Tyson Chandler looks like a short-timer as a Bull.
When the Bulls and Pistons center Ben Wallace agreed Monday to terms of a four-year contract it left Chandler as the expected odd man out. Reports of a potential trade for the 7-foot-1-inch center were rampant Monday night.
Potential destinations include New Orleans/Oklahoma City in return for P.J. Brown or the Atlanta Hawks in a sign-and-trade for Al Harrington, according to ESPN.com.
Reached by phone in California, Chandler said he has heard rumors that he could be traded.
“I’ve been hearing a lot of stuff,” he said. “It really doesn’t bother me. I’m a Chicago Bull. As of right now, my focus is on getting better and working out this summer.
“My thing is, regardless of what happens, I’m going to be an All-Star next year. I realize I had a tough year last year. I’m not going to allow that to happen again in my career.
“If I get traded, I’ll be somewhere else with the same plan.”
Barring a trade, Chandler said he expects to return to the Chicago area Aug. 1. In the meantime, he said he is working out near his Los Angeles home.
Chandler signed a six-year deal worth more than $60 million last summer but last season averaged only 5.3 points per game and shot 50 percent from the free-throw line–both career lows.
He was acquired by then-Bulls general manager Jerry Krause in 2001 via a trade that since has haunted the Bulls.
The Los Angeles Clippers drafted Chandler straight out of Dominguez High School with the No. 2 overall pick, and they sent him to the Bulls in exchange for Elton Brand. Brand since has become an All-Star.
