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The Chicago Bulls announced today the re-signing of restricted free agent forward/center Tyson Chandler to a long-term contract. Per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The Bulls and Chandler originally agreed to the terms of the contract on September 1.

The 7-1, 235-pound Chandler played in a career-high 80 games last season with the Bulls and averaged 8.0 ppg and career-highs of 9.7 rpg (9th in NBA), 1.76 bpg (13th in NBA) and 27.4 mpg. He also shot .494 from the field and a career-best .673 from the free throw line. He led the team in rebounding in 53 games, scored 10+ points 30 times, grabbed 10+ rebounds on 36 occasions and registered a team-best 21 double-doubles. His 693 rebounds in a reserve role was an NBA-best (9.9 avg), as was his 131 rejections (1.87 avg). In six playoff contests last season, he posted averages of 11.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 2.17 bpg and 1.3 apg in 28.7 mpg.

In four NBA seasons, Chandler has appeared in 261 games, including 117 starts, and averaged 7.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.40 bpg and 23.7 mpg, while shooting .500 from the floor and .637 on free throws. He has 47 double-doubles and is currently seventh in team history for blocked shots (383). He was originally selected by the L.A. Clippers in the first round (2nd overall) of NBA Draft 2001 before his draft rights were traded by the Clippers, along with Brian Skinner, to the Bulls for Elton Brand on June 27, 2001.

InsideHoops.com Editor's View: The Bulls are counting on Chandler to raise his offensive game and become a star on both ends of the floor. He's been a very hard worker throughout his short NBA career and I think Chicago made the right move investing in him. Hopefully he doesn't lose his drive to improve now that the big pay-day has come.