Thunder general manager Sam Presti announced Wednesday night the team has rescinded its trade with the New Orleans Hornets for Chandler after Oklahoma City medical officials weren’t satisfied with results of a physical exam.
"Yesterday, we were excited to add Tyson, but at the same time, we have to make tough decisions,” Presti said. "There were some things in the medical process, and outside consultants, that gave us some concern.”
The deal, pending physicals, was to send Chris Wilcox and Joe Smith and the draft rights to DeVon Hardin to the Hornets for Chandler, a 7-foot-1 center with the reputation of being a defensive force and elite rebounder.
Chandler has missed the past 14 games with the Hornets with a sprained ankle. Thunder officials apparently found something more serious to rescind a trade that was ballyhooed around the NBA.
Chandler suffers from asthma, but it’s uncertain whether that was a factor. The Web site, Yahoo Sports, reported the trade was voided because Chandler has turf toe.
"We have to listen to the people (conducting) our medicals,” Presti said. "We feel the right decision for us was to move in another direction. We’re disappointed it did not work out. At the same time, we look forward to having both Chris and Joe back in Thunder uniforms.”
