Tyson Chandler returns to Dallas, along with Raymond Felton, in exchange for Jose Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Shane Larkin, Wayne Ellington, and picks 34 and 51 in Thursday’s draft.
Dallas Mavericks
Dallas is looking to return to 2011.
Chandler’s defense was a pillar for the NBA champion Mavericks in 2011, though the team opted to let him sign with New York in an attempt to clear cap space to acquire a superstar. The move backfired, as Dallas has not been able to advance past the first round of the playoffs since his exit. In contrast, Chandler went on to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2012.
Entering his 13th season, Chandler was a near double-double player last year that chipped in more than one block per game. He still has the ability to have a large defensive impact and is certainly an upgrade over Samuel Dalembert, but expectations should not be as high as they were during his last stint in Dallas.
Raymond Felton struggled mightily last season in New York, failing to reach the league-average value for PER for the second time in the past three years. While Monta Ellis likely takes over starting point guard duties for the departing Calderon, Felton likely fills the backup point guard role. With decreased expectations, it is possible for Felton to return to the level of play he was sustaining during the early part of his career.
Financially, Dallas rids itself of Calderon’s long-term contract (three years, $22 million remaining), while taking on just more than four million dollars in salary beyond this season (a player-option for Felton). With the 2015 free-agent class on pace to be highly sought after, losing Calderon’s salary could help Dallas sign a big name. Chandler has only one year left on his current deal.
Grade: B-
New York Knicks
Phil Jackson has made his first move as the man in charge of the Knicks. New York was able to add a pair of draft picks in a deep draft, a point guard capable of running the triangle offense and an influx of needed youth.
While Calderon’s contract is the most toxic in this trade, he is the perfect fit to run the triangle offense. A 45-percent 3-point shooter last season, Calderon can space the floor very similarly to what other point guards have done in Phil Jackson’s system. A very capable starting point guard, Calderon is an upgrade over Felton, and does not have the off-court baggage that Felton has.
Samuel Dalembert is a good defender and shot blocker, but is a downgrade from Tyson Chandler. Ideally, Jackson will be able to acquire a big man more suited to be a starter for next season, as Dalembert is better served coming off the bench. Wayne Ellington is a terrific spot-up shooter who does not offer much else. If he remains on the Knicks’ roster, he will likely be an end-of-the-bench player.
New York was able to get younger with this deal, as well. Shane Larkin was the 18th selection in last year’s draft and was traded to Dallas on draft day. A terrific point guard at the University of Miami, Larkin was only able to see 10.2 minutes per game as a rookie while appearing in 48 contests. He largely struggled with his perimeter shot, but his college statistics suggest he has room for improvement. He has the most potential among players in this trade.
Over the past week, the Knicks were frantic in attempting to acquire a pick in the late first round. They nearly accomplished this feat by adding a pair of second-round picks, Nos. 34 and 51. Given the deep nature of the 2014 Draft, New York can add at least one quality rookie.
Grade: B+
Summary:
The Knicks and Mavericks both improve through this trade, with New York receiving the slight edge. Dallas’ ability to eliminate nearly $20 million in future salary helps bump its grade out of the “C” range. Both these teams should be fringe playoff teams next season.
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