From ESPNChicago.com: “The Chicago Bulls are interested in trading for the Denver Nuggets’ Carmelo Anthony and are discussing internally including Joakim Noah as part of the deal, according to a league source. … Noah will make $3.1 million this season in the fourth year of his rookie deal. He would become a restricted free agent next season unless the Bulls extend his contract.”
Why not Luol Deng, you ask? Well, the Nuggets don’t want to take on his cap-killing contract. Not many teams would want to take on Deng’s contract with the collective bargaining agreement set to expire next summer. Depending on what happens — lockout or a radically altered CBA — Luol’s deal could be a financial nightmare. Even more so than it is right now, that is.
But seriously…Noah? Really? I’m sorry, but in my humble and entirely biased opinion, Noah should be untouchable. He’s not going to score 30 points per game. But Noah is one of the league’s best rebounders, and he can serve as the anchor point of coach Tom Thiboeau’s defense (much like Kevin Garnett did in Boston).
Numbers and basketball skills aside, I love Noah’s intangibles. I love his heart, hustle and intensity. I love how much he wants to win. He doesn’t care about stats. All he cares about is helping his team get the W.
That’s not a criticism of Anthony. Maybe he wants it as much as Noah does. Admittedly, I haven’t gotten to watch ‘Melo play as often as I’ve seen Noah. Still…I’ve watched a fair share of Nuggets games. I just don’t feel the same “I will walk through fire to win” vibe I get from Joakim. To me, that’s worth more than 28 PPG.
But maybe that’s just me.
it ain’t just you, man. it ain’t just you.
Comment by t-rocc — September 9, 2010 @ 7:58 pm
Yeah, having Noah included in this is the dumbest thing I’ve read in awhile on ESPN. I refuse to believe GarPax would even consider it. Also, doesn’t Deng have to be included in the trade just to match contracts? I don’t see how he can’t be.
Comment by thirdsaint — September 9, 2010 @ 7:59 pm
Noah is tied with Rose for most valuable player on the Chicago Bulls roster.
Although I am aware that Derrick Rose is probably our best young talent since Michael Jordan, I noticed something very interesting last season. Remember that terrible stretch we had, riddled with injuries and losses? The Bulls were able to win games without Rose (not as much as before he was injured, but they still won), but they could NOT without Noah.
Of course, I’m saying this from memory, so I very well could be wrong, but it is interesting…
Comment by Bam! — September 9, 2010 @ 8:27 pm
we would have no chance in the east if we traded noah for melo. boozer has shown that he is not a great inside defensive presence at times. how the heck would we match up inside vs howard,garnett (if alive) and even all the Heat driving to the lane.
Comment by steve — September 9, 2010 @ 8:37 pm
Numbers and basketball skills aside, I love Noah’s intangibles. I love his heart, hustle and intensity. I love how much he wants to win. He doesn’t care about stats. All he cares about is helping his team get the W.
—very few players have his passion and you said it best with that paragraph…trading noah for melo would be the worst move by the bulls ince trading aldridge for chandler
Comment by arthur — September 9, 2010 @ 9:07 pm
The very idea that Carmelo is as valuable as Noah or contributes to WINS at a higher rate is a reflection of the overvaluation of scoring. Noah is vastly more productive in nearly all advanced statistics. Add in that Noah has size which is at a premium. This deal would kill the bulls. Check out The wages of Wins (David Berri) for lots of insight into Carmelo’s advanced metrics. He is basically slightly above average whereas Noah rates as close to elite.
Comment by mick — September 9, 2010 @ 9:14 pm
uhh this made me sick to my stomache, hearing the news. joakim not only is a young talent that hasn’t reached his potential, but he makes EVERYONE around him a LOT better with his infectious energy. our defense would totally suck. there is no way in hell this happens
Comment by Joakim Rodman — September 9, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
you are absolutely right. under no circumstances would i trade noah for melo, the defense would suffer horribly. also, considering what noah brings to the table and how much you’re paying (even considering future raises) noah is a bargain.
