Fire & Ice - A NBA 2K18 New Orleans Pelicans Story

[jeremym480]

NBA TRADE DEADLINE



STANDINGS
















Dallas, 19-35, 15th in the West
Portland, 31-23, 8th in the West

Dallas is the worst team in the West and is basically in Tank Mode. They got a potentially a nice asset in the 21 1st for Harkless who has unperformed in Portland. He's still just 24 years old and should get a chance to play alongside Barnes.

Portland is looking to make a splash in the playoffs this season. They already traded for Thad Young earlier in the year, however, after losing Jusuf Nurkic to a season-ending injury, they have been looking for some help down low. Mejri will give them an extra body down low, but more importantly, JJ Barea gives them another playmaker in the backcourt. Harkless had been outplayed by both Evan Turner and Al-Farouq Aminu so he became expendable. Trading the 21 1st unprotected is a huge gamble, especially if it falls in the Top 10. However, if it's in the 20's then it will be a little easier to stomach since the Dallas 18 pick should be a very early 2nd.

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Golden State, 40-14, 2nd in the West
New York, 21-34, 11th in the East

Golden State was desperate for a backup PG since Shaun Livingston went down in early January. Patrick McCaw has been running a few minutes and has been pretty terrible. The good news is that Livingston should be back soon so Sessions will just be a luxury to have on the bench. Looney was the odd man out of the Warriors young bigs and was traded in favor of Jordan Bell and Damion Jones.

For New York, this move shows that they're completely handing the keys over to the French Prince, Frank Ntilikina. Looney gives the another big in an already loaded frontcourt, but something tells me that they're not done.

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Washington, 32-22, 2nd in the East
Los Angeles Lakers, 25-28, 9th in the West


The Los Angeles Lakers have done the unexpected... they traded Luol Deng and got a 1st in the process. The bad news is that they took on a similarly bad contract in Ian Manhimi, however, the move still saves a few million per season and nets them a 1st so it's a net positive move. The Lakers had no intention of resigning Randle with Nance Jr. and the emergence of Kyle Kuzma.

Washington gains another bulldog upfront and Randle should give their front court a nice boost off of the bench. Also, the Wizards are one of the rare teams that could actually use Deng's services as Kelly Ourbe Jr. has been underperforming all season long. Losing the 1st is bad but the additon of Randle should make up for it.

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Brooklyn, 21-35, 12th in the East
Houston, 37-16, 3rd in the West

This trade filled a need for both teams. Brooklyn needed a big and was loaded at PG and Houston had plenty of bigs but could use an extra ballhandler in case CP3 or Harden go down with an injury.

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Phoenix, 21-35, 14th in the West
Atlanta, 21-33, 10 in the East

The tearing down of the Suns' roster begins with this trade. Obviously, they've been looking to move both Chandler and Dudley for awhile and they were finally able to do so. Getting Plumlee's terrible contract back in return is obviously not ideal, however, they still save money in the long run and they get a 1st back in the process.

Atlanta is just a few games out of the 8th seed in the East and if one of the teams in front of them falters, then perhaps they can give their fans an unexpected playoff run this season. They lose a 1st, however, they still have their own, plus the Rockets pick as well. The loss of what probably would have been their third pick in the draft should be offset by getting rid of Plumlee's contract and gaining veteran leadership.

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Toronto, 33-20, 1st in the East
Los Angeles Lakers, 25-28, 9th in the West

The Lakers made their second move of the trade deadline by unloading Jordan Clarkson and Andrew Bogut for CJ Miles and Bruno Caboclo. With the savings from this move, LA is only a few million away from opening up a second max slot in the offseason. It's a gamble but obviously, they think that playing in LA with Ball and Ingram can lure in two max guys.... If they don't pull that off, then they could end up the laughing stocks of the league.

Toronto was lucky that the deadline wasn't a day or two later because they were mainly in the market due to Kyle Lowry going down with a severe right ankle sprain. Once Lowry does return Clarkson should give them some nice scoring off of the bench, something that they've severely lacked this season. Bogut will give them another veteran and an enforcer off of the bench.

