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

[Rusch33]

And countered by the Sun-Times less than 10 mins ago.

 

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/chi-16-bits-nba-all-starfeb16,0,6748210.story

 

The Bulls, meanwhile, continue to debate the pros and cons of Stoudemire. According to NBA sources, they also are monitoring the Clippers' situation to see if Chris Kaman or Marcus Camby can be pried loose.

 

Two league executives said Sunday it appears less likely Stoudemire will become a Bull, if he is traded at all.

[David]

I don't buy that nonsense for a second. Debating the pros and cons? At this juncture? Riiiiiight.

[17 Seconds]

What would be so shocking about that? We don't really know for sure how badly the Bulls want him. We're heard rumors and speculation from the media, but we don't really know. It's very possible that they've been talking and floating the idea while not actually knowing if they'd be willing to pull the trigger. We should know by now that what the media tells us doesn't really mean a whole lot.

[17 Seconds]

Here's my guess: As of Sunday afternoon, a 60 percent chance the Bulls pass, but it's still too close to call.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=272362

 

Just speculation, but there are now a few different mentions from tonight that make it sound like the Bulls are having second thoughts

[RedFlash]

Here's my guess: As of Sunday afternoon, a 60 percent chance the Bulls pass, but it's still too close to call.

 

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=272362

 

Just speculation, but there are now a few different mentions from tonight that make it sound like the Bulls are having second thoughts

 

Perhaps, but both Paxson AND Reinsdorf knows if they miss out on another superstar (or a borderline superstar, as some called Amar'e) after missing out on Gasol, KG and perhaps even Kobe (even tho I didn't believe for one second he would live LA) they will be hammered by the media and the fans.

 

I can see the predicament they are in, I really do. Is Amar'e worth a total of 4 players and a prospect? Is he worth the reported 5 yr $100 mill extension? Can you convince him to play team ball? Can you keep him healthy? Helath is the biggest question of them all, seeing as some think medically he is a walking time bomb with his knee. I know the situation is a tough one, but they put themselves in this spot when they made it known they were interested in Amar'e.

 

But imo, if they fail to land Amar'e and/or watch him go to an Eastern Conference rival, they will be literally beaten down badly through the media in Chicago. Personally, I think the gamble is worth taking, and we'll see if the Bulls brass has a pair of...................fill in your own manhood reference.

 

Another thing to consider is this....a couple of weeks ago he made a comment to Mike North in which he said:

 

""This is not going to take changing 11 players. We do have some pretty good players on this club. Obviously what we lack is an inside presence. That's the biggest thing we are missing and somehow we have to find it."

 

So Reinsdorf knows the major problem and the answer to his problem is staring him in the face. So the opportunity has presented itself, but will Reinsdorf and co answer it?

[David]

Bulls assistant GM Gar Forman – who most believe will succeed John Paxson over the summer – has spearheaded the Bulls’ trade talks. Gooden brings an expiring contract, and Thomas is an athletic, 6-foot-9 power forward the Suns can plug into Stoudemire’s slot. After a sluggish start to his career, Thomas, 22, has blossomed this season. Across the past 21 games as a starter, he’s averaged a career-best 12.5 points and 7.0 rebounds. He could fit well into the faster offense that new Suns coach Alvin Gentry – who replaces the fired Terry Porter – is expected to bring to the Suns.

 

The Suns’ VP of basketball operations, David Griffin, loved Thomas when he was coming out of LSU three years ago. The Suns also have discussed adding Matt Barnes into a trade with Stoudemire, front office officials said. Still, the market for Stoudemire has been sluggish. Part of that is the recession that has owners more interested in trimming payroll than adding to it. And part of that has been the desperate state of the Suns that’s left teams believing they can steal Stoudemire. In these economic times, this is a league of sellers, not buyers.

