The NBA trade rumors are creeping up as players and teams start to establish their futures.
Tyson Chandler signed chose to sign with the Phoenix Suns in a bid to eventually lure LaMarcus Aldridge. That move would have pushed the Suns from also-rans in the West to possible contenders as they had a young, up and coming core.
Instead, the Suns dealt with turmoil and injuries all-season long and now they are the second-worst team in the Western Conference. With their front office in disarray and no regular coach to speak off, Phoenix is now rebuilding and the 33-year old defensive center does not want to be a part of it.
Chandler told Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic (h/t CBS): "For me, especially where I am in my career, I want to win. I want to win now. I'm not in any kind of rebuilding stage. So if that's the case, it ain't where I'm supposed to be."
To be fair, the Suns refused to tank in the same way that the Philadelphia 76ers are doing it. They were even criticized for choosing to compete and chase the playoffs two seasons ago when they were predicted to finish last in the Western Conference.
With this season's implosion, the Suns may have learned their lesson, as CBS noted. "Perhaps, this time, general manager Ryan McDonough will take things more slowly. If that's the case, though, then it sounds like Chandler won't be too happy."
While rim protectors are in demand in the league right now, most of the top tier teams are focused on building small-ball rosters. Also, Chandler's contract is not so attractive.
One possible destination for Chandler is the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks are also missing the playoff train but the main knock on the Bucks is their lack of defense at the center position-something Chandler can address.
The Bucks actually pursued him in the offseason, as cited in this SB Nation post. As the article points out, Chandler and Kidd were former teammates and the Suns could ask for Greg Monroe in return. Monroe is a great player to build on, but he was just not a good fit for the Bucks.
The Suns may need to sweeten the deal, but if Chandler really wants out, the last thing that Phoenix needs right now is to keep a disgruntled player.