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Philadelpha, 22-29, 8th in the East
Oklahoma City, 33-22, 6th in the West

Although the 76ers have worked their way back into playoff contention, this move doesn't make them better this season. It is about the future. Okafor hasn't really played at all for them this season and they have no plans to bring him back to get what should be an early 2nd and a prospect for him is probably about the best they could hope for. Singler has a small deal and will likely never see the floor for Philly and could potentially be used to match salaries in a future trade.

OKC has been busy this season, bringing in Melo in the off-season, then trading for Bobby Portis last month. However, they've had a run of bad luck because both of those guys are out with injuries for the next month or so. They made this move in an effort to should PG13 and Melo that they're serious about winning. Okafor will see playing time for OKC and will be on a mission to prove his detractors wrong and to show that he belongs in NBA.

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Denver, 22-32, 14th in the West
New Orleans, 36-18, 4th in the West

Denver has perhaps been the most disappointing team in the NBA. It's no secret that they've been wanting to trade Faried for years and Barton is in the last year of his deal. They get a couple of vets, a nice prospect and what could be a good 2nd Round pick (if New Orleans loses Boogie). That's a nice haul for an expiring player who wants to get paid and a player who doesn't really fit in today's NBA yet has a fairly hefty contract.

New Orleans gets a starting SF, although he's probably more suited for SG, and an upgrade down low, even if he's a flawed player. Given their salary constraints and their unwillingness to part with their 18 1st, then this was the best move that they could hope for.

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Detroit, 27-26, 5th in the East
New York, 21-34, 11th in the East

Kyle O'Quinn and Michael Beasley have been two bright spots in what has been a pretty bleak season in New York, so the Knicks wanted to move them while their value was at its peak. They receive Stanley Johnson who hasn't been that good in his time with the Pistons, but he's only 21 years old, so he still has time to improve. Bullock and the 2nds were just throw-ins but you never know how 2nd rounders can turn out, maybe NY will hit on one of them?

O'Quinn and Beasley will immediately come in and bolster the Pistons bench. Depth is something that they've really had an issue within the past and their Front Office is hoping that having two veterans joining them will help put them on another level.

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Washington, 32-22, 2nd in the East
Orlando, 18-35, 14th in the East

If Denver is the most disappointing team in the West, then Orlando is the most disappointing in the East. This move is just about gaining a 2nd Round Pick for them.

Washington picks up yet another wing and at a decent value.

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Boston, 26-29, 7th in the East
Sacremento, 22-31, 12th in the West

Boston, while in the playoff race has been extremely disappointing, as well. They expected to be competing for the top seed in the East and instead are three games under .500. WCS will come in and bring energy and length off of the bench, he could even eventually be the starter but will start as the first big off of the bench. Giving up two decent prospects and what could turn into a really decent pick is a gamble for Ainge and company were willing to be aggressive in order to help get this team in another gear.

The Kings continue to add young talent and picked up what could be a nice draft pick as well. Only time will tell how this rebuild is working but if some of these young guys perform up to their expectations, then they will be a team to watch out for in a few years.

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Los Angeles Clippers, 34-18, 5th in the West
Phoenix, 21-35, 14th in the West

It's no secret that the Suns wanted to get rid of Bledsoe and were able to but not for the haul they were hoping for. Rivers, Decker and the right to swap 1st in 2021. That's probably not what they wanted for a PG who is averaging 21.7 PPG, 6.3 APG and playing at an All-Defensive Team level, however, their hands were tied and all and all it's not too bad since they're getting NBA ready players instead of prospects and unknowns.

The Clippers and Bledsoe's friend, DeAndre really wanted to bring him back to where he started his career. They should have a nice defensive backcourt with Bledsoe and Beverly and a very diverse one with Teodosic and Sweet Lou off of the bench. They're thin at SF now, but the trade for Vince Carter earlier in the season was likely a precursor for this move.