Comment by gazelle — September 9, 2010 @ 9:36 pm
I agree Noah should be untouchable unless they have real concerns about his health. I do think Melo is an upgrade to Deng but not if it costs us Noah too. I would say offer Deng, Gibson, and a future 1st rounder AT MAXIMUM. That is the bottom line we can not give up more. And that is only if Melo agrees to an extension before the trade is completed. I doubt JJ holds any trad value unless it is to match salary in a trade. We would be giving up a lot in that trade because I am a fan of Gibson’s. To even think of throwing Noah’s name in there is just terrible, I seriously doubt the front office would be that stupid.
Comment by Savage — September 9, 2010 @ 9:57 pm
It seems ridiculous. Hopefully for Bulls fans, it’s nothing but idle speculation.
Comment by Josh — September 9, 2010 @ 10:01 pm
Look, I love Joakim as much as the next Bulls fan. But let’s be realistic here: ‘Melo is better than Noah. There are no ifs, ands or buts about it. They aren’t just different kinds of players (though that is true), Anthony just brings something to the table that very few can— he is an absolutely elite scorer. The kind that opposing defenses need to plan specifically around, that can generate open lanes for Derrick and open looks for others, the kind that can close a close game out and take that last shot (or pass it off to Rose after a double comes on him).
Sure, he doesn’t have Noah’s intangibles. But Noah does not have have ‘Melo’s “tangibles”— right now, he is still just a garbage and hustle guy on offense; and he is more a team defender than an elite one on one defender to this point. I love Noah’s attitude, and think his trajectory and ceiling are great. But he’s still a guy whose skills can be more easily replaced than Carmelo Anthony’s.
I’m not saying that the Bulls should make this deal with Noah in it. I think the Nuggets might be over a barrel enough that we could afford to offer them less, especially since Anthony will want to get a contract signed now (before the new CBA).
Finally, I think this post is wrong to speculate that it would be Noah instead of Deng. Deng would need to be there to make the salaries work, I think. This would be Noah instead of Taj/JJ.
Comment by Drew — September 9, 2010 @ 10:13 pm
Plus Carmelo and Boozer would not peacefully co-exist on offense
Comment by BrooklnBull — September 9, 2010 @ 10:50 pm
No way No how should the Bulls trade Noah two things that he has (1) Height (2) Huge heart to play hard, this kid has in my eyes not only been solid but has emergred as a big time big man in the NBA need I say there are not a ton of big’s walking around in the league with his game or heart he is a proven winner str8 from college his game has gone big time in the right directions someone pointed it out and we all seen it when Noah played he made the other teams think twice about coming to the hole also he backed his talk up with his play on the court if the Nuggets do not want Deng Johnson and yes Gibson if they must no picks already that id more than enough this aint Kobe we talking about then I say the bulls should tell them no thank you Mello should press them to take what ever deal the bulls are willing to give if no he is gone next year and they get nothing ala chris bosh D wade LBJ they made there teams give in andso should Mello the ball is in his court now and he is a shot caller over the nuggets if the bulls trade Jokim then they made a bigmistake and will regret it for yrs to come Gar pax do the right thing the team you got now is good on some levels great best we had since Mj and scoottie so no need to mess it up so keep our players least the main ones and I am not happy about trafing any of them espcially taj and deng when they played for the most part they both played solid and lets not forget deng did play hurt aand still played pretty well so for the haters of deng I hope he stays and shows you he got game either way no trade for Noah . Go Bulls. Peace
Comment by reggie — September 9, 2010 @ 11:41 pm
This is the most horrifying thing I’ve ever heard of. Trading Noah for Melo would be a catastrophe.
Comment by TexasBearsFan — September 9, 2010 @ 11:49 pm
I would rather have Deng at SF and Noah at C than Melo at SF and…..Thomas at C? Seriously, we would only be upgrading our 3 position by degrees while we are having to go with a real replacement player at one of the most crucial positions in the game. The reason Portland took Oden wasn’t because they thought Durant wasn’t that good, but because Oden was a CENTER. Name me somebody else out there that we can logically pick up this year or next year that would replace Jo’s double/double a night, his Speed and Footwork up the floor, and is known for being a hardworking no-nonsense type of guy. Jo is a top 10 Center in this league. Its a fact, and the Bulls would be crazy to give him up for a guy who might not be here next year.
