NBA Free Agents 2011: The 3 Best Fits for Tyson Chandler

Free agent Tyson Chandler is not coming back to the world champion Dallas Mavericks.

He basically said as much on Wednesday in an ESPN phone interview:

"

I really think I'm going to be on a new team come training camp. I'm really taking a hard look at all of my options, trying to see what best suits me. I would like this to be settled by early next week. I want to be in camp with my new teammates as soon as possible.

"

Alright then.

So where will the 29-year-old that averaged 10 points and 9.4 rebounds on a championship team end up for the new year?

Here are the three options that are all interested that make sense for both Chandler and the team signing him: 

New Jersey Nets

You can pencil them in for every free-agent big man, but Chandler should be at the top of the list for the Nets.

He provides the sort of toughness in the paint New Jersey is severely lacking right now. Role player and former Mr. Kardashian Kris Humphries led the team last year in rebounding to give you an idea where this team is at.

Brook Lopez took a significant step back in that department. Chandler would be able to run the pick-and-roll with Deron Williams and a lot more shots would follow.

The Nets are able to overspend to get him and his Finals experience is invaluable to a team full of youngsters.

Toronto Raptors

They need guys that are battle tested and Chandler certainly qualifies. The Raptors have a reputation of being soft and adding Chandler would infuse some much needed toughness.

He can help protect fellow seven-footer Andrea Bargnani around the rim.

The Raptors have plenty of money to spend and desperately need to upgrade their defense. Chandler would be the remedy.

Houston Rockets

This guy is tailor-made for the Rockets grind-it-out, half-court style of play. Chandler won’t be forced to sprint up and down the floor and can put all of his focus on rebounding. Pairing him up with Luis Scola would form the sort of defensive line that nobody wants to mess with around the rim.

Both players are perfect complements to one another and the Rockets would instantly be a better team with Chandler in a Rocket uniform. They should have the money to blow as well.