Report: Elton Brand has 'no plans to retire'

34-year-old big man Elton Brand was a God-send for this year's edition of the Atlanta Hawks, as he filled various roles admirably off the bench while providing quality leadership and steady play throughout the season. Brand garnered high marks in our season review, and frankly, the biggest concern surrounding Brand was whether he wanted to continue playing NBA basketball. In a potentially fortunate turn of events for the Hawks, Brand will reportedly continue his career for a sixteenth season.

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that Brand has "no plans to retire".

"My body feels good," the 34-year-old Brand said. "I’m already training for next season."

It is important to note that Brand is an unrestricted free agent after playing last season under a 1-year, $4 million contract with the Hawks, but it is certainly possible that both sides could agree on a deal to keep him in Atlanta for another season. Brand was the team's best defensive big man in the absence of Al Horford, and even with options like Mike Muscala and (potentially) Lucas Nogueira emerging, depth in the frontcourt would be an incredible luxury moving forward.

There will certainly be a market for Elton Brand's services, as his talents would be useful for virtually any contending team, but he would be welcomed with open arms for another year with the Hawks.