The Bobcats have decided to walk away from a trade with Toronto and have sent Tyson Chandler to Dallas along with Alexis Ajinca in exchange for Erick Dampier, Eduardo Najera, and Matt Carroll.The Breakdown
Chandler is the centerpiece of this trade, but moving to the Mavericks means he'll play a back up role to Brendan Haywood. I expect them to split the minutes right down the middle, but Haywood is more valuable because Chandler just hasn't been able to stay healthy the last couple of seasons. Even if he can manage to stay on the court, his skill set is identical to Haywood's so they'll end up killing each other's value. Ajinca is a throw in and I doubt he'll get more than garbage time on a very deep Mavericks squad. I would only take a look at Chandler in a deep league where I need a center, but if he shows the Chandler of old I won't hesitate to scoop him up during the season as he could take over the starting role if he plays impressively. Plus, playing with a playmaker like Jason Kidd could help revitalize Chandler who played his very best with Chris Paul setting him up for alley oops.
For the Bobcats, this move was about clearing cap space to get a PG. Dampier is either going to be waived or traded again this offseason. I strongly doubt he ever wears a Bobcats uniform. Najera will just provide depth in the front court, but I doubt he sees much playing time with Diaw and Thomas locked in at PF. Carroll may get limited playing time, but he's not going to much of a factor next season.
This move likely means Nazr Mohammed will be the starting center for the Bobcats going into the season. Mohammed won't give you big numbers, but he is a serviceable big man if you're in need a of a 3rd or 4th center. Expect something around 7 points, 5 boards, and a block. I would really only draft him in a deep league, as I feel he'll end up splitting minutes with DeSagana Diop and neither guy will really give you much in fantasy.
