duke and spent two seasons with the Bulls before he was traded to the Clippers. Brand, a two-time All-Star, tried to leave Los Angeles once before as a restricted free agent. He signed an offer sheet with Miami, but returned to the Clippers once the deal was matched.