Phoenix Suns Sign Tyson Chandler, Target LaMarcus Aldridge Next

Tyson Chandler is joining the Phoenix Suns in the 2015 offseason after agreeing to a four-year deal Wednesday, the first day when NBA teams can officially sign free agents. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports confirmed the deal on Twitter and added that the Suns are also chasing Portland Trail Blazers free agent LaMarcus Aldridge. Phoenix reportedly hopes the addition of a quality center in Chandler can convince Aldridge to head to Arizona.

Chandler’s new deal in Phoenix is reportedly valued at $52 million, or roughly $13 million per season -- a contract similar to his previous deal, which paid him about $14 million last season with the Dallas Mavericks.

Chandler is a veteran big man known for his defensive skills with past stints with the Chicago Bulls (2001 to 2006); New Orleans Hornets (2006 to 2009); Charlotte Bobcats (2009 to 2010); Mavericks (2010 to 2011 and 2014-15); New York Knicks (2011 to 2014).

Chandler, who averaged 10.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots per game last season, was a key cog in the Mavericks’ title run in 2011.

The Suns’ chase of Aldridge will not go unchallenged as teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers are all expected to pursue the big man.

With or without Aldridge, the Suns are expected to improve from last season with Chandler manning the starting center spot. Key players on the Suns’ roster next season will be combo guard Eric Bledsoe, point guard Brandon Knight and forwards Marcus and Markieff Morris.