The Wilson Chandler Trades, Part I: The Eastern Conference
By Tim Hart
Indiana Pacers
ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Pacers Unaffected, Nuggets Unaffected
Balance achieved. A clean switcheroo.
Why the Pacers would do it:
They would save $3 million. Chandler and Young put up pretty similar numbers; yet, Chandler has better range, mobility, and athleticism. The Pacers would have to lean heavier on their PFs Allen and Turner, but both players seem ready for more minutes anyways. This clean trade could help the Pacers push the pace a little better, upping their offense to better compliment their consistently impressive defensive game.
Why the Nuggets would do it:
Chandler is expendable. Adding Young could be great for Denver. Young is not a three-point threat, but he does have decent range. He would likely make the starting 5, and bump Faried to a bench role. Nuggets fans know how well Faried can play off the bench, and would likely welcome this accommodation. Darrell Arthur could switch from their second unit PF to SF, playing behind Gallinari. This trade could help the Nuggets more than the Trade Machine suggests.
Next: Miami Heat