Mavs pursuing Chandler

The Mavericks
are working on a trade that would bring Charlotte’s Tyson Chandler and
Alex Ajinca to Dallas in exschange for Erick Dampier, Matt Carroll and Eduardo
Najera.
A source close
to the situation said the deal is not done, but that the framework of the trade
has been agreed on by both sides.
The deal comes
just hours aafter the Mavericks had made a decision to pursue Shaquille
O’Neal. That free-agent deal appears to be off the board if the Mavericks
are successful in getting Chandler, a 7-1 center who has struggled in Charlotte
after a couple of solid seasons in New Orleans when he paired nicely with point
guard Chris Paul.
The Mavericks
have been analyzing ways to add another big man. Chandler would represent a
significant financial bite for owner Mark Cuban, since this season is fully
guaranteed at more than $12 million.
However, if the
Bobcats take back Najera and Carroll, that would represent a decent offset in
terms of guaranteed salary.