Chandler signing postponed till next week

YEARITEHERE

Benchwarmer
Chandler signing postponed till next week

By MARC BERMAN
The Knicks are expected to announce the signing of rookie Wilson Chandler early next week.

But The Post has learned that Chandler's signing had been posptoned a few weeks already to allow Isiah Thomas to explore his trading options. Thomas asked Chandler's representatives during the Las Vegas summer league if they can hold off on the signing as he looked to reduce the roster from 17 to 15.

It was a bold request, and likely done to keep Chandler available in any Ron Artest scenario. Once Chandler signed, he would not have been allowed to be traded for 45 days. The Knicks normally sign their first-rounders before the Vegas summer league.

Agent Chris Luchey told me, "We didn't have a problem with it, we didn't want to complicate anything Isiah was trying to do. But Isiah told me he wasn't trying to trade him, so there was no stress.''

When Chandler signs, he will make a two-year guaranteed deal, starting at the rookie scale for a 23rd pick - $1.09M and going up to $1.18M. The third and fourth year are team options.

Chandler had a nice summer league, averaging 13.8 points on 50 percent shooting and logging 5.3 rebounds per game. He played well defensively and looked smooth, showing a 3-point and mid-range touch. Playing time, though, is going to be very hard to come by this season.

Thomas still is trying to reduce the roster size and is shopping Jared Jeffries, Malik Rose, Dan Dickau and Fred Jones, looking to make a 3-for-1 trade.
 
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