Report: Knicks to Trade Tyson Chandler, Raymond Felton
Adrian Wojnarowski from Yahoo Sports reports that the Knicks and Mavericks are close to a trade. The trade would send center Tyson Chandler and former Tar Heel guard Raymond Felton to Dallas for guard Jose Calderon, former Tar Heel guard Wayne Ellington, guard Shane Larkin, center Samuel Dalembert, and two second round draft picks.
Why This Trade Works for the Knicks
The Knicks need to move big contracts to clear room for the more Phil Jackson-esque team that Phil is trying to construct. Phil has always liked big point guards who can shoot and don’t need the ball. Calderon used to be called the poor man’s Steve Nash, so he can pass and shoot a little. He’s 6’3” but he does not have a defensive background, which is a must.
Ellington is a shooter, but has not been given minutes with the Grizzlies and then the Mavericks. He could benefit the triangle by living on the 3-point line as a bailout option. Dalembert could attempt to replace Chandler’s defense or could be cut to free up more cap. The trade opens up more cap room ($3 million) and brings more options. Any of its pieces could easily be traded so don’t get comfortable with any of these guys just yet, Knicks fans.
If I’m Carmelo Anthony this doesn’t impress me much. It does show Jackson is committed to finding a way.
More from Hornets Rumors
- Charlotte Hornets: What If the Hornets Never Traded Gilgeous-Alexander?
- Should the Charlotte Hornets Trade for Russell Westbrook?
- The Charlotte Hornets should “Trust the Process”, Move on From Walker
- Ranking Kemba Walker’s Most Likely Landing Spots
- Charlotte Hornets Draft Prospect: Is Nassir Little the Next Kawhi?
Why This Trade Works for the Mavericks
The Mavericks get Tyson Chandler to play rim protector down low, something Dirk Nowitzki does not really do. The Chandler-Nowitzki combo was key to the 2011 title and the Mavericks are trying to use their cap room to make one more roll of the dice and win with Dirk. Chandler can be used offensively, but does not need to. This is good on a team with Dirk Nowitzki and guard Monta Ellis. Now the Mavericks have to resign Dirk and decide how to go about getting the pieces to surround him.
Live Feed
FanSided
Why This Trade Works for Raymond Felton
Felton gets to leave New York and all its drama behind. He can escape his estranged wife and the illegal gun issue and get a fresh start. Nothing is guaranteed for him in Dallas, but he is the only point guard on the roster right now and he has played well with Chandler in the past. Felton also should have no problem deferring to the Mavericks scorers. He’ll need to be in good shape to play in a Carlisle defense.
Feb 24, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Dallas Mavericks shooting guard Wayne Ellington (21) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks point guard Pablo Prigioni (9) during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. Dallas Mavericks won 110-108. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Why This Trade Works For Wayne Ellington
Ellington is joining the Knicks in a clear tryout phase. Phil Jackson and coach Derek Fisher will be looking for what works for them and what does not. Ellington can shoot for sure, but he’ll have to do more than that to earn a rotation spot. Yet there may be no other team who will be as open-minded as the Knicks. Of course, this assumes he stays on the Knicks. New York is closer to home than Dallas.