The first significant move of the Phil Jackson era was sending Tyson Chandler back to where he came from. The six-player trade sends Tyson Chandler back to the Mavericks, where he was able to capture a title in 2011. Along with Chandler goes out of favor guard, Raymond Felton, who will likely serve as a backup to Devin Harris. In return, the Knicks get a package including two second round picks alongside point guards Jose Calderon and Shane Larkin.

Knicks Get

Jose Calderon PG
Samuel Dalembert C
Shane Larkin PG
Wayne Ellington SG
34th pick (Cleanthony Early SF)
51st pick (Thanasis Antetokounmpo SF)

The first trade of the Phil Jackson era is one Knicks fans are not used. In a shocking turn of events, the Knicks are actually…receiving draft picks? Say it is so. The move marks the first major step towards the roster shakeup Jackson was sure to execute. According to Adam Zagoria’s report, Jackson told Felton he would be dealt this offseason. If nothing else we know the Knicks finally have someone at the helm who is a man of his word.

The deal sends out one of the Knick’s most prized assets in Chandler along with incumbent point guard, Raymond Felton. While Chandler was a key piece to their playoff runs, two of the past three years, the relationship had worn thin. It seemed that whenever the Knicks needed Chandler the most, he was either injured (2013 playoffs against Pacers) or sick (2012 playoffs against Heat). Despite the defensive presence Chandler brought to the Knicks, he was a liability on the offensive end of the ball. His inability to produce any scoring of his own was a bad fit in the triangle offense. In the end, Chandler’s lack of reliability and offensive skills led to his departure.

In return, the Knicks got some good building blocks for their transformation. In Jose Calderon they get a nice upgrade at point guard. Calderon should produce some coveted floor spacing with his improved 3-PT shooting. Last year Calderon shot 44.9% from beyond the arc, on a career high 5.2 3PA per game. He will also bring a stable floor general to the team, something the Knicks haven’t had since the 90’s. In swapping Felton for Calderon, the Knicks do add an additional $3 million to their 2015 cap number. The upgrade is well worth the price of admission.

Perhaps equally as importantly, the Knicks use the deal to infuse the team with some young talent. Shane Larkin was the 18th overall pick in the 2013 draft. Although Larkin is undersized (5’11”), he has elite quickness and a good jump shot which should make him a spark plug off the bench. He reminds me of a J.J. Barea or Nate Robinson type of player. In addition, the Knicks also got a pair of 2nd round picks in what many consider one of the deeper drafts in recent memory. Jackson turned the 34th pick into New York native Cleanthony Early, and the 51st into Thanasis Antetokounmpo. Early was considered a steal at 34, who is a gifted scorer and athlete at small forward. He could see his way into the rotation this year in both forward spots. Antetokounmpo is an elite athlete with the upside to be a defensive stopper on the wing. He looks to be a potential Euro stash player who can make an impact in a year or two.

The first deal of the 11-ring era was a success. Jackson was able to provide a desperately needed upgrade to the point guard position for only a $3 million cut into the 2015 cap space.  While the Knicks lose Chandler, Samuel Dalembert should be a useful replacement as the defensive enforcer for 20-25 minutes a game. Most importantly this is the first Knicks trade in over a decade that had at least one eye on the future.

Grade: B+

Mavericks Get

Tyson Chandler C
Raymond Felton PG

It took the Mavericks three years to decide that life without Tyson Chandler was not worth living. Chandler played a pivotal role in the Mavericks 2011 championship run. While Nowitzki was the offensive juggernaut who kept the Mavs on the board, Chandler was his defensive counterpart. Without Chandler there is no way that Dirk is raising his first Larry O’Brien trophy. Chandler’s impact as a rim protector was vital as he deterred Lebron and D-Wade from attacking the rim just enough. Tyson was rewarded for his efforts that offseason with a 4-year $58 million contract from the Knicks.

Despite having an extra $14.5 million to play with, Mark Cuban failed to land a marquee superstar to compliment Dirk the past three years. After failing to get commitments from players such as Dwight Howard and Deron Williams, Cuban decided to sign value contracts last offseason. The Mavericks secured Monta Ellis at $9 million and Brandon Wright for $5 million per season. Adding these players to a still all-star level Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks were able to make the playoffs and push eventual champion San Antonio Spurs to seven games. That was the longest series for the Spurs all of last year.

This offseason the Mavericks found themselves yet again equipped with ample cap room. Partially because of legacy contracts coming off the books (Marion and Carter), but primarily because of Nowitzki’s willingness to take a pay cut for one more shot at the title. Bringing Tyson Chandler back to Dallas brings them one step closer to that. Chandler’s toughness inside compliments Nowtizki’s offensive style perfectly. Not to mention they have done this together before.

Most importantly, even with the addition of Chandler, the Mavericks still had enough cap room for a max player. While they had hoped they would also pry Carmelo Anthony away from the Knicks, Chandler Parsons is a fine consolation prize. The role the Mavericks will ask him to play is a perfect fit for his game. Parsons will be the third scorer behind Nowitzki and Ellis, which will free him up to exhibit his playmaking abilities.  With those three producing the majority of the offense, Chandler will be solely concerned with his duties in the painted area.

Although they gave up some young assets, its clear the Mavericks are in win now mode. With Chandler’s championship DNA and cap room to spare on Parsons they are building a championship contender. If they stay healthy, the Mavericks could be in the mix to come out of the West next year. The worst case scenario is Chandler doesn’t work out and his $14.5 million becomes another opportunity for Cuban to chase a big name free agent next offseason.

Grade: B