Comment by bullsfandom — September 10, 2010 @ 12:43 am
DONT BE STUPID TO TRADE DENG OR NOAH FOR MELO… JUS PIC HIS ASS UP ON FREE AGENTCY AND BRING DENG OFF THE BECH… Y RISK TRADING FOR MELO WHEN HE PROBABLY IS JUST GOIN TO LEAVE AFTER THE SEASON… IF THE BULLS MAKE ANY OF THESE TRADES, IT WILL BE THE DUMBEST THING THEY EVER DID… I LOVE MELO BUT Y DONT NEED HIM THAT BAD THAT WE HAVE TO GIVE AWAY OUR BEST REBOUNDER(NOAH), AND SCORER WITH OUT THE BALL(DENG)… U TALK ABOUT TWO GUYS WHO CAN DO A WHOLE LOT FOR U WITH OUT HAVING ANY PLAYS CALLED FOR THEM… MY BEST ADVISE FOR THE BULLS IS TO WAIT… SIGN HIM AS A FREE AGENT… AND KEEP ALL UR BEST GUYS OK OK…
Comment by 1st man — September 10, 2010 @ 12:52 am
Drew, I think you are really undermining how important Noah is to our team given our utter lack of proven depth at the Center Position and his young talent. We can’t afford to lose him. He should be on the untouchable list in my opinion. I will have to agree to disagree with you on that one. I believe we are a better team with Noah and Deng on it then having Melo and no Noah/Deng.
Comment by Savage — September 10, 2010 @ 12:54 am
Isn’t this whole thing funny…if when we drafted Noah you would have told me that in 3 years we could trade him for Carmelo…wow
Comment by Phil — September 10, 2010 @ 1:31 am
I hope this rumor is not true about the Bulls willing to trade Noah and Deng for Melo.
The only players that I don’t mind the Bulls trading right now is: Deng, J.J, Asik and the Bulls future 1st round drafts is the most I am willing to accept for getting Melo but, once you put the names of Noah and Deng together I say HELL NO!!!
Noah is our defensive captain! and I love his winning attitude. He remind me of K.G like Matt McHale mention already. Plus our new coach Tom Thibodeau will not accept that offer of trading Noah and Deng for Melo, since he has bigger plans with those guys.
Melo is just a scorer and we have enough scorers with Rose, Boozer, Deng, Korver and Watson.
I hope we don’t get Melo! NY you guys can have him or any other team that is interned in him.
Don’t forget Bulls GM’s we still have the trading deadline of 2011 to make our moves after we find out our weak spot in our rotation and right now I think we are solid all round with our starters and bench players. I can’t really find a weak spot.
GO BULLS!
Comment by Dj — September 10, 2010 @ 2:04 am
Deng you could go….. Please? Johnson PLEASE GO!!! Taj, sorry to see you go with two 1st rounders… Noah going?? IT WOULD PISS ME OFF! Why even entertain the thought!? He’s been a core player since his rookie year. He is an allstar in the waiting. Besides, dont you think Melo would rather play with Noah then Denggone it? I understand it isn’t his choice but it is when it comes to resigning him..
Comment by njchitownfan — September 10, 2010 @ 2:18 am
Noah is the heart and soul of the Bulls. Without Kirk, Noah just became the leader of the team. No I do not think Boozer has the rights to lead this team, this maybe Rose’s team in paper but Noah is the glue that put this team together and you just cannot trade that easily.
The Bulls offer of Deng, Gibson(ouch), JJ and draft picks plus cash would the the ideal deal for us but not the Nuggets though T_T. (Bulls must unload Deng if they get Melo its senseless to have both)
The only way I see this trade done if the rumor about Noah turning down a 100 Million 5-6yrs deal from the Bulls to be actually true. If that is true then this trade is done.
