The Chicago Bulls and New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets have verbally agreed to a deal that will send Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith.

The deal will officially go through July 12, which is the first day NBA teams can officially complete signings and trades after the league announces the salary cap for the 2006-07 season.

After signing Ben Wallace, the Bulls had an excuse to unload Chandler's lengthy, expensive contract to the highest bidder.  

Chandler said Wednesday that he was expecting to be dealt.

"It was just a matter of when and where," Chandler said Wednesday by phone to the Chicago Tribune.

"At first I was walking around a little sick," he said. "Even though I had heard the rumors, it was definitely a shock. I was definitely sad. After a couple of nights of thinking about it, I realized basketball-wise, it's a good thing for me.

"It's a great opportunity to play with a bunch of up-and-coming guys. They're moving the team in a direction that fits me well. I can help a team make the playoffs. I'll get a chance to play with a great, young point guard (Chris Paul)."

Chandler was the last Bull remaining from former general manager Jerry Krause's regime and handled the departure graciously. He said he was grateful to Krause and current boss John Paxson.

"I'm sad to leave a great organization," he said. "They gave me a great opportunity. Jerry Krause drafted me and John Paxson has been nothing but honest and loyal."