It looks like Tyson Chandler will soon be a free agent.
According to Marc Stein of The New York Times, the Phoenix Suns are in the process of buying out the veteran. That'll make Chandler available to any team in the league once he clears waivers, but the Los Angeles Lakers are "expected to be at the front of the line" to sign him if he becomes available.
Tyson Chandler is an LA native and the Lakers' need for interior depth and defensive reinforcements is well known. Chandler is earning $13.6 million this season, which suggests he will clear waivers easily and be able to pick his next team
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) November 3, 2018
Chandler is coming off of a season in which he averaged 6.5 points, 9.1 rebounds and 0.6 blocks per game as the starting centre for the Suns. He's seen his playing time cut in half to start this season, going from 25.0 minutes per game to 12.7.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski added that Chandler has been "anxious to find a new home amid the Suns rebuild."
While the 36-year-old is not the All-NBA defender he once was, Chandler would give the Lakers some much-needed depth at center as Kyle Kuzma, Johnathan Williams and Ivica Zubac have each spent time backing up JaVale McGee at the five for Los Angeles so far this season.
Chandler's rebounding prowess, in particular, would be a welcomed addition to a Lakers team that currently has one of the worst defensive rebounding rates in the league.