JULY 9TH, 2:55pm: The deal is official, the team announced.
“Tyson Chandler will be a leader on and off the court,” president of basketball operations Lon Babby said. “His physical stature is matched by his immense presence as an individual of high character who is highly respected by the NBA community. It is an honor to welcome this NBA Champion and All-Star to Phoenix.”
JULY 1ST, 2:15pm: The Suns have agreed to a deal with Tyson Chandler, reports Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports (on Twitter). It’ll be a four-year contract worth $52MM, according to Marc Stein of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Chandler will attend the team’s pitch meeting with LaMarcus Aldridge, Wojnarowski adds (Twitter link).
Courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
The Mavs and Bucks seemed like the teams with the best shot at the Jeff Schwartz client initially, but they faded, which was seemingly a positive sign for the Lakers and Clippers, who were other reported suitors. Instead, the Suns swoop in and score one of the league’s premiere defensive centers. Chandler, who turns 33 in October, no doubt saw the Suns’ renowned training staff as a draw, though that’s just my speculation.
Dallas wanted to bring back Chandler if it missed out on DeAndre Jordan, as Tim MacMahon of ESPNDallas.com reported this spring, but that won’t be happening now, applying greater pressure on the Mavs to reach a deal with Jordan. The Suns are using most of their cap space on Chandler, so a pursuit of Aldridge or any other marquee free agent will be difficult barring a salary-clearing trade. Phoenix is also re-signing Brandon Knight to a five-year, $70MM deal using his Bird rights.
Dang… I wanted Chandler on the Lakers if LA doesn’t come.
As a laker fan I’m getting more and more piss off that we can get a big man.ther only a few left worth getting. I’m f we don’t get one then it going to be hill all over again
If Aldridge doesn’t sign…you’ll get Jordan for sure….
I hope so, if he mavs or clips don’t have anything to say about it. My lakers need a big and they are signing left and right
Or can you say B-Haywood….lol…and 2016 Lottery bound….
That 2016 pick is top3 protected or else it goes to the Sixers.
Why would you say that? I’m betting the Lakers get neither.
Have to wait and see how much it was for, but man I wish the Celtics could have signed him. I figured he’d be trying to latch onto a contender for another shot at a ring. But if he’s willing to sign on a fringe playoff team why not do it in a weaker conference. I wonder if this makes plumlee or even Len available
Only reason Suns got him was because of the Massive Over-Pay….
I am surprise though that he went to the Suns that such a random choice
I would have liked the fit with the Bucks, but it’s a good move for the Suns. They needed what he brings. This makes Robin Lopez and Omir Asik 2 even more interesting names in my opinion, and there are still a couple of other nice 5s out there behind obviously the top free agents