Tyson Chandler Comments on Future with Suns, Desire to Win Championship and More

Tyson Chandler was supposed to be a key piece to help the Phoenix Suns make a playoff push for the first time since 2010, but things have not worked out for him or the team since he signed a four-year deal last summer.

Now, with the Suns owning the Western Conference's second-worst record, Chandler told the Arizona Republic (via CBS Sports' James Herbert) his frustration at how things have played out: "For me, especially where I am in my career, I want to win. I want to win now. I'm not in any kind of rebuilding stage. So if that's the case, it ain't where I'm supposed to be."

This does mark a change in approach for Chandler, who told ESPN.com's Tim MacMahon last month he was not planning on "jumping ship":

"

If the organization decides to move me or something like that, then clearly that's something that's out of my control. But I came here and I came here for a reason.

I thought it was a young, promising team, and I wanted to be a part of helping turn this around and go to the next level. I still feel like I'm capable of doing that, and I feel like this organization is capable of doing that. It's just clearly some things have to change.

"

Whether it's frustration with how the Suns are playing right now or a sign he may have checked out on this season, Chandler is having a disappointing campaign. The 33-year-old is averaging just 6.5 points and 8.6 rebounds in 58 games, his lowest marks since the 2009-10 season.

The Suns gave Chandler a $52 million contract last July, as he was coming off a tremendous year in Dallas with 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. He also started a career-high 75 games for the Mavericks.

Phoenix was coming off a 39-43 record last season, one year after winning 48 games. This seemed like a franchise heading in the right direction, but as the wheels fell off this season, head coach Jeff Hornacek was fired and Markieff Morris was traded to Washington.

Chandler, a 15-year veteran, certainly doesn't want to endure another rebuilding effort. He just may not have a choice unless the Suns can find a team willing to take on his contract this offseason.