CHANDLER TO MAVS IN 5-PLAYER SWAP
The Dallas Mavericks acquired centers Tyson Chandler and Alexis Ajinca from the Charlotte Bobcats for center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, shooting guard Matt Carroll, and cash considerations.
What does it give the Dallas Mavericks
The Mavs get a bit of a steal here in Chandler, at least talent-wise. Despite his streaky play and tendency to get injured, the lanky pivot is one of the NBA's more talented centers. He will make an excellent backup for recently-inked starter Brendan Haywood, and coming off the pine might help Chandler stay healthy. Ajinca has raw talent but is still mostly a project player.
What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
The biggest asset here for Charlotte is Dampier's contract. It's set at a salary of $13 Million for next season, but it's also non-guaranteed--which gives the Bobcats the option of just waiving Dampier this summer (which would dump $13 Million from their payroll) or of trading him to another team in need of cutting payroll. If they keep Dampier he may back up Boris Diaw at center (depending on whether Diaw gets traded or not), and while still above average he's aging and slowing down a little. Najera and Carroll are both role players who should help beef up the Bobs' bench.
Fantasy impact
