Bulls Gain Experience and Youth at the Same Time, Trade Tyson Chandler to the Hornets Options

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Bulls Gain Experience and Youth at the Same Time
By Slavko Bekovic
TalkBulls.com

The Bulls finally put the Tyson Chandler rumors to bed as Chicago traded away five year veteran Tyson Chandler to the New Orleans Hornets in exchange for veteran power forward/center PJ Brown and young wingman JR Smith. The deal will clear cap room up for the Bulls in 2007. Paxson has indicated that Brown will provide much needed leadership to the Bulls, but others speculate that Brown and Smith may not be Bulls for too long.

Chandler was drafted 2nd overall pick by the Clippers in 2001, but was promptly traded to Chicago along with Brian Skinner for Elton Brand. Then GM Jerry Krause envisioned that Tyson and fellow top pick Eddy Curry would flourish to form a devasting low post duo. That never worked out and both bigs are gone.

In his five years with the Bulls, Chandler never averaged more than 10 points a game, but at times he was able to make up for his lack of offense with his great rebounding, defense and shot blocking capabilities.

With the addition of 4-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace through free agency, Chandler’s time in Chicago ran out. His best season was in 2004-2005 when Chandler was not pressured into a starting role and played 80 games, 70 coming off the bench. That season, Chandler averaged 8 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.

He will now join a Hornets team which recently added sharpshooter Predrag Stojakovic and combo-guard Bobby Jackson, former teammates on the Sacramento Kings. In New Orleans, Chandler will most likely be the starting Center and play alongside up and coming Power Forward David West in what plans to be an up-tempo Hornets offense.

As far as the Bulls are concerned, PJ Brown adds yet another veteran presence that will be vital in the growth and development of Tyrus Thomas. He is currently in the last year of his contract that will pay him $8 million in 06. JR Smith, on the other hand, is a young Shooting Guard who has all the talent in the world but clashed with Byron Scott in New Orleans due to a lack of playing time.

While Brown should provide veteran leadership and some low post offense, there is speculation that Brown and Smith coulds till be moved. There are rumors of possible sign and trades with teams that might land the Bulls a younger, more offensive minded power forward. Names that have been thrown around include Chris Wilcox, Al Harrington and Kevin Garnett. If the Bulls don't make a deal by July 15th, the Bulls would have to wait at least 60 days before trading either Brown or Smith.

All trades and signings will become official on July 12th, when the NBA Salary cap is reset.