Denver Nuggets sign Wilson Chandler for a 5 year – $ 37 million contract – NBA News
After flirting for nearly a month, the Denver Nuggets finally signed Wilson Chandler to a contract worth $37 million on Sunday. The Nuggets, currently on the 7th position in Western Conference and the addition of Chandler
will add depth to their bench.
Chandler arrived in Denver last season after the block buster Carmelo Anthony to New York Knicks deal. He played 21 games for Nuggets, with 19 starts in the last season, but being a free agent in the off season, he moved to China
during the NBA lockout.
Once the lockout ended, Chandler could not move back to USA immediately due to the contract complications with his Chinese Basketball Association team. Under the clause, Chandler had to complete the whole Chinese season and as
such there was no provision of an escape clause, which was required for FIBA clearance.
But, ever since he got a clean chit he was itching to get back in the line-up for Nuggets and the franchise executive Masai Ujiri planned out everything for his return. Sending Nene Hilario to Washington Wizards on the last day
of trade deadline was part of the whole scheme. By doing that, Ujiri managed to clear a lot of cap space and two days later he roped in Chandler;
"It is great to have Wilson back on our roster. It was a very unique situation signing a talented free agent in the middle of the season, and we worked extremely hard to find an agreement that was best for everyone. Wilson will
be an excellent addition for the rest of this season and for years to come."
The 24 year old was the 23rd overall pick by New York Knicks in 2007 NBA draft. After joining the Nuggets, Chandler prospered and proved his mettle immediately, scoring 16 points in a game against Boston Celtics. In
the 21 game he played with the Bronchos last season, Wilson put decent numbers – 12.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
He also had a good run in the Chinese league averaging nearly 27 points and 12 rebounds in 32 games with Zhejiang Guangsha. With the likes Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Ty Lawson and Al Harrington already in the team, Chandler
can make a big impact in the Nuggets playoff run this season.
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