4/15 - Bulls (41-40) vs. Toronto (32-49) - 7 pm, CSN

[Derwood]

ok, let me put it like this..you have two teams.

 

Team A

The Bulls Roster..currently constructed

 

Team B

Derrick Rose, Amare Stoudemire, and 10 other white guys.

 

What team will you take? I'll take Team B and kick the howry out of Team A nine times out of ten.

 

both of those teams get their teeth kicked in by Cleveland, Orlando or Boston in a playoff series

[Guest]

You get the big pieces and worry about the other crap later. This isn't just about this year and the depth right now would be a short term issue that we may (if we have to give up all those guys) or may not have to deal with.

 

I wish others would hammer this point home, because it is dead on. There's a few things that everybody needs to realize about how the dynamic of the team changes if we get Stoudemire. We could become a tremendously efficient offensive club with a point guard who can beat pretty much anyone off the dribble and get to the dish and draw teams to play a style of "who do we want to beat us?" Getting a guy like Amare makes Deng a tremendous third option, Kirk a viable fourth option on offense as the spot up shooter and focus more of his attention on defense. Would I like to give up Noah? No, because I think he would be an excellent fit next to Noah, but if the alternative is to replace a guy like Noah while having the entire team benefit offensively, or to allow this team to flounder in mediocrity, the former is a very obvious choice.

 

Would Amare bolt Chicago after the 10 playoffs? I really doubt it. Chicago is a city that can make him a megastar with the right combination of effort, consistent winning, and marketing. This would be an ideal situation for him from a career standpoint. This is a very low risk deal in the long run for this team when you think about it.

 

Fantastic post, Mark.

[17 Seconds]

The trade deadline is the 19th, right? like that this won't drag on for long, either way

[cubweiser03]

Amare + Rose. Im all about that. What a great compliment to Rose. NBA really is about 3 players and it sounds like they can keep Deng. Unless you want to go the route of the championship Detroit Pistons (a true team of equal parts), which well does come around often, you get the impact player like Amare to compliment your other impact player, Rose, and go from there.

[Rusch33]

So you're all for gutting your team/depth (Thomas/Noah/Gooden) for one guy who's not a Top 10 player in the league?

 

Add on that this trade probably won't get you over the hump against Cleveland/Boston/Orlando,.

 

Chances are Gordon isn't going to be back next year as him and VDN don't like each other. Larry Hughes is on the inactive list, and is gone next year.

 

Next year the Bulls team looks like without free agency (if you do make the trade):

 

Deng

Rose

Stoudamire

Hinrich

Nocioni

Sefolosha

Gray

Draft pick (in the teens/20s)

2nd Round Pick

 

I think the Bulls best scenario is to let the season play out. Get another Top 15 pick and sign someone like Boozer in the offseason. Let Thomas/Noah progress, and stack the bench up with good role players like Noah/Thomas are.

 

Gutting your whole PF depth for a guy who's only an offensive threat is as stupid as signing Ben Wallace to that big contract when the Bulls did.

[Mark_R]

I highly doubt that the Bulls can afford to sign Boozer under the cap.

[Rusch33]

I highly doubt that the Bulls can afford to sign Boozer under the cap.

 

Bulls have 56 million (including Hughes who accounts for 13 million) invested into players next year. Don't tell me they couldn't sign Boozer to a max contract.

 

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/chicago.htm

[David]

As we all know, the Bulls and Suns have had lengthy discussions about a possible trade that would send All Star big man Amare Stoudemire to Chicago. The Bulls are very much in the running to land Stoudemire, as GM John Paxson is willing to package just about any deal mutliple players involved to get him, except for Derrick Rose of course. One scenario that is very possible and has been discussed the most would be a deal that would send Drew Gooden, Tyus Thomas, Thabo Sefoloshia and a 1st round pick to the Suns in exchange for Stoudemire. However, Steve Kerr would like Joakim Noah added to the deal as well. Phoenix will continue to talk with other teams to see if they can either find a better deal, or wait and see if the Bulls will add Noah to the trade. The Bulls want Stoudemire so much, that adding Noah may just happen. Even then, the ball will still be in the Suns court as they have multiple teams to work with and several deals to weigh out, the highest bidder will win.

 

http://www.rumorpress.net

[SpongeWorthy]

Thomas, Noah, Gooden, Thabo, and a 1st rounder would be a hell of a lot to give up.

[RedFlash]

Thomas, Noah, Gooden, Thabo, and a 1st rounder would be a hell of a lot to give up.

 

Yes it is, but on the flip side the Bulls would be getting 1: the best player in the trade in Amar'e. 2: They Bulls would also be getting a player to replace Noah in either Lopez or Amundson. But it's definately a workable trade.

[David]

It is, but at the same time, you can't let Joakim Noah be the deal breaker that keeps you from getting one of the best big men (probably the best P&R big man) in the game to pair up with your incredibly talented young PG. I'd play hardball and try and hang onto Noah because it would make the roster situation right now a lot easier, but if push came to shove, I'd toss him in and deal with the strange roster situation for as long as we had to.

