Written by Bhavik DarjiEarlier this season, Tyson Chandler was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Chris Wilcox, Joe Smith, and DeVon Hardin—only for the trade to be rescinded because Chandler failed to pass a physical.
The biggest reason Chandler was being traded was because of his health, and because the Hornet wanted to shred salary cap. Chandler is owed $25.5 million for the next two years, and the money does not pay for what he is producing—a measly 8.8 PPG and 8.5 RPG in 77 games played this season, down from the 11.8 PPG and 11.7 RPG in the Hornets successful season last year.
Make no mistake the Hornets will undoubtedly be trying to ship one of their players, whether it be Chandler, Stojakovic, or both.
A possibility that he could land in Phoenix is real.
The Hornets have had interest in Shaquille O'Neal, but it seems like he might be going to Dallas (more on that below). The Hornets should target J-Rich.
Richardson has three years remaining on his contract, which is worth $12.2 million a year (about $900 thousand more than what Chandler is worth, who also has three years left), including this year.
Richardson would benefit from Chris Paul and would become a legitimate 20+ PPG scoring threat again. This would also move either Posey to the starting spot instead of an aging Stojakovic, or still having Stojakovic start. Richardson would then start and have either Mo Pete or Posey come off the bench for him.
This would give you a starting five of Paul, Richardson, Posey/Stojakovic, David West/Stojakovic, and C/West (Robin Lopez if this deal was to go down one on one).
It gives the Hornets another three-point shooter and allows the Hornets to spread the floor even more. Peja has the size to play the four position and West can play the five, or vice versa.
Then you have the rumor that Shaq might be going to Dallas. It has been brought up millions of times and is probably the most likely to happen.
The Mavericks would give up Jerry Stackhouse, Eric Dampier, and Shawne Williams for Shaq. This could possibly persuade Jason Kidd to stay in the lone star state for another year. It would also make a formidable front court and a good shot at a championship run.
This would give a starting five of Jason Kidd, Antoine Wright/ Jason Terry, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitkzi, and Shaquille O'Neal.
The Mavs could have Terry start, but he should be placed in there with a second unit.
Now, with this all said, the Hornets would have a hole in the middle and the Suns would pretty much be depleted.
That's were the Clippers come in.
The Clippers are most likely to draft Blake Griffin, but they are already loaded with big guys and could be looking to part with them for expiring contracts.
Here's what I am suggesting.
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