BULLS GET TWO FOR CHANDLER
The Chicago Bulls acquired forward-center P.J. Brown and guard J.R. Smith from the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets for forward-center Tyson Chandler.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
A smart, tough veteran post player in Brown and a very promising young swingman in Smith. Expect Brown to line up at power forward next to newly-signed Ben Wallace to give the Bulls a hard-working, intense pair of rebounding defenders. Chicago's biggest challenge last year was getting quality minutes in the paint, and Brown will provide that. Smith is one of the most athletic and talented young scorers in the NBA but he was a regular in Hornet coach Byron Scott's doghouse. A few years from now Smith might score over 20 per game, and this year he'll give them quality depth at shooting guard and small forward. This deal also helped Chicago rid themselves of Chandler's massive contract (reportedly priced at $54 Million over the next five years).
What does it give the New Orleans Pelicans
A disappointing but still very young and athletic center. Chandler is still only 23 years old and is one of the most mobile players his size in the NBA. He showed major promise before signing a massive long-term contract before last season, and then like many guys who get a big payday, disappeared. He doesn't have much of an offensive game to speak of, but that can still improve and defensively he can be a monster. He is remarkably similar to a young Marcus Camby, which isn't too bad at all. Chandler should hold down the paint for the Hornets for the next decade.
Fantasy impact
