Dear Hornets: Trade Tyson, Sign Gortat

Trading Tyson Chandler and signing Marcin Gortat to replace him should be our number one priority this offseason. Rarely can you find a big man available who has big game experience, rebounds well (17 per 48), blocks well (3.2 per 48), shoots a good percentage, and is still in the beginning of his career. The guy was essentially a rookie last year so he has lots of potential. His defense is way above average already and he doesn't seem to be a huge injury risk. I don't see the downside of at least offering him the mid-level. Truth be told I'd rather have him than Chandler in our starting lineup next year. Even more so if that allows us to free up some future cap room to sign someone big in 2010. Let's compare the two while keeping in mind that Gortat's sample size is extremely small since he played elsewhere before coming to the states. Age—Tyson is a year and a half older and has likely peaked since he came into the league so young. Gortat has just started his accent to the pinnacle ... (link)