OFFICIAL: Chandler for Okafor Done Deal

Shack · 07-27-2009, 07:46 PM

hmm interesting..

Quote:

The New Orleans Hornets are closing in on a trade that would send center Tyson Chandler to the Charlotte Bobcats for Emeka Okafor, signaling the Hornets' unexpected intent to keep up with the contenders and spenders in the Western Conference.

NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that the deal was nearly consummated Friday and that talks had advanced to the point that the swap could be completed later Monday or Tuesday, barring any unexpected late snags.

Although Chandler ($11.7 million) and Okafor ($10.6) carry similar salaries for next season, New Orleans' apparent willingness to take on Okafor's contract -- with four years remaining after next season -- is a marked departure from the Hornets' recent cost-conscious efforts to move Chandler.

The Hornets dealt Chandler to Oklahoma City days before the league's annual trading deadline in February for the expiring contracts of Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith, only for the Thunder to rescind the trade 24 hours later because of concerns about Chandler's longstanding toe problems.

The widespread belief then and during New Orleans' subsequent discussions with Phoenix about swapping Chandler for the expiring contract of Ben Wallace -- which Phoenix has since bought out -- maintained that New Orleans was determined to shed Chandler's contract only for an expiring deal to create payroll relief.

Swapping Chandler for Okafor will only save the Hornets just over $1 million next season and cost them an extra $40-plus million over the final three years of Okafor's deal if the 26-year-old exercises his $14.5 million option for the 2013-14 season. Chandler has just one year left on his contract after this season at $12.6 million.

Although Chandler was a favorite of Hornets star Chris Paul for his ability to run the floor and finish lobs, making a so-called "basketball trade" as opposed to a salary dump is bound to be interpreted as a statement that the Hornets remain intent on keeping a quality team around their point guard.

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

The Bobcats would be giving up the only starting center in franchise history for Chandler, who was restricted to just 45 games last season because of myriad foot injuries. Okafor averaged 13.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last season in the first year of a new six-year, $72 million deal with the Bobcats.

Chandler averaged 8.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season.

Sources: Charlotte Bobcats, New Orleans Hornets talk Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor - ESPN

Nites · 07-27-2009, 08:18 PM

If Larry Brown is trying to create a defensive minded team then why are they giving up Okafur?? Bad trade for Bobcats.

VanCity · 07-27-2009, 08:35 PM

this isnt really gonna happen....unless bobcats are desperately struggling financially.....and i dont see why hornets do this, why would they want to take on more money??

Nites · 07-27-2009, 08:41 PM

Exactly, however I just found out that this deal is like over 50% through.

Dark Knight · 07-27-2009, 09:02 PM

So does Okafor play center? Because they already have David West playing the 4.

VanCity · 07-27-2009, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

So does Okafor play center? Because they already have David West playing the 4.

ya...hes lil undersized for a center but plays it well and has played center his entire career

Gurk · 07-27-2009, 11:26 PM

Make no sense for CHA. Why would they do this

**zachus** · 07-27-2009, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gurk

Make no sense for CHA. Why would they do this

Shorter contracts, cut costs, etc.

EazyBalla · 07-27-2009, 11:42 PM

I'm pretty sure this deal is gonna go through, but i don't see why Charlotte does this. It doesn't neccessarily save costs for the Bobcats cuz Chandler has 1 year plus player option.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-27-2009, 11:50 PM

Taller vs better but shorter. Okafor would look great next to a taller skilled PF. West is a really good player but I cant see their team being anywhere near average defensively with such a small frontcourt. Theyll run into the same problems as Minnesota with Love and Jefferson. Nice skill but no height. Theyre gonna get smacked on the boards and defensively.

Nites · 07-27-2009, 11:59 PM

^^^Okafur is about 6'10" but he plays like a guy who is 7'0" so I think the Hornets should fair well.

The MVP of West Hollywood · 07-28-2009, 02:01 AM

I think the outcome of this deal will depend on Chandler's health. If Charlotte gets a healthy Chandler they'll be the winners here, I'd rather have a healthy Chandler than Okafor. Their stats are similar but I'd rather have the guy who's a legit 7'1 and athletic over the 6'10 and slower one, it gives you more versatility to guard bigger centers. Chandler also runs the pick and roll better and plays above the rim much more than Okafor does... I don't think Okafor fits with Paul at all for that reason.