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Memphis, 25-29, 10th in the West
Clevland, 31-22, 3rd in the East
Orlando, 18-35, 14th in the East

It's the end of an era (the Grit and Grind era) in Memphis as the Grizzlies look to be in a soft-rebuild trading Gasol for Vucevic, Hezonja and the 18 Nets pick. The move could show that Memphis thinks they can't win with their current team, however, it's not like they're going into a complete rebuild since Vuc is still a really nice player and Hezonja should help their biggest position of weakness, SG. Obviously, the big get is the Brooklyn pick, assuming that the Nets continue their downfall anyway.

The Cavs pick up yet another All-Star and he joins what is already one of the deepest teams in the league. The move with push Love back to PF and Crowder to the bench but with this addition, they should be in the driver's seat in the East and should be closer to Golden State. The future of this team isn't looking great since they traded away the Brooklyn pick and their own pick, however, when LeBron James' happiness and willingness to stay is at stake, then you do what you have to "in the now" and worry about "the later" later.

For Orlando, this move shows that they are embracing the tank. They traded away their best player for a one-trick pony center, an unknown prospect, and a draft picks that will likely be in the 20's. The only thing that makes sense is that they're hoping to lose more and more games and get that #1 Draft Pick. Either that or they really believe in surrounding their shooters with the best rebounder that they can... I'm going with the former though.
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... and with that, the 2018 Trade Deadline has come to an end.

[CrimsonHawk248]

