NBA Free Agency 2011: 10 Teams That Could Take Tyson Chandler from Dallas

There's been much speculation as to whether or not the championship Dallas Mavericks can re-sign an impending unrestricted free agent in center Tyson Chandler.

Chandler was a huge part of the Mavs' championship steamroll over the Miami Heat and could continue to serve as a major contributor for years to come.

At 28, Chandler still has a good three years under his belt, forcing many NBA teams to draw interest in the defensive juggernaut.

Amidst possibly a long-lasting NBA lockout that could last into the new year, the Mavericks should and will try to work something out with Chandler before somebody else pries him from Mark Cuban's wallet.

With that said, here are the top 10 teams that are not only likely to make a move for Chandler, but desperately need him.

10. Orlando Magic

It's no secret the Orlando Magic have struggled in the playoffs over the past few seasons.

Whether it's a lack of a consistent offense or good bench play, Dwight Howard and company are in desperate need of a change—especially considering the competition in the East is evolving ever so quickly.

Grabbing Tyson Chandler would do wonders for the Orlando defense, even though Howard is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, and it would also plan for the future if Superman decides to part ways with Orlando after next season.

That could be the main reason why the Magic make a move for Chandler, signing him as insurance if their franchise player leaves town.

Beyond that, he'd be a great role-player for the Magic and would form one of the best defensive big men combos the NBA has seen in the past decade.

9. Portland Trail Blazers

It's highly unlikely the Portland Trail Blazers make a significant offer, long-term or short, to impending restricted free agent Greg Oden.

With the lack of games played and overall adaption to the NBA level, Oden's struggles over the last few years have consistently left the Blazers in a state of center-less.

Sure, LaMarcus Aldridge has come on as a big-time player for the team, but considering the West is filled with big men who can score often, signing a defensive player of Tyson Chandler's caliber could be exactly what Portland needs.

When you take into account that Marcus Camby is 37, signing a center who's nine years younger makes complete sense.

8. Chicago Bulls

After losing to the Miami Heat in this year's Eastern Conference finals, it became evident the Chicago Bulls are one player away from being championship contenders.

That's where Tyson Chandler comes in.

If the Bulls were able to sign Chandler, whether keeping Joakim Noah or moving him, they could count on two things.

One, the fact that Chandler absolutely dominated the Heat in the Finals with his offensive rebounding prowess is something the Bulls can count on over the next few years.

Second, Chandler was a Bull from 2001-2006, so the adaption from Dallas to Chicago would in no way impede on his on-court performance.

If Chandler comes to Chicago, he could continue to be Miami's kryptonite.

7. Boston Celtics

Did Jermaine O'Neal really work out that well in Boston last year?

I don't think so.

More importantly, the departure of Kendrick Perkins to the Oklahoma City Thunder has put a clear damper on the Celtics moving forward into next season.

What a perfect time to sign a player like Tyson Chandler.

The Dallas Mavericks center would instantly make the defensive-heavy Celtics even better, giving them some depth that could help complement Boston's aging superstars.

If any Eastern team wants to make a push against the Miami Heat over the next few years, grabbing Chandler is the first step toward success.

Side Note: Trying to plan around beating the Heat is becoming a trend here.

6. San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio could be in for some trouble over the next few seasons, bringing about some serious speculation of a possible rebuilding stage.

Tony Parker could be on his way out, Tim Duncan has continued to decline and could only have a season or two left in his elusive career, and the team as a whole can't seem to translate its regular-season success into playoff jubilation.

As it stands right now, the Spurs don't really have a true center, making room for Tyson Chandler to sign with one of the Dallas Mavericks' most consistent rivals.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder

Similar to the Chicago Bulls in the East, the Oklahoma City Thunder are seemingly one player away from being perennial NBA title contenders.

With Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the Thunder are ready to take over the once-Kobe-ran Western Conference.

Oklahoma acquired center Kendrick Perkins from the Boston Celtics at the trade deadline last year, letting go of Jeff Green.

Perkins didn't do much for the Thunder down the stretch and was incapable of performing consistently against the Dallas Mavericks in the conference championship.

By bringing in Tyson Chandler and allowing his defense to run heavy throughout the regular season into the playoffs, the Thunder could realistically get over the hump in only one year.

Chandler is a much better defender than Perkins and can score off his offense rebounds with ease, not to mention his solid free-throw shooting he displayed for the Mavericks in the NBA Finals this year.

With that said, the best-case scenario lies in the idea of signing Chandler, starting the 28-year-old and having a younger Perkins come off the bench against some of the top-tier teams in the NBA.

4. New York Knicks

I'm trying to put all bias aside, but I'm really starting to like the New York Knicks' championship chances over the next five years.

With Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, it's hard to disagree with their on-paper talent.

Not to mention New York recently acquired one of the biggest clutch shooters around in Chauncey Billups, a lock-down defender with rookie Iman Shumpert and possibly on their way to grabbing a big-time point guard in next year's offseason.

Alongside all of these glaring expectations and potential going forward, the Knicks should, in every way, go after Tyson Chandler.

Chandler would be an instant upgrade over Ronny Turiaf or any other potential free-agent center.

His defense would automatically patch a huge hole in the Knicks' arsenal and allow them to work on some bench scoring to complement their two-headed monster in 'Melo and Amar'e.

Signing Chandler should be a high priority for New York and by doing so, they'd be able to tantalize suitable point guard options like Chris Paul, Tony Parker and Steve Nash.

3. Atlanta Hawks

Lets be honest, the Atlanta Hawks need to change things up. It's growing old seeing them consistently come up short in the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

With a sufficient scoring combo in Joe Johnson and Al Horford, Atlanta is in need of some top-level defense.

Tyson Chandler, once again, serves as a perfect match for the Hawks.

It would be more than easy to replace Zaza Pachilia, having him come off the bench, and newly-drafted Keith Benson shouldn't make Chandler sweat if he happens to land in Atlanta.

2. Houston Rockets

This is a no-brainer.

Following the retirement of Yao Ming, the Houston Rockets need a starting center.

With Luis Scola cemented as the team's starting power forward, and newly-drafted Marcus Morris and Chandler Parsons coming off the bench, signing a defensive talent could round out a serious frontcourt.

It's going to be tough to attract Chandler to a middle-tier-caliber threat in the Western Conference like Houston, but at this point, with no Yao, the Rockets' opportunities are running thin.

1. Miami Heat

During this year's NBA Finals, the Miami Heat learned first-hand of how Tyson Chandler can make or break a game.

His sheer dominance on the offensive boards—grabbing a playoff-high 79 in 21 games—Chandler proved defense and hard work go along way in winning a championship.

When Miami looks back at their unpredictable collapse in their first Finals appearance under the LeBron James era, the team will no doubt partially contribute their woes to Tyson Chandler's defensive production.

Going forward in the 2011-2012 season, the Heat are in need of bench depth and all-around team chemistry.

With that said, Chandler could prove to be the guy to whom they turn.

Chandler offers a huge blocking ability, top-level defense against the NBA's few scoring big men, a huge locker room boost for a seemingly distraught squad and by signing him, the Heat would take away what the Chicago Bulls, Boston Celtics and New York Knicks desperately need.

It's like the Boston Red Sox trading for Derek Jeter.

Well, maybe not that intense, but you get the point.