Report: Portland Trail Blazers interested in Suns center Tyson Chandler
Jan 7, 2017, 2:44 PM | Updated: Jan 8, 2017, 1:08 pm
Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler walks off the court after being ejected for arguing with referees while facing the Denver Nuggets in the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Oct. 16, 2015, in Denver. The Nuggets won 106-81. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler reportedly has more interest on the trade market.
ESPN’s Marc Stein is reporting that the Portland Trail Blazers have been keeping an eye on Chandler as of late.
Word is Portland, of late, has been tracking Tyson Chandler as a potential trade target, since the Phoenix center could certainly help the Blazers with their defensive issues.
Chandler, 34, has two seasons left on his contract after this season valued at $26.5 million, but it remains to be seen how willing the Suns are to part with their interior anchor after Chandler encouraged the club to resist outside trade interest last summer.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro also reported Portland is looking for some interior assistance.
Portland is looking for defensive help with a big so interesting they picked up a 1st rounder from Cleveland. Just a team to keep an eye on
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) January 6, 2017
This isn’t the first time teams have been interested in Chandler. Head coach Earl Watson said in November the veteran had a chance to move on.
“Tyson had opportunities to get traded elsewhere this summer,” Watson said in November.
Where Chandler could potentially help the Trail Blazers is on the glass. Portland ranks 25th in rebounding percentage while Chandler has the third-best rebounding percentage in the NBA among players who average at least 20 minutes per game.
The Trail Blazers signed center Festus Ezeli to a two-year deal last summer, but he has yet to play because of recurring knee problems.