Chandler is also a much better fit with Iverson if Charlotte signs him as rumored. It's the only logical place for AI and they'd be the only team for whom it'd make sense for IMO. It'd be eerily an identical situation to what he had on the early 00s Sixers who were succesful. I'd go as far to say AI, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Chandler could be the 4th best team in the East next year.

**Ball Don't Lie** · 07-28-2009, 07:22 AM

Quote:

AI, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Chandler

Not a chance theyre 4th. It takes a while to develop chemistry, and with AI itd take that much longer. I dont see a good mix there. Youre going to get killed at PG and PF every night and there isnt enough scoring there.

And Okafor is barely 6'9 if that in shoes. Its very visible when hes matched up against any PF that hes clearly shorter. Theres no way hes the same height as Rashard Lewis.

**zachus** · 07-28-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EazyBalla

I'm pretty sure this deal is gonna go through, but i don't see why Charlotte does this. It doesn't neccessarily save costs for the Bobcats cuz Chandler has 1 year plus player option.

Not on a yearly basis, but they're saving in terms of total cost. The Bobcats did well getting rid of Okafor and that huge contract, they weren't going anywhere with all that money locked up in a guy that hasn't improved.

Dr. J. Naismith · 07-28-2009, 12:40 PM

It's official, Okafor is a Hornets and Chandler is a Bobcat.

Source: Emeka Okafor traded by Charlotte Bobcats for Tyson Chandler of the New Orleans Hornets - ESPN

**INSIDER** · 07-28-2009, 12:46 PM

excellent trade for NOH.
Chandler was pretty much useless last season (with his injuries) and they were looking to dump him all season. didnt he fail the physical when they did end up trading him? yikes...
i guess it worked out in the end, they get a stud in Okafor now.
i love the trade for NOH because Okafor will play Center and have CP dishing him the ball all night long. just watch how much better he will be now that he's running with CP. Okafor has never played with a premiere PG, i have a feeling his stats will blow up. he's already a double-double machine... his ppg is going to hit 20 this season IMO.

NOH was already one of my fav teams, and now that they've added Okafor, i like them even more. Okafor is a class act.

CripwalkinK · 07-28-2009, 12:48 PM

What the fuck? Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for the New Orleans Hornets, a team who is already $21M over the salary cap. They were looking to shed some salary and all they did was get a big fat contract. Not sure where that team is headed really.

**INSIDER** · 07-28-2009, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CripwalkinK

What the fuck? Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for the New Orleans Hornets, a team who is already $21M over the salary cap. They were looking to shed some salary and all they did was get a big fat contract. Not sure where that team is headed really.

NBA finals baby!

seriously though, they are 21 million over the cap?
how is that even posible?

MangoKidHoops · 07-28-2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by INSIDER

excellent trade for NOH.
Chandler was pretty much useless last season (with his injuries) and they were looking to dump him all season. didnt he fail the physical when they did end up trading him? yikes...
i guess it worked out in the end, they get a stud in Okafor now.
i love the trade for NOH because Okafor will play Center and have CP dishing him the ball all night long. just watch how much better he will be now that he's running with CP. Okafor has never played with a premiere PG, i have a feeling his stats will blow up. he's already a double-double machine... his ppg is going to hit 20 this season IMO.

NOH was already one of my fav teams, and now that they've added Okafor, i like them even more. Okafor is a class act.

20 ppg? No way, bredren. AT most, 15. But he'll get his rebs too. It's a solid move for both teams. The story with Okafor is that he doesn't have a lot of heart/passion. At least Chandler has that on him. win-win.

jeffb · 07-28-2009, 01:52 PM

Can't say i'm much of an Okafor fan at all but hopefully this helps NOH because i've enjoyed watching them the last few seasons plus they stumbled last season.

07-28-2009, 02:01 AM	#12 (permalink)
The MVP of West Hollywood the only guy who thinks Terrence Ross will be an all-star Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,129 Representing:	I think the outcome of this deal will depend on Chandler's health. If Charlotte gets a healthy Chandler they'll be the winners here, I'd rather have a healthy Chandler than Okafor. Their stats are similar but I'd rather have the guy who's a legit 7'1 and athletic over the 6'10 and slower one, it gives you more versatility to guard bigger centers. Chandler also runs the pick and roll better and plays above the rim much more than Okafor does... I don't think Okafor fits with Paul at all for that reason. Chandler is also a much better fit with Iverson if Charlotte signs him as rumored. It's the only logical place for AI and they'd be the only team for whom it'd make sense for IMO. It'd be eerily an identical situation to what he had on the early 00s Sixers who were succesful. I'd go as far to say AI, Bell, Wallace, Diaw, Chandler could be the 4th best team in the East next year. Last edited by The MVP of West Hollywood; 07-28-2009 at 02:07 AM.