But if the deal does not happen the Bulls lose nothing. Deng just needs to evolve and become a 3pt shooter which I think he can do especially in the corner. We need a scoring SG more anyway and even with the ugly schedule this coming season, we should be a playoff team.
Comment by tiffac — September 10, 2010 @ 2:24 am
Oops guys sorry its $60 million offer for Noah and not $100 Million. lolz sorry ^^;;
Comment by tiffac — September 10, 2010 @ 2:28 am
NO TO MELO THE TEAM IS BETTER OFF THE WAY IT IS I WOULDNT EVEN GIVE UP GIBSON AND DENG FOR MELOMAYBE DENG AND CASH WITH A DRAFT PICK BUT I DONT EVEN WANT TO GIVE UP DENG FOR MELO SCOREING BRINGS IN TICKETS BUT DEFENSE WINS CHAMPIONSHIPS DENG IS OUR BEST DEFENDER MAYBE ONE OF THE BEST IN THE LEAUGE DO DO IT GAR PAX PLEASE LET THIS ONE GO
Comment by BULLSFANBABY — September 10, 2010 @ 2:50 am
IM MEANT DONT DO IT GAR PAX LET THIS ONE GO
Comment by BULLSFANBABY — September 10, 2010 @ 2:52 am
By including Noah in a trade, the bulls are saying that Noah is worth adding about 11 ppg to deng and that’s about it…. somehow I don’t see how Noah is worth only 11ppg
Comment by Luke — September 10, 2010 @ 2:55 am
Dont worry about this rumor. Remember it was espn that was reporting Lebron was going to sign with the Bulls. I dont listen to anything the media has to say anymore. All their articles are built on lies and pure gossip.
There is no way the Bulls trade Noah. You know the last time they have had a center of his caliber. You just dont trade a center that plays defense and rebounds like he does. He is the glue to any championship team let alone the Bulls. We gave up on Chandler and Curry and that was the right moves to make. But Noah is definitely a keeper. You cant teach what he does. He is 5 times better than what we bought Wallace in to do 4 years ago. And he will be even better this year than last year. I dont even know why we are wasting time with this mess Noah aint goin nowhere.
Comment by hardtimes — September 10, 2010 @ 3:02 am
WHen I heard that the Bulls were on Carmelo Anthony’s wish list last Night I was excited (yet weary of this being like the Kobe thing in 2007 and Lebron thing this Summer 2010). But when I heard that Noah could be traded I almost teared up. If he goes then we are worse because we are weak at Center. A Boozer/Noah PF/C combo may be the best in the East. Defintely better than finese Bosh and some old washed up scrub, bette rthan Boston’s since KG is getting old, Perkins has the kneww issues, and Shaq is an old fart. Better than Orlando’s I mean Dwight Howard does not have a good PF to play with.
Seriously offer Deng, JJ, Gibson, multiitude of Draft Picks, and even find a third team to help offer stuff to make it a 3-way deal. Heck didn’t Portland want to give up Bayless and Pryzbilla for Deng in the summer (it was rumored)? Well Deng to Portland and PRyz, and Bayless to Denver, and heck we could also give Gibson to Denver along with a draft pick and also throw JJ and another draft pick to Portland. Also, what about trading Deng to New Orleans and Peja goes to Denver (and okay we give them Gibson and JJ as well and divde the draft picks between New Orleans and Denver). I have a feeling Noah will stay in Chicago yet Carmelo will be coming here too. Its our time for some good fortunes. We are due for it after falling short in Kobe trade sweepstakes in 2007 and Lebron FA sweepstakes two months ago. Oh crap I guess winning 2008 Draft Lottery would have been our good fortune (which yes I’m glad it is heck yeah D Rose but we need another good fortune as well).
Comment by Matt Steigenga — September 10, 2010 @ 3:19 am
Carmelo and Boozer would not peacefully co exist on offense anyway
Comment by brooklynbull — September 10, 2010 @ 4:02 am
Giving up Deng and Gibson for Melo makes us a better team. I’d do that deal in a minute, even though I would miss Deng’s intensity and his defense.
