Everyone's talking about the Okafor/Chandler trade, and we've done the work of getting key reactions and analysis from around the web. Most people are settling into the consensus that the deal probably favors the Hornets, and the Bobcats probably made the trade for some vague financial reason that no one outside the organization is entirely sure makes sense. Sure, they're reducing total future payroll commitments, but on a year to year basis, they've taken on salary over the next two seasons, which might be more relevant to a potential buyer. Yet they offered Felton a qualifying offer when they already have a starting-quality PG on hand and they added salary all of last season in an ongoing attempt to become playoff contenders, so it's weird that they'd so suddenly change course on reducing future payroll.
Anyway, Queen City Hoops is the most notable outlet providing optimism, so we start with Brett's piece in which he argues that Chandler's defense is so much better than Okafor's that it could make up for the step back on offense.
Queen City Hoops - Big Trade in the Works
Yes, the Bobcats will be giving up some offense. The upgrade Tyson represents at the defensive end, from a solid defender to a great one, may make this trade a bit less uneven than some fans may initially think. I certainly felt better when the numbers start processing and I saw these results in the works.
Comparing Tyson Chandler and Emeka Okafor - TrueHoop By Henry Abbott - ESPN
ESPN's John Hollinger (Insider) can't believe anyone would trade Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler...
Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler? - Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sports
I'm sorry, but there's no way you can spin a deal like this.
Chandler Trade Helps Bobcats' Long-Term Bottom Line, But Does It Make Sense?
Brown went on to point out that with Nazr Mohammed and DeSagana Diop, Charlotte is deep at the center spot. The idea, then, is to play Chandler at the power forward spot behind Boris Diaw. Okafor, Brown said, was more of a pure center than Chandler. Brown can envision Chandler playing the four, guarding opponents out on the perimeter. "You want guys who can play multiple positions when you are trying to build a team," Brown said.
Okafor for Chandler - Page 3 - Bobcatsplanet Forum
I saw the title and wanted to punch whoever was floating this idea.
BOBCATS BASELINE " Ladies and Gentlemen…Tyson Chandler!
After the most promising season in franchise history, the Bobcats pull a salary dump; sending a consistently productive player to our former home team for an injured lesser player with a smaller contract.
More on Chandler for Okafor - At The Hive
On the official NBA trade rating scale of 0-10, with 10 being trading Kirk Haston for Lebron James, 0 being trading Lebron James for Kirk Haston, and 5 being trading Kirk Haston for Kirk Haston; I'd give the Hornets get a 6.