Sources: Chandler-Okafor deal in works

By Marc Stein
ESPN.com

The Hornets and Bobcats are in advanced discussions on a trade that would send center Tyson Chandler to Charlotte in exchange for fellow big man Emeka Okafor, according to NBA front-office sources.

It was not immediately known if the teams are ready to complete the swap -- or if the deal would expand to include other players or teams -- but sources close to the process said talks featuring Chandler and Okafor as the main components have been ongoing since late last week.

Senior writer Marc Stein covers the NBA for ESPN.com.

 

Salary dump, fantastic. Nothing should increase the team's value like getting rid of one of their best young players, Bob!

 

They already have a shit load of salary to spend and now this? What city is looking for a team? At least try to be competitive

 

Salary Dump !!!!

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It's a done deal, from what I've heard. Will be officially announced tomorrow.

 

http://www.rufusonfire.com/2009/7/27/965001/thoughts-on-the-possible-tyson

From the Bobcats blog. Yes that is right, there is a Bobcats blog.

 

I've kind of come around on the deal. If Chandler is healthy he's a better fit for our team. He's faster on the break so we should be able to run better which will open up Felton and DJ. Once in the half court we'll run our offense through Diaw, which means the Center must be able to attack the offensive glass (Chandler is better than Okafor at this) as well as have good hands to catch a quick, short pass (no question Chandler's got the better hands.) We get out of a 'max contract' deal for a guy who's likely never going to be an All-Star, as well as open up the summer of 2011 when all our big contracts expire (assuming we can ever sign a big free agent, that will be the time.)

Throw in AI for a two year deal and we'll have plenty of offense, plus a real center and we can take our chances. We'll have to see how this works out but I like it if Chandler can stay healthy (big if obviously.) I didn't realize they are only 4 days apart in age.

 

Its a crap deal, only positive on the Bobcats side is more flexibility in that his (Chandler's) contract is over in 2011 vs 2014. Being that Chandler sucks and is getting paid too much for those two years, and that the Bobcats are trading a contract signed last year (okafor's) for him, tells me they had some serious buyer's remorse with Okafor. At least there will be more alley oops to watch, because if its beyond 7 ft, Chandler sure as hell aint making a shot. He might be worse offensively than Diop. The only positive about his play compared to Okafor is that he has more length to play true centers. He'll still get dominated, just not as bad.

This sucks for me as a Bobcats season ticket holder and not really a Bobcats fan. They are taking a step back to possibly take a step forward, but I don't think they are going to be bad enough to get a good chance in the lottery. I doubt they make the playoffs with that roster, but unfortunately they won't be one of the worst teams in the NBA. Mediocre in the NBA is the worst type of team.

 

Anybody that's second guessing a roster move by Larry Brown should just stop.

 

You must've not followed Brown's track record in personnel decisions. He is avg to below avg in his talent evaluation through his NBA career (where his hand has guided a GM). A superb coach he is, but not always a great talent evaluator.