Rescinded trades: Does playing it safe work
Tyson Chandler will be under an Oklahoma City microscope for the next two years as Thunder fans wonder about the trade that could have been. The Thunder rescinded the trade for Chandler after his physical. The franchise apparently is concerned that Chandler’s turf toe problem is chronic and wasn’t worth the risk of almost $25 million, which is what the Thunder would have owed Chandler for the next two years and what the Hornets will owe the athletic 7-footer.
Some could argue that a franchise like OKC — small market, rebuilding — has to take some risks to join the elite, that you can’t rely just on the luck of the lottery and good scouting. Sam Presti’s experience in San Antonio probably tells that luck and a good eye is absolutely enough.
But this should be easy to follow. If Chandler is productive the next two seasons, the Thunder missed a great opportunity. If Chandler is injury-prone, excellent decision not to pay him $25 million.
The whole idea of rescinded trades made me wonder about past rescinded trades. I found four of interest, though I’m sure there are dozens more. Let’s look at them.
Sean Elliott: In February 1994, the Rockets traded Robert Horry to Detroit for Elliott. The trade was rescinded because of Elliott’s kidney problems. Sounds like a good reason to not make a deal. Horry helped Houston to two NBA titles, but Elliott came back from the kidney ailment and remained very effective: he played seven more NBA seasons, averaging 18.1, 20.0, 14.9, 9.3, 11.2, 6.0 and 7.9 points. He scored more than 5,000 points after the rescinded trade.
Shareef Abdur-Rahim: At age 28, traded from Portland to the Nets in August 2005 for a first-round draft pick. The trade was rescinded because of scar tissue on Abdur-Rahim’s knee. He landed in Sacramento instead, and Abdur-Rahim played only 158 more NBA games. He averaged 12.3 and 9.9 points his first two years in Sacramento, then had just six more NBA games to his credit.
Steven Hunter: This one we know, since the Hornets, while they were in OKC, tried to trade for the 76er center in February 2006. The Hornets finally backed out because of health concerns, and it probably was wise. Hunter the next two seasons played 89 games, with 43 starts, but now is out of the league.
Dino Radja: The Celtics traded the 30-year-old Croation center to Philadelphia in June 1997, but he failed his physical and the 76ers rescinded the trade. Radja decided to return to Europe and never again played in the NBA, though he had some good years through 2003 in Europe.
So sometimes you hit, sometimes you miss on backing out of trades.
Berry Tramel can be heard Monday through Friday from 4:40-5:20 p.m. on The Sports Animal radio network, including AM-640 and FM-98.1. You can e-mail him here and follow him on Twitter @BerryTramel.
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