Adding Noah to the deal makes no sense. We would have a huge hole at center.
Comment by Gorditadog — September 10, 2010 @ 4:34 am
Carmelo looks good on paper. we use that term cuz weve learned that stacking ur team with all stars doesnt guarantee wins. Noah provides the intangibles that may not appear in the box score.
Comment by BrooklynBull — September 10, 2010 @ 5:18 am
At first, the thought of trading Noah for Melo seemed ridiculous but when you think of both players individual skill set, you have to ask yourself who would be easier to replace?
Another good question to ask yourself is who would you pick first Noah or Melo if both players were free agents or in a draft? Proven superstar or up and coming star?
Melo is the obvious choice no matter the setting (NBA, College, Fantasy, Video Games & etc.).
I’m not even sure if people pay attention to Melo’s game. Offensively Melo opposes a mismatch against his opponents although his jump shot can be inconsistent at times but in the paint Melo is a beast. Defensively, Melo has made improvements and seem to only be getting better.
Noah on the other hand bring energy, hustle, defensive presence, & size but his offense is suspect to say the least.
Hopefully we can get Melo & keep Noah but if not , give me MELO!!!!!!
Comment by LOBOS — September 10, 2010 @ 6:06 am
Winning creates chemistry, not the other way around. So, I don’t want to hear anything else about Noah being our “glue” guy. If we win, our team chemistry will be fine. Yes, Noah is a great up-and-coming Center that has the potential to be a perennial all-star. Yes, he plays with an amazing amount of passion and tenacity. But when push comes to shove, Carmelo is proven winner that has elite talent. Like, top-5 player in the NBA type talent. So let’s not act like this deal is entirely inconceivable. There’s a lot to weigh here and you must consider what each of their skill sets give to this team. Melo’s offensive output will make D-Rose the best Point Guard in the league. That’s nothing to scoff at…I love Noah and I don’t need to sing his praises here, because you are all aware of his prowess on the basketball court. However, Melo is a game-changer. D-Rose, Melo, and Boozer….on the Chicago Bulls? That is disgusting to even think about.
Comment by Dirk Simmons — September 10, 2010 @ 6:31 am
Here’s what I’d LOVE to see the Bulls put together midseason (after Boozer & Lee can be traded)…
Bulls get: Carmelo & David Lee
Nuggets get: Monta Ellis, Deng, & Taj Gibson
Warriors get: JR Smith, Boozer, and Charlotte’s #1 pick from the Bulls
Maybe the Bulls throw in another pick to the Nuggets or Warriors.
Bulls starting 5 of Rose, Brewer, Carmelo, D Lee, and Noah.
That is a real “young core” for the next 5+ years. I doubt it will ever happen, but I’d love to see it.
Comment by Chris D — September 10, 2010 @ 8:03 am
Ok I love Noah as much as any of you Bulls fans but let stop kidding ourselves points win games. Look at the USA team without Durant it would be over, they would be done. But his scoring has won the games. You can play all the defense in the world but if you don’t have that prolific scorer you will only win some of the time. Melo would be that scorer. Do you remember just a few short years ago when we over valued Deng and would not let him be apart of the Kobe trade, I smell this happening again with Noah. No I don’t want to lose Noah, but we would be crazy not to realize the immediate impact Melo would have on the present squad with Rose, Boozer, Brewer, Taj, Korver. Defense can be learned but be a great scorer is a gift. So I will miss you Noah and if we don’t have to do it I wouldn’t but don’t let this be a move that we are smelling years later and we’re left wondering what were we thinking as Melo is accepting MVP awards or champonship trophies elsewhere. Pull the trigger and make the trade.
I’m D from Rockford and I’m out.
Comment by D-in-Rockford — September 10, 2010 @ 11:02 am
Bulls lost 10 in a row with Noah sideline.
When he came back, they went 10-4.
