Buzz-kill alert: the Chandler-to-OKC trade is no more. And let me be the first to tell you, this is some pretty bad news for all parties involved.
As of yesterday, one team was in mourning and another finding legitimacy. The tragic fall of the Hornets was countered by the impending meteoric rise of the Thunder, who reinforced one of their weakest positions by adding one of the game’s best interior defenders. It all made sense for the Thunder, who used smart management and unadulterated opportunism to swipe away a young center who was a perfect fit for the team they hope to build.
That’s all changed. Where one team fell and another rose from the ashes, both teams now stand in their own relative states of sorrow. Oklahoma City ponders what could have been, a day’s worth of excitement and intrigue turned into nothing but a fantasy. New Orleans is now left wondering (or the more likely: worried that the cat’s out of the bag) what defect in Chandler’s physique would be worrisome enough for the Thunder to turn down a high quality big man (that better be one helluva toe injury).
Oh, and I’m sure it won’t be awkward for anyone.
A trade that at least produced one happy party has been rescinded, and all of the happiness in the room went with it. Any joy that goes along with Tyson’s return has been sapped by the elephant in the room, and it’s tough to say just how much his physical status could impact the Hornets’ outlook. Maybe OKC is just enjoying the luxury of time for a team with low expectations. Or maybe there is something legitimately problematic with Chandler’s wheel. It does make for quite the leverage-killer though; Chandler’s curious injury status practically ensures his place in NOLA, barring some ridiculous, unspeakably lopsided trade. That likely means that the Hornets will be active until the final bell tolls on the trade deadline this afternoon, trying desperately to clear enough salary to duck under the luxury tax line.
So, let’s all go back to our everyday lives. It was fun while it lasted, but all good things must come to an end. Wipe those eyes, Thunderites, and prepare to be kept up at night wondering if Tyson stubbed his pinkie toe on the curb, Hornetians. There’s still plenty of time until the trade deadline, and I’m doubtful we’ve heard the last from either of these franchises.
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[...] Hardwood Paroxysm: “A trade that at least produced one happy party has been rescinded, and all of the happiness in the room went with it. Any joy that goes along with Tyson’s return has been sapped by the elephant in the room, and it’s tough to say just how much his physical status could impact the Hornets’ outlook. Maybe OKC is just enjoying the luxury of time for a team with low expectations. Or maybe there is something legitimately problematic with Chandler’s wheel. It does make for quite the leverage-killer though; Chandler’s curious injury status practically ensures his place in NOLA, barring some ridiculous, unspeakably lopsided trade. That likely means that the Hornets will be active until the final bell tolls on the trade deadline this afternoon, trying desperately to clear enough salary to duck under the luxury tax line.” [...]