 

While the Suns are insisting that they’re willing to hold onto Stoudemire without the right offer, most teams are skeptical. They think Sarver is determined to dump Stoudemire, whatever the recommendations of his top basketball executives, Kerr and Griffin. Sources say the Bulls have been off-balance in dealings with the Suns, just because they’re never sure which way Sarver will veer next.

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news;_ylt=AmUnyjd9aB.HYyEhLxuRRpQ5nYcB?slug=aw-shaq021509&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

 

 

We will see where all this leads for sure within 3 days.

[Mark_R]

I think I'm to the point where if we acquire Amare, that Vinny needs to go. The Bulls could run a great up-tempo game, but Vinny's cluelessness on offense (both sides actually...) could hinder the Rose/Amare duo to the point where Amare may not re-sign here when he becomes a FA.

 

Other outlets are out there that are reporting that Amare is going to stay a Sun, and now the Bulls are pursuing Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby.

 

:banghead:

[David]

Apparently, Marc Stein was just on ESPN and reported that the Bulls are heavy favorites for Amare and that the Porter firing is costing the Suns $4M.

[David]

Apparently, Stein also added the caveat that a dark horse could always pop up and that the Suns aren't completely enthused by the offers. I still think that's just a negotiating ploy and that the idea that they'd hold on to Amare at this point is a bluff. The owner seems dead set on getting rid of him, and from what I've gathered, he's a pretty stubborn guy.

 

Anyway, this is from HoopsWorld, so take it FWIW.

 

League sources in Phoenix have hinted that the long rumored deal between the Suns and Chicago could get consummated as early as today, a deal that would send the expiring contract of Drew Gooden, Thabo Sefolosha and Tyrus Thomas to the Suns in exchange for Amar'e Stoudemire. It's also believed that the Bulls would take on an additional player using their $5.4 million dollar traded player exception to help Phoenix reduce it's luxury tax exposure as the final concession to getting a deal. Ironically, Bulls' forward Drew Gooden was in Phoenix last night. Gooden smiled at the notion of a trade saying he hadn't heard anything yet, but laughed when prodded if he was looking for a new house in Phoenix. The Bulls seem to be the front runners when and if the Suns make a deal. The Suns were doing a good job with the PR spin in Phoenix, telling some reporters that the pending coaching change could end trade talks involving Amar'e, but league sources say too much has been done to say talks are dead. The Suns do have other suitors who have expressed real interest in Amar'e including the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are reported to have offered the ending deal of Wally Szczerbiak and rookie J.J. Hickson. The Philadelphia 76ers have been linked to the Suns as have the Portland Trail Blazers who have been distancing themselves from Amar'e talks recently and seem to have turned their sights to Richard Jefferson of the Milwaukee Bucks - more on that as it develops.

[David]

There's a chat on HoopsWorld.com going on with a lot of stuff flying right now. We'll see how legit they are.

 

STAT in Planet Orange:

I really enjoyed the All Star Game. Heard that our beloved Alvin will replace Terry. Does that mean that I will stay in Phoenix?

Bill Ingram:

 

It should mean that, but I don't think it does. We have it on pretty good authority that you're headed for colder, Bullish weather. With Gentry promising to run the 7-second offense they should move Shaq instead.

 

Chris in Chicago:

The rumors about the Bulls and Stoudamire and Camby/Kaman are making my head spin! Which end is up?

Bill Ingram:

 

The Clips aren't moving a big, I can tell you that. Amar'e headed to Chicago unless there's a last second change of heart. The ink is drying on the trade.

 

Bob in Bulls, CHI:

What are the odds of Amare coming to Chicago in your opinion? Do you see any other moves besides that this deadline?

Bill Ingram:

 

I've heard from two extremely good sources that Tyrus, Gooden, Thabo, and the TE are headed to Phoenix. Tyrus is looking at houses.

 

 

So they're going with it pretty hard. Could just wind up like the day OH reported the Roberts deal as done, though. Crazy owner involved too. :)

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

Amare has to be a Bull. If he isn't that would be a span of less than six month's where I had false hopes about two superstars..Jake Peavy being the other. I can't be tazed like that. It just ain't right.

