The NBA trade rumors and news are starting to ramp up.
Check out the latest buzz below.
Thunder Target Chandler
Wilson Chandler is one of the best players on the Denver Nuggets, a team that could easily make at least one deal before the trade deadline.
Other teams have noticed Chandler’s strong play, and at least one--the Oklahoma City Thunder--have inquired about his availability, sources told Sports Illustrated.
Chandler has been subject to trade rumors before, including one that had him and Kenneth Faried sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Kevin Love. The Timberwolves ended up trading Love to the Cavaliers.
Chandler, 27, is averaging 14.7 points on 44 percent shooting and 38 percent shooting from behind the arc. He’s shooting six 3-pointers a game.
Chandler is also hauling in 6.3 rebounds a game, dishing out 1.3 assists, and getting 0.8 steals a game. He’s started 20 of 22 games so far this season, averaging 30.3 minutes, though he only entered the starting lineup after Danilo Gallinari struggled, and coach Brian Shaw called the move temporary.
Bleacher Report notes that Chandler should be a prime target not only for the Thunder but pretty much every contender, as he is a great two-way force who can guard four positions.
“The Nuggets seem ripe for a roster overhaul, and Chandler is a good enough asset that he could fetch something significant in return. If Denver is ready to go that route, Chandler would look really good as a stretch 4 for the Houston Rockets, a three-and-D wing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, a do-it-all forward for the Toronto Raptors or a perimeter scoring threat for the Memphis Grizzlies,” it said.
“Truthfully, it’s hard to think of many contenders who wouldn’t be able to put Chandler to good use. Only Denver knows what it would want in return. A backup point guard would be nice with Nate Robinson (back) and Randy Foye (quad) on the shelf, and a low-post scorer would give this offense something it currently lacks. With the Nuggets looking so far removed from championship contention, they might prioritize young prospects or future draft picks—both of which a win-now contender could be willing to move. This is going to require a few admissions on the Nuggets’ end. T
“hey have to recognize the redundancies in their roster and realize their season isn’t going the direction they had hoped. Once those bridges are crossed, Denver should be willing to talk shop with any team interested in Chandler. Considering how many teams will be on that list, rival executives may want to start lining up now for a chance to land what could be one of this year’s most impactful in-season additions.”
Stephenson Garnering Interest