 

Elite players don't come available remotely often. What else can we do? Wait around and hope Chris Bosh (who is overrated IMO and has injury concerns of his own) comes in 2010, which he likely won't? Hope to get lucky in the draft and suck enough to get a big in a few years?

 

What else can we do with Derrick Rose? Realistically? I'm not a big Boozer fan, but, OK, fine, that's an option. But you still have to actually get him to come here. And didn't he screw over Paxson's brother (or am I mistaken?) in Cleveland? I highly doubt Paxson wants anything to do with him if my memory is right on that.

[jmajew]

Thomas, Noah, Gooden, Thabo, and a 1st rounder would be a hell of a lot to give up.

 

Yes it is, but on the flip side the Bulls would be getting 1: the best player in the trade in Amar'e. 2: They Bulls would also be getting a player to replace Noah in either Lopez or Amundson. But it's definately a workable trade.

 

This scares me because it works under the salary cap. I think Thomas, Gooden, Thabo, and the 1st rd pick will be more than anyone else will be able to offer.

[Mark_R]

I highly doubt that the Bulls can afford to sign Boozer under the cap.

 

Bulls have 56 million (including Hughes who accounts for 13 million) invested into players next year. Don't tell me they couldn't sign Boozer to a max contract.

 

http://hoopshype.com/salaries/chicago.htm

 

They can't. The cap next year is going to be about 61.5 million. I think you're confusing the salary cap with the luxury tax threshold.

[RedFlash]

Thomas, Noah, Gooden, Thabo, and a 1st rounder would be a hell of a lot to give up.

 

Yes it is, but on the flip side the Bulls would be getting 1: the best player in the trade in Amar'e. 2: They Bulls would also be getting a player to replace Noah in either Lopez or Amundson. But it's definately a workable trade.

 

This scares me because it works under the salary cap. I think Thomas, Gooden, Thabo, and the 1st rd pick will be more than anyone else will be able to offer.

 

I know, which is why I am holding off getting excited, because we've seen this story play out several times by two of Chicago sports teams. Reserving all excitement until proof.

[17 Seconds]

As we all know, the Bulls and Suns have had lengthy discussions about a possible trade that would send All Star big man Amare Stoudemire to Chicago. The Bulls are very much in the running to land Stoudemire, as GM John Paxson is willing to package just about any deal mutliple players involved to get him, except for Derrick Rose of course. One scenario that is very possible and has been discussed the most would be a deal that would send Drew Gooden, Tyus Thomas, Thabo Sefoloshia and a 1st round pick to the Suns in exchange for Stoudemire. However, Steve Kerr would like Joakim Noah added to the deal as well. Phoenix will continue to talk with other teams to see if they can either find a better deal, or wait and see if the Bulls will add Noah to the trade. The Bulls want Stoudemire so much, that adding Noah may just happen. Even then, the ball will still be in the Suns court as they have multiple teams to work with and several deals to weigh out, the highest bidder will win.

 

http://www.rumorpress.net

 

Is that site at all reputable? It looks pretty sketch

[David]

It's a blog run by a guy who also posts on RealGM and has scooped stories in the past. He seems to have some sort of legitimate source. I think he mentioned something about the Cleveland deal last year well before it happened, IIRC.

 

UMFan or Flames or one of the other RealGM regulars might know better than me.

[cubswin2009]

As we all know, the Bulls and Suns have had lengthy discussions about a possible trade that would send All Star big man Amare Stoudemire to Chicago. The Bulls are very much in the running to land Stoudemire, as GM John Paxson is willing to package just about any deal mutliple players involved to get him, except for Derrick Rose of course. One scenario that is very possible and has been discussed the most would be a deal that would send Drew Gooden, Tyus Thomas, Thabo Sefoloshia and a 1st round pick to the Suns in exchange for Stoudemire. However, Steve Kerr would like Joakim Noah added to the deal as well. Phoenix will continue to talk with other teams to see if they can either find a better deal, or wait and see if the Bulls will add Noah to the trade. The Bulls want Stoudemire so much, that adding Noah may just happen. Even then, the ball will still be in the Suns court as they have multiple teams to work with and several deals to weigh out, the highest bidder will win.

 

http://www.rumorpress.net

 

Is that site at all reputable? It looks pretty sketch

He's legit and well respected at RealGM.

[RedFlash]

It's a blog run by a guy who also posts on RealGM and has scooped stories in the past. He seems to have some sort of legitimate source. I think he mentioned something about the Cleveland deal last year well before it happened, IIRC.

 

UMFan or Flames or one of the other RealGM regulars might know better than me.

 

He's no bigbird, but Tech9 is a pretty reliable poster at realgm. But then again being reliable don't always means trades, etc, etc, will happen. Tech9 is not a "troll", he is what he is. He's reliable.

