Mavs Acquire Tyson Chandler From Bobcats

It wasn't what Mavericks' fans expected to get with the Erick Dampier instant expiring contract, but the addition of Chandler instantly makes Dallas a better team, while still leaving the opportunity open for other acquisitions. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

At the outset of free agency the Dallas Mavericks roster goal was clear: add a top free agent (Lebron, Wade, etc) using the Erick Dampier instant expiring contract. Of course, Dallas tried this, things didn't work out, and here we are. But, don't confuse the fact that (obviously) the likes of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh had already made a decision to join one-another, with the assumption that the Mavericks didn't try - which is absolutely false.

Dallas tried for all three, failed, tried for Chris Paul, failed again, but somehow found a way to flip the unwanted Dampier for an upgrade at the position in Chandler who, by the way, is also an expiring contract the Mavericks can use if they deem fit. Really, this is the best-case-scenario for the Mavs if they missed out on a legitimate, big-time free agent. Dallas got younger (Chandler is only 27 years-old) and still have the means ($12.5 million of them) to acquire another top-notch talent should the opportunity arise.

Also take into the account the trade exception granted in the deal, along with the fact that the horrendous contract of Matt Carroll is off the books and you have a legitimate steal for the Mavs. No, it isn't a player who will take Dallas over the top, but it's certainly someone that makes a 55-win team better

Yes, the Mavericks passed on Al Jefferson because of the three years and $42 million left on his contract but, honestly, do you think the combo of Dirk Nowitzki and Jefferson would have been able to stand any sort of chance against a reasonable center-power forward combo in the playoffs? They would have been doomed, neither lights it up on the defensive end (especially Jefferson) and these shortcomings would have been made apparent whether Jefferson started or was the team sixth-man. Minnesota refused to take on Carroll's bloated contract, and it was a deal-breaker for a Mavericks team looking to get more bang for it's buck.

Also take in to account the lack of flexibility this team would have if the duo did not work well together. This way, at least, if Chandler doesn't work out the Mavs have acquired almost the exact-same asset Damp was - a $12.5 million expiring contract (Damp's was a little over $13 mill) for a poor team to feast upon.

In my opinion, this is a win-trade for Dallas. You now have the best back-up center in the league who can finish around the basket, is younger, and whom plays better defense than the former. If not, you have a guy teams will be licking their collective chops for come trade-deadline time to knock a heap of payroll off the books.

The Mavericks certainly aren't done yet. Their goal of acquiring a big-time talent to pair with Dirk Nowitzki hasn't faded and they do still have the pieces to lure a All-Star talent to the Metroplex. It isn't exactly likely, but that doesn't mean it's not a possibility, though I wouldn't hold my breath.

Regardless, while many Mavs' fans simmer, I would suggest taking a deep breath and realizing that this is still a borderline-great team. The other 29 teams in the NBA didn't get Miami Thrice either - and the Los Angeles Lakers are still the defending champs - but the rest of the league is still open. This team is hands-down better than it was last year, a season in which it won 55 games and was second in the Western Conference during the regular season.

Here's the low-down on the trade with Charlotte:

Dallas Gets: Tyson Chandler, Alexis Ajinca

Charlotte Gets: Erick Dampier, Eddie Najera, Matt Carroll

News and Notes:

• Dallas flirted with former New York Knicks forward Al Harrington as it's sixth-man up until midnight early Wednesday morning. However, the Denver Nuggets swooped in (offering the same salary - the MLE - but more playing time) and signed the 11-year vet. The Mavericks still have one open roster slot, although it's still uncertain whether or not they will grab a player quickly (Anthony Tolliver anyone?) or wait until closer to the start of the season.