Posted September 2, 200519 yr ESPN.com Bulls agree to terms with restricted free agent Chandler ESPN.com news services Restricted free agent forward/center Tyson Chandler and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to a long-term contract, the team announced Thursday. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "We're very happy that we have come to terms with Tyson and that he will remain a member of the Chicago Bulls, " executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said. "Tyson's play last season was an important factor to our success and we hope to take the next step forward with Tyson being a major contributor to our team. He is fully aware of our commitment to him and he understands his responsibility to the organization, our front office and his teammates." The 7-1, 235-pound Chandler played in a career-high 80 games last season with the Bulls and averaged 8.0 points and career highs of 9.7 rebounds (ninth in the NBA), 1.76 blocks (13th in the league) and 27.4 minutes per game. He also shot 49.4 percent from the field and a career-best .673 from the free throw line. Chandler led the team in rebounding in 53 games, scored 10 or more points 30 times, grabbed 10 or more rebounds on 36 occasions and registered a team-best 21 double-doubles. His 693 rebounds in a reserve led the league, as did his 131 rejections. In six playoff games last season, he posted averages of 11.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.17 bpg and 1.3 apg in 28.7 mpg. "I'm ecstatic that this contract is done," Chandler said. "To know that I will be in Chicago for the next six years is definitely a dream. Since I've been in Chicago, the city has been my home and it feels so good to go home." "This is the outcome we were working toward, Chicago is a great city and John is taking the team in the right direction. I am thrilled for Tyson to begin the next chapter of his career with the Bulls," Chandler's agent, Jeff Schwartz, said.
September 2, 200519 yr His breakout year is this upcoming season. Im glad to see Paxson got this done.
September 2, 200519 yr Author He should in theory become more effective and better than Ben Wallace. However, his health, motivation, work ethic and ability to bang remains to be seen now that he has this deal locked up.
September 2, 200519 yr Eddy's most likely going to re-sign. The Hawks seemed to be the only other real threat out there and no offer came.
September 2, 200519 yr Tyson's motivation and work ethic have never been questioned but his health has. The kid is a beast on the boards. He's a perfect compliment to Eddy and his offense. The very least that will happen is the Bulls will sign Eddy to a 1 year qualifying offer which will make him an UFA next season. Lets hope we can sign him long term.
September 3, 200519 yr Author Tyson's motivation and work ethic have never been questioned but his health has. The kid is a beast on the boards. He's a perfect compliment to Eddy and his offense. The very least that will happen is the Bulls will sign Eddy to a 1 year qualifying offer which will make him an UFA next season. Lets hope we can sign him long term. 926581[/snapback] I wasn't questioning his work ethic and motivation the previous four years. I was just saying he needs to keep it up because in today's sports world, far too often we see the case where the athlete loses motivation, focus and work ethic when the large sum of guarenteed money is handed to him.
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