 

Note: I believe I saw UMFan over at realgm.

[David]

Steve Kerr is going to be on Mully and Hanley (WSCR) later today (~9:45). I'll post about it if I hear it.

[UMFan83]

It's a blog run by a guy who also posts on RealGM and has scooped stories in the past. He seems to have some sort of legitimate source. I think he mentioned something about the Cleveland deal last year well before it happened, IIRC.

 

UMFan or Flames or one of the other RealGM regulars might know better than me.

 

He's no bigbird, but Tech9 is a pretty reliable poster at realgm. But then again being reliable don't always means trades, etc, etc, will happen. Tech9 is not a "troll", he is what he is. He's reliable.

 

Note: I believe I saw UMFan over at realgm.

 

Yup, I post over there occasionally. Hence why I don't post in this thread all that often. RealGM satisfies my Bulls discussion needs.

[UMFan83]

In a somewhat surprising development Monday, several sources indicated the Phoenix Suns do not have much interest in Miami's Michael Beasley and would prefer Tyrus Thomas in a trade for all-star power forward Amare Stoudemire.

 

In my view, Beasley has star potential and tremendous scoring ability. There's little chance the Bulls will ever regret choosing Derrick Rose with last year's No. 1 pick, but Beasley (the No. 2 selection) is going to be good.

 

The chatter on Monday, though, suggested the Suns aren't convinced Beasley would fit into their offensive system and they don't want to take back Marion, even for less than half a season. Marion has a $17 million expiring contract and was sent to Miami for Shaquille O'Neal a year ago.

 

In the meantime, Suns GM Steve Kerr sees the same thing the Bulls did the past two weeks: The light bulb is starting to go on for Thomas and he may still be a long way from reaching his ceiling. Thomas just completed the best six-game stretch of his pro career, averaging 15.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2 blocks.

 

It appears the Suns are open to a package of Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, Drew Gooden, Cedric Simmons and undetermined draft picks for Stoudemire. One question now is whether better offers will come at the Suns in the days leading up to the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

 

The Bulls aren't necessarily afraid of losing Stoudemire for nothing as a free agent in 2010. All they have to do is fork out the cash and they'll be able to make the best offer. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement is designed to favor players staying put.

 

The concern is whether the Bulls could build a championship-caliber team if Stoudemire's salary ends up rising beyond $20 million, which is a realistic possibility. Maybe he would cut the Bulls a break and sign a cheaper extension to help ensure a winning situation, maybe not.

 

Could a lineup of Stoudemire, Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and either Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich pose a realistic threat to LeBron James or the Celtics? That's a question the Bulls will ponder during the next week or so.

 

The Bulls would also ask to see Stoudemire's medical records before agreeing to a trade. The 6-foot-10 power forward had microfracture knee surgery in 2005. So far, it hasn't been a problem, but who knows what the future holds for such an injury?

 

The Suns don't figure to be in any hurry to agree to a deal. Remember, Stoudemire was voted a Western Conference starter in Sunday's All-Star Game, which is in Phoenix. I'd say there's little chance a trade occurs until next week.

 

http://blogs.dailyherald.com/node/1390

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Could a lineup of Stoudemire, Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and either Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich pose a realistic threat to LeBron James or the Celtics? That's a question the Bulls will ponder during the next week or so.

 

I don't understand why everyone is concerned about the Celtics? Age will take them down in the next couple of years.

[Hairyducked Idiot]

Do it do it do it. Anytime you can trade multiple for one in the NBA, and the one you are getting is a legit star, you do it.

[wolf stansson]

Could a lineup of Stoudemire, Rose, Luol Deng, Joakim Noah and either Ben Gordon or Kirk Hinrich pose a realistic threat to LeBron James or the Celtics? That's a question the Bulls will ponder during the next week or so.

 

I don't understand why everyone is concerned about the Celtics? Age will take them down in the next couple of years.

The answer is no of course, but it's obviously not that simple. It's extremely difficult to build a championship team around a point guard who can't single-handedly win a game for you by scoring. You have to surround him with pieces.

 

The question should be, is a complimentary lineup of Gordon, Deng, Stoudemire and Noah better than a lineup of Gordon, Deng, Thomas and Noah.

 

Of course it is.

[jmajew]

This is rather depressing....

 

Chris (Chicago): Does John Paxson FINALLY pull the trigger and make a deal for a superstar?

 

Chad Ford: (1:50 PM ET ) He better. I'm not sure he wants to be known as the guy who, while in desperate need of a big man, passed on everyone from KG, to Pau Gasol, to Amare. With that said, I'm not sure the Bulls have enough to do an Amare deal. Tyrus Thomas is a nice asset. So is Drew Gooden's expiring contract. They can offer more young players (like Noah or Sefalosha) or draft picks. But from the sounds of things, the Suns may have a better offer. Too bad. A combo of Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Stoudemire would bring a lot of hope back to fans in Chicago.