(Of course they went 6-1 during a 7-game hiatus of his).
You just don’t trade a starting center for anything, especially one who does as much as Noah does.
Comment by Davey — September 10, 2010 @ 2:16 pm
That’s a really sweet trade Chris D.
Comment by Mahmoud — September 10, 2010 @ 2:22 pm
Drew is spot on. Noah is being overrated by people who watch him every night and never watch Melo but for a couple of games per year. In a more dynamic offense, Melo will not be expected to score such a high volume and his efficiency will go thru the roof. Additionally, the Bulls are a shitty defensive team and aren’t going to ride the stout defense of Rose, Boozer, Korver and Deng past Boston, Miami or Orlando. Teams that are successful in the post season need to have a player who can get a good shot when pace of play grinds to a halt. Youve seen it with the Celtics and Pierce, Lakers and Bryant, Cavs and James, Thunder and Durant, Heat and Wade. Indeed, the Bulls could become an exceptional offensive team with the addition of Melo. Melo’s skill set is unique, whereas (as Drew pointed out) the strong defense, good size, good character skill set is more common. Yes, Noah is one of the better ones, but there are a lot of them out there.
Comment by DANNYBOY — September 10, 2010 @ 2:36 pm
Anyone who believes Noah’s defensive skills along with intangibles like heart and leadership, are more valuable than a player of Carmelo Anthony’s caliber, has obviously been watching a different game than I have. Every time rumors start to swirl about a Chicago franchise landing a bona fide superstar via a trade, I always have to hear some meatball Chicago sports fan lament the delusion that we’re somehow losing a savior. Although I do believe Noah has value. He’s always going to sit out a stint every year due to plantar fascitis and he’s limited offensively, which are major issues on this team. I admit that Noah would not be easily replaced but a talent like Carmelo is not easily acquired. BRING HIM 2 CHICAGO!!!
Comment by Hutch — September 10, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
Oh please tell me it’s not gonna happen… whose gonna be the bull’s Center if Noah’s traded?!?!? Melo may be a good scorer, but he still haven’t managed to get the Nuggets past the second round of NBA playoff. If he choose to leave Nuggets this way, and if he did come to the bulls and they did not make it too far in the playoff, he’ll just leave the bulls and we’re gonna be in deep shit
Comment by Yu — September 10, 2010 @ 3:32 pm
This sounds more like a Denver fishing expedition than an actual rumor.
Comment by cavendish — September 10, 2010 @ 3:52 pm
I can’t wait until ‘Melo gets here and his PPG drop to 20 a night because he’s not shooting constantly and he’s not in a fun-and-gun offense. He’s a terrible jump shooter, a terrible three point shooter and only scores in the volumes he does because he’s his teams #1 (and, really, only) option and because he’s not being coached by a man who lets him play zero defense while sprinting the floor.
And you wanna talk about injury prone? This guy spends as much time on the bench as Deng does.
Comment by TexasBearsFan — September 10, 2010 @ 4:01 pm
strong words butch oops I mean hutch wait though you seem to have forgotten to add Deng all in that trade do not for get this is the same bulls that pushed the cavs and the celts without the new players they have now Noah is a proven winner his game speaks for itself and Deng I give him no pass but yet has been a solid player for the bulls and yes his play demands consideration although we would like to see it be more you don’t risk the core of the team to add a player yr not sure will even be here next year let alone tell two of yr starters they are being traded for a player that may in the future not be here is the risk worth the reward there I say no you best get your facts right butch oops I mean hutch I’m a true baller and fan of the bulls therefore not willing to see them mess with what they are building for a maybe but good point about the points he can bring to the team Mello is a big time scorer but at what price do you take him and is the risk worth the reward when you may be able to get him in a yr anyways. you cannot coach heart or height either you got it or you don;t, seems to me hutch you may want to consider do you have any heart or guts to see the bulls not make a bad trade with the nuggets. Peace
Comment by reggie — September 10, 2010 @ 4:04 pm
If melo was such a prolific scorer and top 5 player in the NBA, then what the heck has gone so wrong in Denver to not allow that team to be a real contender in the West? Chauncey is no scrub, Nene and KMart are super solid big men, and they have a really deep bench with JR Smith and Birdman. Do u really see an uprage in DRose and Boozer and NO ONE in the middle? Nope.
