The Philadelphia 76ers got a dependable forward in Wilson Chandler and a future second-round pick from the Denver Nuggets without giving up a player in return.
Based on information from its sources, ESPN reported that the Nuggets shipped Chandler and a future second-round pick to the 76ers in exchange for almost nothing. The Nuggets were reportedly dying to unload Chandler's $12.8 million salary, which will be included in the 76ers' available cap space.
While they didn't get a player in return, the move saved the Nuggets $50 million in combined salary and luxury tax. Without Chandler's contract, the Nuggets' tax bill drops to $14.3 million from $51.3 million.
Chandler exercised the final year of the four-year, $46 million deal that he signed with the Nuggets worth $12.8 million. However, the Nuggets needed to unload several contract after they signed Nikola Jokic and Will Barton to contract extensions to avoid paying a high luxury tax.
The Nuggets are also expected to trade power forwards Kenneth Faried and Darrell Arthur and center Mason Plumlee to further lessen their luxury tad load.
Chandler A Dependable Forward
The trade ended Chandler's 7 1/2-year stint with the Nuggets, who acquired him from the New York Knicks in the megatrade that brought Carmelo Anthony to the Big Apple during the 2010-11 season.
A 23rd overall pick by the Knicks in 2007, Chandler played 3 ½ season in New York. In 71 games last season, Chandler averaged 10.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per outing. In his career, Chandler has averaged 13.5 points and 5.4 boards in 590 games. He missed all of the 2015-16 season because of a hip injury.
Chandler could provide the 76ers with needed scoring off the bench with the departure of forward Ersan Ilyasova and Marco Belinelli. Ilyasova and Belinelli signed with the Milwaukee Bucks and the San Antonio Spurs during free agency.
Chandler's Contract Could Be Included In Trade Package?
For the 76ers, they can include Chandler's contract in any trade without any restrictions as they acquired him with enough salary cap room.
The 76ers can include Chandler in a trade package to entice the San Antonio Spurs to give up Kawhi Leonard, according to Dan Favale of Bleacher Report.
The 76ers are one of many teams interested in trading for Leonard. The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are reportedly interested in acquiring him from the Spurs.
However, the Sixers have the edge in terms of trade package as they are willing to give up some key players, including Robert Covington and Dario Saric, to the Spurs for Leonard.
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