Chandler Signs
1st September, 2005 - 8:21 pm

Bulls Press Release - The Chicago Bulls announced today the team has agreed to terms with restricted free agent forward/center Tyson Chandler for a long-term contract. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“We’re very happy that we have come to terms with Tyson and that he will remain a member of the Chicago Bulls . In this business, things don’t always happen at the pace you would like, but I knew from the onset that we would make this happen and Jeff Schwartz played a key role in the negotiations,” said Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations John Paxson. “Tyson’s play last season was an important factor to our success and we hope to take the next step forward with Tyson being a major contributor to our team. He is fully aware of our commitment to him and he understands his responsibility to the organization, our front office and his teammates.”

The 7-1, 235-pound Chandler played in a career-high 80 games last season with the Bulls and averaged 8.0 ppg and career-highs of 9.7 rpg (9th in NBA), 1.76 bpg (13th in NBA) and 27.4 mpg. He also shot .494 from the field and a career-best .673 from the free throw line. He led the team in rebounding in 53 games, scored 10+ points 30 times, grabbed 10+ rebounds on 36 occasions and registered a team-best 21 double-doubles. His 693 rebounds in a reserve role was an NBA-best (9.9 avg), as was his 131 rejections (1.87 avg). In six playoff contests last season, he posted averages of 11.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.17 bpg and 1.3 apg in 28.7 mpg.

“I’m ecstatic that this contract is done,” said Chandler. “To know that I will be in Chicago for the next six years is definitely a dream. Since I’ve been in Chicago, the city has been my home and it feels so good to go home.” [READ]

All right, good for him. I'm actually rooting for this guy to do well. He has so many tools it'd be nice to see him get it together. Maybe he'll be a guy who'll pick up some offense as he goes.

Posted by djsunyc:

where does this leave curry?

looks like qualifying offer territory for him...i'd take him on a 3 year deal with a team option for the 3rd. i'm even willing to give him a 3 year $30 mil deal in a trade for mo taylor.

The problem is that the Bulls have no reason to take the $18 mil owed to Mo Taylor. Because of salaries, it's hard to picture a trade for Curry happening without Q being involved

Posted by Rich:

If Houston can actually play, Q should be moved for someone. Might as well be Curry.

If Houston can actually play, he'll probably last only ten games before breaking down. I'd like to keep Q for the long-term. If doctors were absolutely convinced that Curry's heart condition would not be a problem, then I'd trade Q for him.