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07-27-2009, 08:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Nites is the King of the Streets Can't knock the Hustle Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 13,297 Representing:	If Larry Brown is trying to create a defensive minded team then why are they giving up Okafur?? Bad trade for Bobcats.

07-27-2009, 08:35 PM	#3 (permalink)
VanCity is pounding Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Vancouver Posts: 3,887 Representing:	this isnt really gonna happen....unless bobcats are desperately struggling financially.....and i dont see why hornets do this, why would they want to take on more money??

07-27-2009, 08:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
Nites is the King of the Streets Can't knock the Hustle Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 13,297 Representing:	Exactly, however I just found out that this deal is like over 50% through.

07-27-2009, 09:02 PM	#5 (permalink)
Dark Knight waiting for the sun to come out so he can let his guns out. Jamario Moon! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Electric Avenue Posts: 15,307 Representing:	So does Okafor play center? Because they already have David West playing the 4.

07-27-2009, 11:26 PM	#7 (permalink)
Gurk is dead inside you ain't bout that life Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 20,563 Representing:	Make no sense for CHA. Why would they do this

07-27-2009, 11:42 PM	#9 (permalink)
EazyBalla a rep. from the Hair Club for Men Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 313 Representing:	I'm pretty sure this deal is gonna go through, but i don't see why Charlotte does this. It doesn't neccessarily save costs for the Bobcats cuz Chandler has 1 year plus player option.

07-27-2009, 11:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
Ball Don't Lie praying Drummond doesnt haunt us forever. Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 9,990 Representing:	Taller vs better but shorter. Okafor would look great next to a taller skilled PF. West is a really good player but I cant see their team being anywhere near average defensively with such a small frontcourt. Theyll run into the same problems as Minnesota with Love and Jefferson. Nice skill but no height. Theyre gonna get smacked on the boards and defensively.

07-27-2009, 11:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
Nites is the King of the Streets Can't knock the Hustle Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Vancouver Posts: 13,297 Representing:	^^^Okafur is about 6'10" but he plays like a guy who is 7'0" so I think the Hornets should fair well.

07-28-2009, 12:40 PM	#15 (permalink)
Dr. J. Naismith convinced that Raptors fans are only happy when they're unhappy. Retired Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte Posts: 10,250 Representing:	It's official, Okafor is a Hornets and Chandler is a Bobcat. Source: Emeka Okafor traded by Charlotte Bobcats for Tyson Chandler of the New Orleans Hornets - ESPN

07-28-2009, 12:46 PM	#16 (permalink)
INSIDER BOOBS never too old. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: richmond hill Posts: 11,372 Representing:	excellent trade for NOH. Chandler was pretty much useless last season (with his injuries) and they were looking to dump him all season. didnt he fail the physical when they did end up trading him? yikes... i guess it worked out in the end, they get a stud in Okafor now. i love the trade for NOH because Okafor will play Center and have CP dishing him the ball all night long. just watch how much better he will be now that he's running with CP. Okafor has never played with a premiere PG, i have a feeling his stats will blow up. he's already a double-double machine... his ppg is going to hit 20 this season IMO. NOH was already one of my fav teams, and now that they've added Okafor, i like them even more. Okafor is a class act.

07-28-2009, 12:48 PM	#17 (permalink)
CripwalkinK :( Raptors/ChelseaFC/Cowboys Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Richmond Hill Posts: 335 Representing:	What the fuck? Makes absolutely no sense whatsoever for the New Orleans Hornets, a team who is already $21M over the salary cap. They were looking to shed some salary and all they did was get a big fat contract. Not sure where that team is headed really.

07-28-2009, 01:52 PM	#20 (permalink)
jeffb is pounding the rock! Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: YO MAMMA Posts: 67,931 Representing:	Can't say i'm much of an Okafor fan at all but hopefully this helps NOH because i've enjoyed watching them the last few seasons plus they stumbled last season.