The Thunder though they made a significant move in the push for relevancy in the Western Conference with Tuesday's trade for New Orleans center Tyson Chandler. Oklahoma City parted with forwards Chris Wilcox forward Joe Smith, along with the draft rights to DeVon Hardin, on Tuesday.
But on Wednesday, the trade was rescinded after Chandler couldn't pass a physical for the Thunder. Thunder team physician Dr. Carlan Yates, who performed surgery on Chandler's big left toe in 2007, felt that the risk of re-injury was too high and recommended that the Thunder rescind the trade.
"We were pleased to add Tyson to the Thunder roster," general manager Sam Presti said. "During the course of the physical examination and outside consultations, some questions arose that gave us cause for concern. We felt that this course of action was the best for our organization."
The Thunder then traded Wilcox to the New York Knicks for forward Malik Rose, and it also got forward Thabo Sefolosha from Chicago for a first-round draft pick this year. The Thunder also got cash in the deal.
HORNETS 100, THUNDER 98: The fans of Oklahoma City had a soft spot in their hearts for Chris Paul, but they probably didn't like what they saw Tuesday night. Paul, back in the city where his NBA career began, hit a game-winning shot with 2.7 seconds left to lift visiting New Orleans.
The Thunder dropped to 13-41 overall and 1-7 in games decided by two or less points. Kevin Durant continued to ride the momentum of his stellar All-Star weekend with a career-high 47 points, including a game-tying three-pointer with 13.8 seconds remaining. Paul, who never hit a game-winner during his Oklahoma City stay, didn't call timeout after Durant's tying scorer and was able to knife through the Thunder's defense.
Jeff Green (24 points) and Russell Westbrook (12) were the only other Thunder players in double-figures.
