Since Larry Brown took over as head coach of the Bobcats, each season has held a significant trade to overhaul the franchise. First it was trading Jason Richardson for Boris Diaw and Raja Bell. Then trading Emeka Okafor for Tyson Chandler. Then trading Bell for Stephen Jackson. And most recently acquiring Tyrus Thomas for Flip Murray
And as Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer reports, the Cats aren’t shying away from that trend, even as rumors persist of Larry Brown’s wavering commitment to the club. Bonnell reports that someone high in the Bobcats organization told him they are actively pursuing trades, with now majority owner Michael Jordan leading the charge on the phone.
It’s a risky policy that’s been widely criticized. Critics say that continual trades for veteran players is like throwing the water out of the boat without plugging the leak. But the Bobcats have been successful with it. Aware of their limited ability to sign free agents given their market size and cap space, along with the team’s dreadful franchise history, the Bobcats front office has turned to making these trades, picking up players unhappy in their current situations, and have improved every season since all the swaps started.
The biggest target in these talks is likely to be Tyson Chandler. With an expiring contract (provided he doesn’t opt-out), and as a veteran center with length, Chandler still holds some value despite his horrid injury history. Dishing Chandler could help them improve at point or at power forward, despite their lack of a selection in the first round this year. The Cats may not be able to pull of a superstar, but continuing to improve their team by adding guys who get what Brown’s selling can only reap benefits for the club in its first year of the Jordan regime.