NBA Free Agency Speculation: Tyson Chandler to New York Knicks?
Tyson Chandler is a solid rebounder, but are 9.4 boards a game worth $12.6 million dollars? The 7'1" Chandler provides length to the Mavs and has helped them make a serious run at an NBA championship this season.
Even so, is he worth the money? The Dirk Nowitzki era is coming to a close. Chandler is 28, despite being a ten year veteran. With the Mavs on the brink of being decimated in a few short years, will they be willing to shell out the money for Chandler or watch him go elsewhere?
Here are five teams Chandler could end up with next season.
Dallas Mavericks
1 of 5
The team a free agent of interest is currently on is usually the favorite to retain him, barring some sort of rift with the franchise or lackluster performance.
The Mavs need to figure out the opportunity cost of losing Chandler. Jason Terry, Nowitzki and Kidd, amongst others, have their best basketball behind them. Losing Chandler almost certainly makes them a lottery team.
If a bidding war ensues, Mark Cuban doesn't have a shortage of cash. Chandler averages nearly a double-double a game. It seems like the front runner in this discussion would have to be Dallas.
New York Knicks
2 of 5
The Knicks aren't afraid to be movers and shakers. They need another piece to launch them into relevancy.
They have the star power necessary to make a deep run in the playoffs. Chandler and Amare Stoudemire would give them a fantastic front court.
Even if they were able to keep the combination of Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and Chandler intact for a few short years, it would give them something to build around and make them a playoff competitor.
Golden State Warriors
3 of 5
The Warriors would have a much improved front court if David Lee was playing the 4 and Tyson Chandler was at center. The Warriors have been outmatched down low for years.
They have overhauled their front court and can score as well as any team in the league. Investing in a quality center who can give them boards and length down low could make for another playoff push.
Miami Heat
4 of 5
Tyson Chandler would be a great fit for the Heat. They are doing just fine without him, but if they want to compete for "not one, not two, not three, not four, not five, not six, but multiple championships", they are going to need help down low.
They can't afford him for $12.6 million a year. He would be joining a team who has three guys under contract making over $14 million a year. A pay cut would be in order, but he would also be presented with the opportunity to win a championship, which has to be appealing.
The Heat could meet Chandler half way. Chandler would be the "Shemp" in this quartet of stars.
Los Angeles Lakers
5 of 5
Andrew Bynum trade rumors are swirling around L.A., as usual. Tyson Chandler was part of a Mavs team that owned the Lakers and ended their reign over the West.
The Lakers are probably going to blow their roster apart. Kobe's best basketball is behind him. They will want to make another championship run before he declines rapidly and their series against Dallas shows they can't do it with the current roster.
If they trade Bynum away and pick up Chandler, they have a chance to upgrade the team and gain some cohesion. It's not clear what direction the Lakers are going to go in at this point. The ambiguity makes them appear regularly in speculation articles.
