NBA Free Agency 2014: Hawks, Knicks interested in Elton Brand

In addition to the theoretical pursuit of some of the top-flight free agents on the market, the Atlanta Hawks have been busy in evaluating some of the players that were in red and blue during the 2013-2014 season. After issuing qualifying offers to both Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack (in addition to declining to do so for Gustavo Ayon), the Hawks have reportedly shifted gears in attempting to re-sign an unrestricted free agent in big man Elton Brand.

The Hawks and Knicks have expressed interest in Elton Brand, the unrestricted free agent center. #ATLHawks #Knicks

— Chris Vivlamore (@ajchawks) July 1, 2014

Chris Vivlamore of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Hawks have been joined by the New York Knicks in pursuing Brand, and it doesn't come with great shock that Atlanta could be looking to bring Elton back. The now 35-year-old Brand played under a 1-year, $4 million contract last season, and he was worth every penny as a defensive anchor, especially in the long-term absence of Al Horford.

Before the trade that sent Lucas Nogueira and Lou Williams to Toronto, there was a notion that the Hawks simply would not have room to entertain bringing Brand back, even on a 1-year contract, but with only Al Horford, Paul Millsap, Pero Antic and Adreian Payne as absolutes on next season's roster (Mike Muscala is also likely to return with Mike Scott's status up in the air), there could be a place for the veteran. It remains to be seen as to the type of monetary commitment that either side would be willing to agree to, but for the right price, it would be easy to endorse another season for Elton in an Atlanta uniform.

Stay tuned for all the latest throughout the free agency process.