Quote: Originally Posted by jeremym480

NBA TRADE DEADLINE STANDINGS Dallas, 19-35, 15th in the West Portland, 31-23, 8th in the West Dallas is the worst team in the West and is basically in Tank Mode. They got a potentially a nice asset in the 21 1st for Harkless who has unperformed in Portland. He's still just 24 years old and should get a chance to play alongside Barnes. Portland is looking to make a splash in the playoffs this season. They already traded for Thad Young earlier in the year, however, after losing Jusuf Nurkic to a season-ending injury, they have been looking for some help down low. Mejri will give them an extra body down low, but more importantly, JJ Barea gives them another playmaker in the backcourt. Harkless had been outplayed by both Evan Turner and Al-Farouq Aminu so he became expendable. Trading the 21 1st unprotected is a huge gamble, especially if it falls in the Top 10. However, if it's in the 20's then it will be a little easier to stomach since the Dallas 18 pick should be a very early 2nd. ------------------- Golden State, 40-14, 2nd in the West New York, 21-34, 11th in the East Golden State was desperate for a backup PG since Shaun Livingston went down in early January. Patrick McCaw has been running a few minutes and has been pretty terrible. The good news is that Livingston should be back soon so Sessions will just be a luxury to have on the bench. Looney was the odd man out of the Warriors young bigs and was traded in favor of Jordan Bell and Damion Jones. For New York, this move shows that they're completely handing the keys over to the French Prince, Frank Ntilikina. Looney gives the another big in an already loaded frontcourt, but something tells me that they're not done. ------------------- Washington, 32-22, 2nd in the East Los Angeles Lakers, 25-28, 9th in the West The Los Angeles Lakers have done the unexpected... they traded Luol Deng and got a 1st in the process. The bad news is that they took on a similarly bad contract in Ian Manhimi, however, the move still saves a few million per season and nets them a 1st so it's a net positive move. The Lakers had no intention of resigning Randle with Nance Jr. and the emergence of Kyle Kuzma. Washington gains another bulldog upfront and Randle should give their front court a nice boost off of the bench. Also, the Wizards are one of the rare teams that could actually use Deng's services as Kelly Ourbe Jr. has been underperforming all season long. Losing the 1st is bad but the additon of Randle should make up for it. ------------------- Brooklyn, 21-35, 12th in the East Houston, 37-16, 3rd in the West This trade filled a need for both teams. Brooklyn needed a big and was loaded at PG and Houston had plenty of bigs but could use an extra ballhandler in case CP3 or Harden go down with an injury. ------------------- Phoenix, 21-35, 14th in the West Atlanta, 21-33, 10 in the East The tearing down of the Suns' roster begins with this trade. Obviously, they've been looking to move both Chandler and Dudley for awhile and they were finally able to do so. Getting Plumlee's terrible contract back in return is obviously not ideal, however, they still save money in the long run and they get a 1st back in the process. Atlanta is just a few games out of the 8th seed in the East and if one of the teams in front of them falters, then perhaps they can give their fans an unexpected playoff run this season. They lose a 1st, however, they still have their own, plus the Rockets pick as well. The loss of what probably would have been their third pick in the draft should be offset by getting rid of Plumlee's contract and gaining veteran leadership. ------------------- Toronto, 33-20, 1st in the East Los Angeles Lakers, 25-28, 9th in the West The Lakers made their second move of the trade deadline by unloading Jordan Clarkson and Andrew Bogut for CJ Miles and Bruno Caboclo. With the savings from this move, LA is only a few million away from opening up a second max slot in the offseason. It's a gamble but obviously, they think that playing in LA with Ball and Ingram can lure in two max guys.... If they don't pull that off, then they could end up the laughing stocks of the league. Toronto was lucky that the deadline wasn't a day or two later because they were mainly in the market due to Kyle Lowry going down with a severe right ankle sprain. Once Lowry does return Clarkson should give them some nice scoring off of the bench, something that they've severely lacked this season. Bogut will give them another veteran and an enforcer off of the bench. ------------------- Philadelpha, 22-29, 8th in the East Oklahoma City, 33-22, 6th in the West Although the 76ers have worked their way back into playoff contention, this move doesn't make them better this season. It is about the future. Okafor hasn't really played at all for them this season and they have no plans to bring him back to get what should be an early 2nd and a prospect for him is probably about the best they could hope for. Singler has a small deal and will likely never see the floor for Philly and could potentially be used to match salaries in a future trade. OKC has been busy this season, bringing in Melo in the off-season, then trading for Bobby Portis last month. However, they've had a run of bad luck because both of those guys are out with injuries for the next month or so. They made this move in an effort to should PG13 and Melo that they're serious about winning. Okafor will see playing time for OKC and will be on a mission to prove his detractors wrong and to show that he belongs in NBA. ------------------- Denver, 22-32, 14th in the West New Orleans, 36-18, 4th in the West Denver has perhaps been the most disappointing team in the NBA. It's no secret that they've been wanting to trade Faried for years and Barton is in the last year of his deal. They get a couple of vets, a nice prospect and what could be a good 2nd Round pick (if New Orleans loses Boogie). That's a nice haul for an expiring player who wants to get paid and a player who doesn't really fit in today's NBA yet has a fairly hefty contract. New Orleans gets a starting SF, although he's probably more suited for SG, and an upgrade down low, even if he's a flawed player. Given their salary constraints and their unwillingness to part with their 18 1st, then this was the best move that they could hope for. ------------------- Detroit, 27-26, 5th in the East New York, 21-34, 11th in the East Kyle O'Quinn and Michael Beasley have been two bright spots in what has been a pretty bleak season in New York, so the Knicks wanted to move them while their value was at its peak. They receive Stanley Johnson who hasn't been that good in his time with the Pistons, but he's only 21 years old, so he still has time to improve. Bullock and the 2nds were just throw-ins but you never know how 2nd rounders can turn out, maybe NY will hit on one of them? O'Quinn and Beasley will immediately come in and bolster the Pistons bench. Depth is something that they've really had an issue within the past and their Front Office is hoping that having two veterans joining them will help put them on another level. ------------------- Washington, 32-22, 2nd in the East Orlando, 18-35, 14th in the East If Denver is the most disappointing team in the West, then Orlando is the most disappointing in the East. This move is just about gaining a 2nd Round Pick for them. Washington picks up yet another wing and at a decent value. ------------------- Boston, 26-29, 7th in the East Sacremento, 22-31, 12th in the West Boston, while in the playoff race has been extremely disappointing, as well. They expected to be competing for the top seed in the East and instead are three games under .500. WCS will come in and bring energy and length off of the bench, he could even eventually be the starter but will start as the first big off of the bench. Giving up two decent prospects and what could turn into a really decent pick is a gamble for Ainge and company were willing to be aggressive in order to help get this team in another gear. The Kings continue to add young talent and picked up what could be a nice draft pick as well. Only time will tell how this rebuild is working but if some of these young guys perform up to their expectations, then they will be a team to watch out for in a few years. ------------------- Los Angeles Clippers, 34-18, 5th in the West Phoenix, 21-35, 14th in the West It's no secret that the Suns wanted to get rid of Bledsoe and were able to but not for the haul they were hoping for. Rivers, Decker and the right to swap 1st in 2021. That's probably not what they wanted for a PG who is averaging 21.7 PPG, 6.3 APG and playing at an All-Defensive Team level, however, their hands were tied and all and all it's not too bad since they're getting NBA ready players instead of prospects and unknowns. The Clippers and Bledsoe's friend, DeAndre really wanted to bring him back to where he started his career. They should have a nice defensive backcourt with Bledsoe and Beverly and a very diverse one with Teodosic and Sweet Lou off of the bench. They're thin at SF now, but the trade for Vince Carter earlier in the season was likely a precursor for this move. ------------------- Memphis, 25-29, 10th in the West Clevland, 31-22, 3rd in the East Orlando, 18-35, 14th in the East It's the end of an era (the Grit and Grind era) in Memphis as the Grizzlies look to be in a soft-rebuild trading Gasol for Vucevic, Hezonja and the 18 Nets pick. The move could show that Memphis thinks they can't win with their current team, however, it's not like they're going into a complete rebuild since Vuc is still a really nice player and Hezonja should help their biggest position of weakness, SG. Obviously, the big get is the Brooklyn pick, assuming that the Nets continue their downfall anyway. The Cavs pick up yet another All-Star and he joins what is already one of the deepest teams in the league. The move with push Love back to PF and Crowder to the bench but with this addition, they should be in the driver's seat in the East and should be closer to Golden State. The future of this team isn't looking great since they traded away the Brooklyn pick and their own pick, however, when LeBron James' happiness and willingness to stay is at stake, then you do what you have to "in the now" and worry about "the later" later. For Orlando, this move shows that they are embracing the tank. They traded away their best player for a one-trick pony center, an unknown prospect, and a draft picks that will likely be in the 20's. The only thing that makes sense is that they're hoping to lose more and more games and get that #1 Draft Pick. Either that or they really believe in surrounding their shooters with the best rebounder that they can... I'm going with the former though. ------------------- ... and with that, the 2018 Trade Deadline has come to an end.

