[ESPN / Stein] Sources: Chandler-Okafor deal in works

the west is getting tougher and tougher

 

I still think even with his contract Emeka in Rox Red would look great an it wouldn't take that much...apparently.

 

Terrible, terrible news, mainly because this would indicate they won't ever be open to trading Paul.

 

Good for Emeka.

 

Man, I sure hope we can pull a stud next year.

 

I wish we could get Okafor....

 

First we would never get Paul. If someone in the west got him it would be LA or Portland, and thats what would be terrible news. Second, the Bobcats wouldn't deal Okafor for Chandler, the Hornets are probably dumping some decent players (Posey, Peja) for an expiring or cap flexibility.

 

That seems way in the Hornets favor, doesn't it? The Rockets playoff hopes were fading anyway, but, if this go through, it will likely seal the deal.

 

I'm glad Okafor gets to move out of the NBA obscurity that is Charlotte.

 

Y'all are overreacting. Its not Chandler for Okafor. Bobcats will be getting significant players from New Orleans. I am sure Larry Brown is more concerned with adding Posey than Chandler.

 

LA doesn't have the expiring monies.

Portland would have to trade nearly their entire roster to send back enough to absorb Chandler, Posey, and Peja (along with Paul).

 

Charlotte wasn't going to win a title with Okafor as a star. This trade would allow the Bobcats to get away from Okafor's huge contract for Chandler who only has a player option beyond next season, and possibly without much drop off in terms of production.

 

Don't know how New Orleans would work with that but its a good move for the both of them. Too bad Okafor can't catch alleyopps from CP3 like Tyson Chandler but he is a rebounding machine.

 

You may be right, but this is conceivable as a straight up deal (plus minor incentives):
NOH get a big that is less injury prone
Charlotte gets a somewhat equivalent player and sheds a good $30M in longterm salary obligations.

Given how badly the Bobcats are bleeding and that Rob Johnson is trying to attract buyers (*key to selling a franchise - unload longterm debt)...I can absolutely believe the Bobcats would make a purely financial decision at the possible detriment to their playoff chances.

Evan

 

Agreed completely. My understanding is that this is purely a dump from Charlotte's perspective. They're not looking to take back Peja or Posey - that would defeat the entire purpose here. Peja and Posey both have negative value and New Orleans is already getting back the better player. They are not going to get the superior player AND get to dump off garbage. Again, Peja and Posey aren't assets - they are negative assets.

More importantly, New Orleans' willingness to take on Okafor basically puts to bed the Bill Simmons wet dream of a Paul/Chandler/Peja/Posey salary dump.

 

Pretty lateral move for NO IMO...Okafor is the better player but Chandler provides similar stats and works better with Paul. They save money this year but are "stuck" with Okafor for 3 more years if this deal goes through.

 

What's the problem with getting "stuck" with a double-double machine that plays great defense? He might be a bit overpaid, but that's what big men cost these days.

 

the problem comes with the inherent risk of the move.

NO is already losing money and was rumored to be dumping salaries. Now it appears they are going the "all in" route. If Emeka doesn't pan, then they are in a world of hurt financially and will have lost out on their one good expiring.

It could open the door for a Chris Paul trade more than it closes it.