Marion for Chandler Swap?

And word comes now that another matter for Miami to consider is the prospect of sending Marion to New Orleans for a package headlined by Tyson Chandler.

There have been no firm indications that such a swap is imminent, but it's a scenario mentioned more than once in the past week. And that's probably because acquiring Chandler would be consistent with Pat Riley's well-known preference to bring back proven size if he parts with Marion's $17.8 million expiring contract before the deadline.

The Heat, however, are just as determined not to take back contracts that extend past the 2009-10 season, which would seem to rule this out as a possibility, given that Chandler has a $13.2 million player option for 2010-11 that he is certain to exercise.

Is Chandler good enough for Riley to bend his 2010 policy? Would he sufficiently fill Miami's void inside and give Dwyane Wade more reason to re-sign with the Heat in the summer of 2010? Debatable.

There are cons for the Hornets, as well. Can they really part with a big man of Chandler's ability, given how little they have behind Chandler and David West, for a player who could leave them in free agency this summer?

Yet sources close to the situation refuse to rule out Chandler's departure. Chris Paul and West, sources say, are the Hornets' only two untouchables.

Chandler is an elite defensive force at his best, but his dip in performance this season -- which began before the 26-year-old's recent ankle problem -- is undeniable. Factor in New Orleans' own well-known desire to join the clutch of teams trying to slash payroll and its long-standing interest in acquiring an athletic wing man to partner with Paul and West, and you can see why Marion's name comes up. Source: ESPN.com