"When the deal goes through, and Brown and Smith go to Chicago for Chandler,
the Hornets basically will have traded a classic overachiever for a grand underachiever. They'll have swapped a 36-year-old pillar of professionalism and unselfishness, with one year and $8 million left on his contract, for a 23-year-old tower of unknown, with five years and $50 million remaining on his contract."
New Orleans Times Picayune
"But, too, it should be noted that
(PJ) Brown didn't want to go, that he'd have liked to finish his career with the Hornets, that saying he'd consider being traded to a title contender wasn't the same as asking to be shipped out."
New Orleans Times Picayune
"Not just because
Chandler is owed four years and $42 million more than Brown, who will come off the books next season. But because the seven points and eight rebounds per game Chandler has averaged since being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2001 draft pretty much are the same as the nine to 10 points and seven to eight rebounds a game Brown offers, minus the leadership."
New Orleans Times Picayune
"
Perhaps some frustrated Bulls fans were surprised the team was able to unload Chandler (and the $54 million left on his contract) so quickly, but he won't turn 24 until October and, with the shortage of big men in the NBA, it's usually not hard to find someone willing to take a gamble."
Chicago Sun-Times
"
Chandler said his agent told him early in the week a trade was imminent. "At first I was walking around a little sick," (Tyson Chandler) said. "Even though I had heard the rumors, it was definitely a shock. I was definitely sad. After a couple of nights of thinking about it, I realized basketball-wise, it's a good thing for me. "It's a great opportunity to play with a bunch of up-and-coming guys. They're moving the team in a direction that fits me well. I can help a team make the playoffs. I'll get a chance to play with a great, young point guard (Chris Paul)."
Chicago Tribune
"The Hornets meanwhile jumped at the chance to acquire Chandler, who immediately provides the Hornets with the young, agile, shot-blocking center they need to blend in with their up-tempo style. Adding Chandler, a five-year veteran, prevents the Hornets from having to rely on recently drafted big men Hilton Armstrong and Cedric Simmons to contribute much right away." Oklahoman
"'There never was an understanding there [by Skiles],'' Chandler told WSCR-AM (670). "Never communication. ... It was like there were walls put up there I couldn't break through. That's just the way it was.'' Chicago Sun-Times
"Asked later about how he had characterized Skiles, Chandler told the Sun-Times: ''I wish our communication level could have been better. But I always point the finger at myself first. Scott's a great coach, as good as any when it comes to X's and O's. ''I'm never a person who will take shots at anybody unwarranted. I want to make it clear that in no way, shape or form am I pointing my finger at Scott for the way I played.'' Chicago Sun-Times
"As soon as they signed Ben Wallace, I totally expected it -- it was just a matter of where,'' Chandler said from his Los Angeles-area home. ''I told [general manager] John Paxson I totally understand it: the deal, the game and the business. ''I'm just glad they sent me to a place where I'm going to get a great opportunity. My best basketball is ahead.'' Chicago Sun-Times
"Mark Bartelstein, Brown's Chicago-based agent, said Brown wanted to return to a playoff team. ''We had given the Hornets a list of teams for a trade, and the Bulls were one of them, though we weren't thinking at that time this was going to happen,'' Bartelstein said. ''P.J. has a great respect for the Bulls franchise. He's very excited and plans to play another three or four years.'' Chicago Sun-Times
"I definitely understand the position (Bulls general manager) John Paxson was in," Chandler said when reached by phone in California, where he resides in the off-season." Chicago Tribune