OKC Thunder's trade for Chandler rescinded

¹²³ · Feb 19, 2009

OKC voids deal with Hornets after center’s physical exam raises ‘some concerns’

Tyson Chandler isn’t returning to Oklahoma City after all.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Wednesday night the team has rescinded its trade with the New Orleans Hornets for Chandler after Oklahoma City medical officials weren’t satisfied with results of a physical exam.

"Yesterday, we were excited to add Tyson, but at the same time, we have to make tough decisions,” Presti said. "There were some things in the medical process, and outside consultants, that gave us some concern.”
The deal, pending physicals, was to send Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith and the draft rights to DeVon Hardin to the Hornets for Chandler, a 7-foot-1 center with the reputation of being a defensive force and elite rebounder.

Chandler has missed the past 14 games with the Hornets with a sprained ankle. Thunder officials apparently found something more serious to rescind a trade that was ballyhooed around the NBA.
Chandler suffers from asthma, but it’s uncertain whether that was a factor. The Web site, Yahoo Sports, reported the trade was voided because Chandler has turf toe.
"We have to listen to the people (conducting) our medicals,” Presti said. "We feel the right decision for us was to move in another direction. We’re disappointed it did not work out. At the same time, we look forward to having both Chris and Joe back in Thunder uniforms.”

Even though Smith’s and Wilcox’s expiring contracts are commodities that lose value today at the 2 p.m. trading deadline, the Thunder won’t trade the two veteran forwards just to make a deal. Late Wednesday, it appeared unlikely the Thunder would make a major deal.

Presti has said since he arrived in Oklahoma City he will trade for players only if he feels they fit the long-term plan. He has stressed the organization must make smart decisions and use patience, yet be aggressive when the opportunity arises.

"We’re always open-minded,” Presti said. "At the same time, we’re not going to allow this situation to affect future decisions. We have to continue to be methodical as we go through the process of growing our team and growing our organization.

"If we do not do anything (Thursday), we look forward to the spring and summer to continue to improve our basketball team.”

Chandler had played in at least 73 games each of the past four seasons but has missed 20 games this season with toe and ankle injuries. His statistics have dipped (8.8 points, 8.3 rebounds) after posting a career-high 11.8 points last season and a career-high 12.4 rebounds in 2006-07.

"We welcome Tyson back with open arms,” said Hornets general manager Jeff Bower. "We went into this trade to garner more frontcourt depth to add to our team as we continue our push towards the playoffs. We expect Tyson and the rest of our big guys to step up to the challenge.”
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¹²³ · Feb 19, 2009

*** Let me just say, Dr. Carlan Yates better be freaking right. But the part of “I’m just saying it could take a turn for the worse if you come down on somebody’s foot or hyperextend it or something,” really freaks me out. Well dir, Mr. doctor man. If somebody comes down on another guy’s foot, there’s a pretty dang good chance for injury. That’s basketball. That quote reads to me as OKC is playing hypothetical instead of just letting what happens, happen. It’s not as if Chandler is hurt now, but more of, “well, he could get hurt.” That doesn’t sound good for our side. ***

I don’t even know what to say right now. This… never happens. Everything we were just getting so psyched about is gone. The “fearsome foursome” talk. The new nicknames. The optimism. Zapped. Gone. See ya. Well, the optimism isn’t entirely gone because we’re still on track with KD, Uncle Jeff and Russell, but the immediate optimism took a hit.

I have no idea what could be the reason this thing was ripped, but it’s got to be something with Chandler’s ankle. Maybe there’s long term damage in there. Who knows. Turns out it’s some kind of lingering turf toe.

And who knows if Sam Presti will be back on the horn tonight trying to swing another deal at the deadline. All I know is that my head’s spinning.

I think I speak for everyone when I say, this sucks. And I mean that in the nicest way possible Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox.
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