Chandler off to Mavs in five-player deal

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP)

The Charlotte Bobcats completed a wild 24 hours of trade discussions with a deal on Tuesday that does include center Tyson Chandler after all.

He's just not heading to the team he thought a day earlier.

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After a potential trade with Toronto fell apart, the Bobcats sent Chandler and fellow center Alexis Ajinca to the Dallas Mavericks for center Erick Dampier, forward Eduardo Najera, shooting guard Matt Carroll and cash considerations.

The 7-foot-1 Chandler, acquired from New Orleans for Emeka Okafor last season, spent one injury-riddled season in Charlotte.

''We could not be more excited to add Tyson Chandler,'' said Mavericks general manager Donnie Nelson. ''He is one of the most versatile big men in the league today. He gives our front line a defensive, shot-blocking, athletic punch we haven't had here in awhile. Alexis Ajinca is a fine young center with significant upside.''

It's possible the trade is simply a salary dump for Charlotte. Dampier's $13 million salary for next season is not guaranteed and he could be waived. Chandler is due $12.7 million next season.

The Bobcats were only about $3 million shy of the reaching the luxury tax threshold, a payroll figure owner Michael Jordan said they wouldn't exceed.

''Our main goal this offseason was finding a way to reshape this roster and continue the momentum we have established,'' Bobcats general manager Rod Higgins said in a statement. ''While it's always difficult to give up key pieces of your team, we believe this deal will give financial flexibility and the ability to improve our team at the same time.''

The Bobcats had been closing in on a deal that would've sent Chandler and Boris Diaw to Toronto for Jose Calderon and Reggie Evans. Chandler was told he was being sent to the Raptors by his agent, but the deal dissolved.

It marked the second time in less than two years Chandler had an apparent trade stopped. Oklahoma City rescinded a deal with the Hornets in 2009 when Chandler failed a physical.

It leaves the Bobcats still searching for a point guard to replace departed free agent Raymond Felton, but more financial flexibility if Dampier doesn't end up in Charlotte.

It marks Carroll's second stint in Charlotte, and he'll face stiff competition for playing time behind Stephen Jackson and Gerald Henderson.

FOX Sports Southwest has more on this story here.