I love this kinda stuff! I love reading about other people’s trade ideas (when they’re good, like these) because they are things I never would’ve thought about! I struggle coming up with 2-Team scenarios, much less 3-teams! This makes me want to come up with more and more trades! Keep up the awesome work man great read and an awesome deadline

[jeremym480]

Quote: Originally Posted by CrimsonHawk248

I love this kinda stuff! I love reading about other people’s trade ideas (when they’re good, like these) because they are things I never would’ve thought about! I struggle coming up with 2-Team scenarios, much less 3-teams! This makes me want to come up with more and more trades! Keep up the awesome work man great read and an awesome deadline

I appreciate it. I definitely put a lot of time and effort in to trying to make things fair for both teams. I had 255 trades scenarios in this group. The first season is always the easiest since you can use real life as a basis and other peoples ideas. Once you get deeper into MyLeague and your own your on, that's when trades get really tough.

[georgiafan]

Great job on the trades

[jeremym480]

*Note: These games were before the trade deadline

RODNEY HOOD & DERRICK FAVORS LEAD THE JAZZ PASSED THE PELS





THE PELS BOUNCE BACK WITH A WIN OVER INDIANA, BOOGIE STARS WITH 25 POINTS, 11 BOARDS, 4 ASSISTS & 4 BLOCKS





NEW ORLEANS IS 36-18, 4TH IN THE WEST

AROUND THE LEAGUE

- Same story, different day as Golden State sits atop of the Power Rankings for the 10th consecutive week

- Tony Parker re-upped with the Spurs for 2 years/$16.5M

- Kyle Lowry expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a severe right ankle sprain

- Memphis loses a close one to Atlanta, 105-104. The loss was the Grizzlies 7th in a row. Dennis Schroder led the Hawks with 28 and 7

- James Harden goes for 25 points, 15 assists and 8 rebounds as the Rockets beat the Heat 113-84. The win is Houston's 9th straight

[jeremym480]

NEW ORLEANS ADDS WILL BARTON AND KENNETH FARIED FROM DENVER



New Orleans traded E'Twaun Moore, Alexis Ajinca, Frank Jackson and the 2019 2nd Round pick to Denver for Will Barton and Kenneth Faried.


