Chandler sent back to Hornets after deal collapses

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Center Tyson Chandler will return to the New Orleans Hornets one day after the team traded him, the Hornets announced on Wednesday.

Chandler signed for the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday but the trade was rescinded after the Thunder medical staff failed to clear Chandler following a physical exam.

"We welcome Tyson back with open arms," Hornets general manager Jeff Bower told reporters. "We went into this trade to garner more frontcourt depth. We expect Tyson and the rest of our big guys to step up to the challenge."

Big men Joe Smith and Chris Wilcox were sent to New Orleans in the original deal but will return to Oklahoma.

Chandler is averaging 8.8 points per game and 8.3 rebounds this season. The 7-footer missed the Hornets 12 games preceding the All-Star break due to a sprained ankle.

(Reporting by Jahmal Corner; Editing by Alastair Himmer)