Marcin Gortat Signing Falls Through: What Next for the Mavericks?

With the news that the Orlando Magic have elected to match Marcin Gortat's five-year, $34 million contract offer from Dallas, the Mavericks are back where they started, with Erick Dampier as their starting center.

The lumbering Dampier is a poor fit for the transition game of the Dallas Mavericks, though. Despite being all of 6'11", he averages a paltry 7.9 rebounds per game for his career.

Given that the Mavs have made inroads into being a genuine Western Conference contender, it would seem unlikely for them to stand pat with Dampier holding them back.

Enter Tyson Chandler, a 7'0" defensive center who has regressed from averaging a double-double in 2007-2008. Hampered by injuries, the 2008-2009 season was largely disappointing for Chandler. If not for his toe, he would be suiting up for Oklahoma City by now.

This trade scenario would work financially: Dampier and Greg Buckner plus cash to the New Orleans Hornets for Chandler and Morris Peterson.

For the Hornets, Buckner's contract is only guaranteed for $1 million as opposed to the $12 million left on Peterson's. With Dallas' cash, they buy out Buckner and save themselves $10 million, including luxury taxes this year.

Since Dampier's contract is guaranteed on the condition that he averages 28 minutes a game, something he has not done since the 2003-2004 season, effectively, he becomes an expiring contract for the Hornets, who shed $18 million off their payroll next season.

Although this does not aid the Hornets from a basketball standpoint, it will help the franchise stem the bleeding and avoid overpaying for a team that is not likely to contend anyway.

For the Mavericks, they get Chandler, a young athletic big who can continue his one-dimensional alley-oop offense with Jason Kidd replacing Chris Paul as the server.

Chandler will give the Mavs more rebounding and better mobility in the post. Chandler will also ensure the Mavs do not lose a step defensively.

Peterson gives the Mavs a true backup shooting guard who, at 6'7", gives Rick Carlisle another option to guard the Kobes and Manus of the league.

Also, Kidd could find Peterson for more than a couple of open treys each night.

This trade should help elevate the Mavs into elite strata while the Hornets shed payroll.

What do you think?

*Update* Chris has informed me that Buckner can't be traded in a multi-player trade since he was just trade. Probably have to amend it to Erick for Chandler straight up plus a draft pick. My apologies