[Garwilly]

Amare has to be a Bull. If he isn't that would be a span of less than six month's where I had false hopes about two superstars..Jake Peavy being the other. I can't be tazed like that. It just ain't right.

 

How about those Brian Roberts / Kobe Bryant deals last time around? :)

[GoCubsGo1679625768]

In the back of my mind I knew Kobe seemed like a pipe dream, so I didn't get too excited and I never gave a Howry about Brian Roberts..as he is the basketball equivlant of Shane Battier.

 

But this seams so possible..it's surreal. A year ago this franchised seemed so doomed, and now we could have a Rose/Amare combo...pinch me.

[Soul]

There's a chat on HoopsWorld.com going on with a lot of stuff flying right now. We'll see how legit they are.

 

STAT in Planet Orange:

I really enjoyed the All Star Game. Heard that our beloved Alvin will replace Terry. Does that mean that I will stay in Phoenix?

Bill Ingram:

 

It should mean that, but I don't think it does. We have it on pretty good authority that you're headed for colder, Bullish weather. With Gentry promising to run the 7-second offense they should move Shaq instead.

 

Chris in Chicago:

The rumors about the Bulls and Stoudamire and Camby/Kaman are making my head spin! Which end is up?

Bill Ingram:

 

The Clips aren't moving a big, I can tell you that. Amar'e headed to Chicago unless there's a last second change of heart. The ink is drying on the trade.

 

Bob in Bulls, CHI:

What are the odds of Amare coming to Chicago in your opinion? Do you see any other moves besides that this deadline?

Bill Ingram:

 

I've heard from two extremely good sources that Tyrus, Gooden, Thabo, and the TE are headed to Phoenix. Tyrus is looking at houses.

 

 

So they're going with it pretty hard. Could just wind up like the day OH reported the Roberts deal as done, though. Crazy owner involved too. :)

 

There's actually some chatter on reputable news sites to back them up, so we'll see:

 

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=518336

[bcl412]

If the Stoudemire deal happens what are the Bulls playoff odd and what are their odds of making a run?

 

Or is this a more deal that would be made for the future?

[UMFan83]

If the Stoudemire deal happens what are the Bulls playoff odd and what are their odds of making a run?

 

Or is this a more deal that would be made for the future?

 

I doubt they'd make a run this year. There are still issues with defense and low post depth, Rose still being a rookie, and of course Vinny.

 

But they'd set up the cornerstones. If they can get rid of Hinrich and Nocioni to clear up cap space, then we're in business.

 

Oh and if they got Amare, I'd say its 75% likely they make the playoffs, with a 25% chance they gel slowly and can't get it going. But either way, there would be flashes. The Bulls still play Boston 3 more times this year, and for the first time since Garnett and Allen arrived, I'd think we have a shot at being competitive during some of those games.

[SpongeWorthy]

I'm looking forward to executing a competent pick and roll through the addition of Amare.

[rchap24]

I'm looking forward to executing a competent pick and roll through the addition of Amare.

 

I'm loving the idea of Rose Amare Alley-Oops

[UMFan83]

WTF????!!?!?!

 

http://blogs.suntimes.com/fullcourtpress/2009/02/bosh_to_bulls_in_threeway_trad.html

 

I have no "inside information" on what the Bulls hope to do before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, but one person who does have a couple strong NBA connections says don't be surprised if Amare Stoudemire heads to Toronto, Chris Bosh comes to the Bulls and a package featuring Drew Gooden and Tyrus Thomas heads to Phoenix.

 

What do you think?

 

Will the Suns want to trade Stoudemire now that Alvin Gentry has replaced Terry Porter as head coach and has vowed a return to Mike D'Antoni's running, gunning ways.

 

Will the Suns want to deal with Bryan Colangelo?

