As Thursday’s trade deadline approaches, the Rockets are a team worth keeping an eye on in the pursuit of Wilson Chandler, reports Chris Haynes of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Calvin Watkins of ESPN.com (Twitter link) adds that he got a one-word answer when he asked someone with the Rockets if Chandler would be a fit: “Yes.”
The Rockets have the fourth-best record in the NBA at 40-18, and the team appears reluctant to shake things up much. General manager Daryl Morey and MVP candidate James Harden have both made comments in recent weeks about being happy with the team chemistry this season, so no blockbuster deal is around the corner for Houston.
Still, Chandler, who is a decent three-pointer shooter and can play either forward position, would be a solid addition to the Rockets’ rotation. This season, the 29-year-old is averaging 15.6 PPG and 6.7 RPG to go along with a .454/.338/.732 shooting line.
Despite his success this year with the Nuggets, Chandler reportedly wouldn’t mind being traded and has been linked to teams like the Thunder and Clippers. A USA Today report earlier this month suggested that Chandler hasn’t formally requested a trade, but has grown frustrated by what he views as an inconsistent role in Denver.
The veteran forward downplayed that report a day later, though he admitted that he’d appreciate more consistency. Since then, Chandler’s minutes haven’t fluctuated much — he has played between 34 and 41 minutes in five of six games, with the only exception being a blowout loss in San Antonio (26 minutes).
The Nuggets are expected to be active at the deadline, but there are a number of potential trade candidates on their roster, so it remains to be seen which direction the team will go in. Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Jameer Nelson, and Emmanuel Mudiay are among the other players whose names have surfaced in trade rumors.
Could be a decent depth piece off the bench. Wish he was a better 3 point shooter though
Chandler is a great defender tho.. also nice hybrid to put down low..
Harrell for him straight up? Might take less but Chandler would pretty much be taking his minutex anyways.
how about s.dekker,wiltzer and Harrell and a future 1st or 2nd for chandler and faried
That’s not enough for Chandler AND Faried unless Denver is desperate to get out from Faried’s contract.
I actually think it is, especially if Houston were to take Faried’s contract. Dekker has been a lot better this year, and honestly, I thought he’d be a bust, so good for him to improve in certain areas since the draft. That being said, I still don’t know that I’d move Chandler, if I’m Denver. I’d prefer to add to the roster
Yeah if Denver really wants to get out from his contract, then it makes sense. But if they’re indifferent or even like it, that’s not a good deal. Although I’m not even sure if the deal above comes close to matching salaries since I’m sure Houston is above the cap.
Good call. Wasn’t paying attention there