Could Tyson Chandler make a return to the Big Apple? According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, the Knicks are looking to add depth to their frontcourt after injuries to rookie Obi Toppin, Omari Spellman, and Nerlens Noel, and have had “internal talks” about the prospect of bringing Chandler back to Madison Square Garden.
The team is reportedly eyeing veteran big-man Taj Gibson, too, who played for the Knicks in 2019-20.
Gibson, 34, played for Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls and Minnesota Timberwolves, which is why it surprised some folks when the Knicks declined his $10 million option for this season. Gibson has reportedly worked out for seven different teams in recent weeks.
The Knicks have nearly $18 million in cap space.
One season after helping lead the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011, Chandler was traded to the Knicks just prior to the 2011-12 season. He immediately became a key piece alongside Carmelo Anthony and Amar'e Stoudemire, and was an essential defensive cog on multiple playoff teams.
Tyson Chandler made his only All-Star appearance while playing for the Knicks, in 2011-12, and he won the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year that season, too.
In three seasons in NYC, Chandler averaged 10.2 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, while shooting 63.8% from the field.
The 38-year-old center played for the Houston Rockets in 2019-20, his 19th NBA season. Chandler appeared in 26 games for Houston.
Despite the injuries, the Knicks (5-3) have produced perhaps the most surprising start of any team in the NBA, as Thibodeau already has his group playing harder and smarter than they did last season.
After their comeback win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, the Knicks have won five of six games, including multiple victories of Eastern Conference playoff teams.
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