 

Like Stoudemire, Bosh is part of that 2010 free-agent class if he doesn't exercise his player option for 2010-11.

 

If the Bulls can make this deal, jump on it immediately.

 

Bosh is a fantastic 24-year-old power forward, averaging 22.7 points and 9.5 rebounds. He may not be as strong as Stoudemire, but he's long and athletic. Another good fit for Derrick Rose.

[Outshined_One]

WTF????!!?!?!

 

http://blogs.suntimes.com/fullcourtpress/2009/02/bosh_to_bulls_in_threeway_trad.html

 

I have no "inside information" on what the Bulls hope to do before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, but one person who does have a couple strong NBA connections says don't be surprised if Amare Stoudemire heads to Toronto, Chris Bosh comes to the Bulls and a package featuring Drew Gooden and Tyrus Thomas heads to Phoenix.

 

What do you think?

 

Will the Suns want to trade Stoudemire now that Alvin Gentry has replaced Terry Porter as head coach and has vowed a return to Mike D'Antoni's running, gunning ways.

 

Will the Suns want to deal with Bryan Colangelo?

 

Like Stoudemire, Bosh is part of that 2010 free-agent class if he doesn't exercise his player option for 2010-11.

 

If the Bulls can make this deal, jump on it immediately.

 

Bosh is a fantastic 24-year-old power forward, averaging 22.7 points and 9.5 rebounds. He may not be as strong as Stoudemire, but he's long and athletic. Another good fit for Derrick Rose.

 

I can dig it.

[17 Seconds]

WTF????!!?!?!

 

http://blogs.suntimes.com/fullcourtpress/2009/02/bosh_to_bulls_in_threeway_trad.html

 

I have no "inside information" on what the Bulls hope to do before Thursday's NBA trade deadline, but one person who does have a couple strong NBA connections says don't be surprised if Amare Stoudemire heads to Toronto, Chris Bosh comes to the Bulls and a package featuring Drew Gooden and Tyrus Thomas heads to Phoenix.

 

What do you think?

 

Will the Suns want to trade Stoudemire now that Alvin Gentry has replaced Terry Porter as head coach and has vowed a return to Mike D'Antoni's running, gunning ways.

 

Will the Suns want to deal with Bryan Colangelo?

 

Like Stoudemire, Bosh is part of that 2010 free-agent class if he doesn't exercise his player option for 2010-11.

 

If the Bulls can make this deal, jump on it immediately.

 

Bosh is a fantastic 24-year-old power forward, averaging 22.7 points and 9.5 rebounds. He may not be as strong as Stoudemire, but he's long and athletic. Another good fit for Derrick Rose.

 

I'm not buying that for a second, but it would be spoogetastic if true. I'd prefer Bosh to Amar'e

[17 Seconds]

Sources: Stoudemire likely to stay

 

There are suddenly strong signals emanating from the desert that the coaching change announced Monday by the Phoenix Suns will be the only big personnel change they make this week.

 

After the Suns spent several days taking and making phone calls on potential trades for Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O'Neal, NBA front-office sources told ESPN.com that Phoenix -- having received a series of underwhelming proposals for Stoudemire -- prefers now to leave its core intact for the rest of the season to see if new coach Alvin Gentry can do more with this group than the outgoing Terry Porter.

 

"I got the impression today that [the Suns] are standing pat," said one source with knowledge of the team's thinking.

 

Said another source close to the situation: "That is very accurate."

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3912108

[Rusch33]

Must want Noah or a 1st rounder with Thomas/Gooden/Thabo.

[KingCubsFan]

Must want Noah or a 1st rounder with Thomas/Gooden/Thabo.

I will personally drive Noah to the airport. He is so awful, and his ability to hold up an Amare trade would be icing on the cake.

[RedFlash]

To be honest I still think Amar'e gets traded, because Sarver does not want to pay the luxury tax. It's that simple To me this sounds like a smokescreen, but who knows anyways.....I don't really trust anything from ESPN anyways.