Tyson Chandler confirmed Friday that he will sign with the New York Knicks. He told ESPN 103.3's "Ben and Skin Show" the deal will be a straight free agent signing rather than a sign-and-trade deal with the Dallas Mavericks.
The 7-foot-1 center, who played a crucial role in Dallas' championship last season, said he realized early in free agency that he would not be returning to the Mavericks. He chose the Knicks despite being heavily pursued by the Houston Rockets and Golden St. Warriors, among others.
"It just really happened over the last, like, 48 hours," Chandler said. "I just think the future of the team, being able to play alongside Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony and the young talent that we have, I feel like puts us in contention over the next four or five years."
The deal is expected to be worth $58 million over four years. The New York Times reports the Knicks will release Chauncey Billups using the NBA's amnesty clause to make room for their new starting center.
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