NBA Rumors: Tyson Chandler Has the Market in His Pocket

If you're an NBA team looking for a seven-footer who can score, play defense, own the boards and above all, win, you're looking for Tyson Chandler.

But how much money do you have to throw around?

It's going to take a lot to land Chandler. He's one of the very best free agents in a very thin free-agent class, and he's coming off a career-making season with the Dallas Mavericks. He was able to stay healthy for the first time in a couple years, and he emerged as a key cog in Dallas' run to the NBA Finals.

So please, somebody pay the man.

Per SI.com's Sam Amick, that's exactly what Chandler's camp is saying:

Say what you will about Chandler only caring about money, but the fact of the matter is you can't really blame him. His stock is as high as it's ever going to be, and he's worth even more seeing as how there really isn't much to be had in this free-agent market.

And no, it doesn't sound like Chandler is that amped about the possibility of ending up back in Dallas. He made that pretty clear in speaking to ESPN.com on Wednesday night.

"I really think I'm going to be on a new team come training camp," Chandler said. "I'm really taking a hard look at all of my options, trying to see what best suits me."

Chandler definitely has options. According to ESPN.com, the New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors have all looked into signing Chandler, and there are bound to be more interested parties as well.

For example, there has been plenty of speculation that Chandler might take less money to join the Miami Heat. They need a big man, and they can offer Chandler a chance to win a few more rings if he wants them.

I'm personally not about to say that could actually happen, but it's a pretty good indication of just how wide-ranging Chandler's options are. Teams with cap space are going to be looking at him, and teams with no cap space are going to be looking at him.

If you ask me, the truly interesting thing to watch will be how Chandler and Nene affect each other's free agency. Nene also has plenty of options and considering Amick's report, it sounds like Nene may come cheaper. Seeing as how he's arguably more talented, teams may decide they're better off throwing money his direction.

If so, Chandler may have to lower his demands a little bit. It's one of many scenarios concerning the path that is before him.

No matter which way you spin in, the ball is in Chandler's court. He can do whatever the heck he wants.