G 41 l MPG 24.9 l PPG 12.1 l RPG 3.8 l APG 3.5 l SPG .5 l FG% .467 l 3P% .444

Barton was Denver 6th-Man, however, he will come in and immediately start at small forward. He's athletism, playmaking, and ability to put the ball in the hoop should be a nice upgrade over the likes of Daruis Miller, E'Twaun Moore and Dante Cunningham.


G 24 l MPG 21.6 l PPG 7.8 l RPG 7.6 l SPG .6 l BPG .6 l FG% .500 l 3P% .200

Faried desperately needed a change of scenery as Denver had been looking to make a change away from him for awhile. Many think that the NBA has passed him by but the Pels really needed some experience down low. Faried's just a high-energy, rebounding specialist but those are skills that NOLA can really use.

New Orleans will be a chance for both players to really excel and show what they can really do in expanded roles. The addition should give the Pels exactly what they need as they continue their push for their 2nd ever Home Playoff seed and first in a decade.

[jeremym480]

THE NEW LOOK PELICANS STRUGGLE AND LOSE A CLOSE ONE TO BEN SIMMONS AND THE 76ERS






JRUE, AD & BOOGIE ALL SCORE 21 AS THE PELS BEAT UP ON THE NETS





NEW ORLEANS IS 37-19, 4TH IN THE WEST

AROUND THE LEAGUE

- Dennis Schroder's 52 points. 7 rebound, 6 assist performance was all for not, as the Hawks lost a shootout to the Magic 139-136. Aaron Gordon led the Magic with 31 points and the newly acquired Tristan Thompson had a double-double with 18 points and 14 assists. Elfried Payton also had a career-high 16 assist in the win

- Washington won a nailbiter against Boston 110-108. Wall led the Wizards with 23 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals

- Brook Lopez expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a pulled right calf muscle

- After a 19-37 start, Dallas has fired Head Coach Rick Carlisle and named Assistant Kaleb Canales has the interim coach for the remainder of the season

- LeBron James (4) and Russell Westbrook (4) named Players of the Week

[trekfan]

Man, huge trades in the NBA. What a busy deadline!

Love that Cavs trade, a definite "ALL IN" deal, but Marc Gasol is no slouch and should age gracefully. His ability to play defense and space the floor with his newfound three is just what Cleveland needs to punish pace and space squads (looking at you Warriors).

The Bledsoe trade was underwhelming for the Suns. Austin Rivers and Sam Dekker aren't horrible, but agreeing to a pick swap is just pitiful. Phoenix's front office is determined to waste Booker's early years of star play it seems.

Surprised to see Detroit move on from Stanley Johnson, but New York makes out well I feel. If Johnson can ever find a consistent shot, they'll have gotten a steal here. He, KP, and Frankie Smokes can really be a good core ... if Johnson and Frank develop some.

Questionable trade for the Raptors. I know Lowry is down, but messing with the team chemistry like that (and trading away Miles, who helps stretch the floor and can shoot triples at a decent clip) is a risk. I feel that trade will come back to bite Toronto in the playoffs.

Good trade for the Pelicans, Barton is gonna do good work for you at the three and Manimal is underrated, IMO -- the man hustles for boards. Sure, he has no shot to speak of, but he he's a vacuum on the glass -- I think you'll be able to play him well with the second-unit.

Not sure I like what the Celtics are doing. WCS is a definite upgrade as the first big off the bench, but I feel like Boston is reaching. I think the Kings won the trade here and, Boston betting on a former Sacramento big seems like a poor bet.

Hate the Hawks trade -- Atlanta just doesn't seem to understand that getting off the treadmill is what they need to do. Chandler and that contract of his won't do them any favors, but luckily its short.