Marcin Gortat Signing Falls Through: What Next for the Mavericks?

With the news that the Orlando Magic have elected to match Marcin Gortat's five-year, $34 million contract offer from Dallas, the Mavericks are back where they started, with Erick Dampier as their starting center. The lumbering Dampier is a poor fit for the transition game of the Dallas Mavericks, though. Despite being all of 6'11", he averages a paltry 7.9 rebounds per game for his career. Given that the Mavs have made inroads into being a genuine Western Conference contender, it would seem unlikely for them to stand pat with Dampier holding them back. Enter Tyson Chandler, a 7'0" defensive center who has regressed from averaging a double-double in 2007-2008. Hampered by injuries, the 2008-2009 season was largely disappointing for Chandler. If not for his toe, he would be suiting up for Oklahoma City by now. This trade scenario would work financially: Dampier and Greg Buckner plus cash to the New Orleans Hornets for Chandler and Morris Peterson. For the H...