Elton Brand is in "no rush" to sign a contract, according to his agent, as he gauges interest from the Knicks and other teams. "He's definitely interested in New York," said David Falk. "But it's early. He's exploring his options." The Knicks still hope to retain J.R. Smith and they may use part of their mini-mid-level exception to sign Pablo Prigioni, which leaves precious few dollars to throw at Brand. When the season ended Brand said that he wanted to re-sign with the Mavericks, but that's boilerplate exit-interview material.