1) AHHHH TYSON CHANDLER. Initial reactions to the move?
Josh Bowe (@Boweman55): YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES. There was a few seconds of deep sadness in losing Calderon, a player I really, really, really like. But the Mavs just acquired a top-5 center, filled their biggest position of need AND off-loaded their "worst" contract. Kind of amazing, really.
Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace): I'm really delighted. I'm reading Bob Sturm's book about the Championship season, and it's really ridiculous how important Tyson was to everything in retrospect. He and Dirk FIT, and there isn't a price you can put on that kind of connection. I have no idea if it will work, of course, but what we gave up is worth the gamble for a year.
Alan Smithee (@SmitheeMMB): I'm definitely surprised. Almost immediately after the Mavericks' season ended Stein reported that there were "whispers" Dallas was interested in bringing Chandler back. I suppose I just never thought they'd actually do it, or, more precisely, I think I assumed another team could/would offer more for Chandler, if the Knicks even genuinely wanted to trade him. To do this while also losing Jose Calderon's contract feels like something of a coup, provided Dallas can find a proper replacement.
Doyle Rader (@TheKobeBeef): Truthfully, I am not a big fan of the trade. I have nothing against Chandler and think he is a good player. Im just not so sure that this deal isnt based solely on nostalgia. Chandler was a force to be reckoned with when he helped the team win the championship in 2011. During his time in New York, though, injuries have resurfaced which has limited Chandler to 121 games in the previous two seasons combined. He numbers have remained steady but his flashes of dominance have been sporadic. One has to wonder if the team, like many fans, is looking at Chandler through rose-tinted glasses.
Its a risky gamble bringing him back. It was a risky gamble letting him go in the first place. Dallas has a great training staff headed by Casey Smith but that isnt a guarantee that Chandlers health will hold out. Heres hoping that it does, though. Chandler only has one year left on his contract so it will be interesting to see if the team resigns him next summer if everything works out well this season.
As for Raymond Felton, well, the Mavs had to take his contract to get the deal pulled off. Where he fits on the team is anyones guess. His weight issues and recent legal trouble are concerning. Honestly, I think the Mavs will look to move him this summer if they can. Of course, I know nothing about the plans of the front office. Im just some guy who wants them to sign Josh McRoberts.