I think its funny too, cuz 2 years ago i would have gave my left nut to get rid of Joke and pick up Melo. But now? I have never been more proud of having a player like Jo on our team. The dude is a beast, and means so much more than points (enifficient points at that).
Comment by Seamus — September 10, 2010 @ 4:49 pm
Please, don’t trade Joakim. He is chicago bulls, and chicago bulls is him. I understand when it comes to business, benjamin (Mula) is matters. but for god sake, he only make less than 4 mil/yr. He is our best rebounder. At least he CARES about the team. Again, if you still want to trade Joakim. I will vote you out of managing team and send you to Denver Nugget or Miami Heat.
Comment by charlie nguyen — September 10, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
You know it kills me to hear some people talk about how you got to score to win games and Melo can hit big shots at the end of games. Well ask all the great coaches and they will tell you denfense wins championships. When Noah came back and played against Portland, Aldirdge was killing the bulls until they stuck Noah on him at the end of the game and Noah stoped him. It was because of his defense we won that game. Some of you guys are star struck. Dont let Carmelos scoring fog your idea of how important Noah is to this team. He is just as untouchable as Rose.
Comment by hardtimes — September 10, 2010 @ 6:37 pm
I think reading some of these comments is making more depressed than when I heard Noah was included in the trade talks…
How can anyone who watches these bulls not realize the importance of Noah? There is far more to the game then a player’s stats. Read any book that follows a season of one team (Breaks of the Game, The Jordan Rules, etc). What goes on off the court is just as important. It effects everything that happens on the court.
Noah is a workhorse who is willing to do anything to help his team win… there are very few of those guys left… Especially the ones that are top 3 rebounders in the league as well as great defenders.
Just look at the early post by matt… Melo is basically 11ppg better than Deng, and he needs the ball way more to get those 11 points. Otherwise he is just another Deng. Noah is worth a lot more than 11 points and a clutch shooter at the end of a few games.
I think the organization will make the wise choice and come out with Noah having signed a huge contract. No way Melo is a bull.
Comment by Luke — September 10, 2010 @ 6:58 pm
Bulls management, please pull out of the Melo discussions. Chicago does not need another “Cutler” deal, a franchise player who isn’t. What has Denver won with Melo? Not a championship. If Noah leaves so does the chance of a championship anytime soon. I was glad to hear that a source in the “know” said that Noah is going no place.
Comment by BoppinBob — September 10, 2010 @ 7:09 pm
@Luke
11 pts a game is a lot, let’s not forget that Deng has never been the focal point of an offense like Melo is. How many times a game is Deng double teamed? How many times is ‘Melo not? Those efficiency numbers don’t account for ‘Melo being the number 1 option on his team and therefore being smothered by a few guys all game. There’s a reason the ball is in his hands a lot more. Can you imagine the number of turnovers Luol would have with his ball-handling skills if he handled the ball as often as ‘Melo. It’d be absurd.
I think Luol is a solid player and all the talk about his contract being an albatross is a little off base. His contract is comparable with other 3s that are around his skill level. I think he’s got 4 years 44mill left. Travis Outlaw just signed for 5 and 35. I’d like to think Deng is 4 mill a year better then a guy like Outlaw. But this idea that Luol and Melo are comparable is a joke. Anybody who looks at these sabremetrics and thinks that Luol is on the same level as him has never seen Melo play.
Including Noah in this on the other hand is a terrible terrible idea. I don’t think Bulls management is dumb enough to do it and I would bet that the reason they floated that story out there was for leverage in Noah’s extension talks. Noah is just too valuable to give up. Hindsight is 20/20 but I’m glad they didn’t sign and trade for Bosh using him. He’s got a shot at putting up some gaudy numbers in Thib’s defensive system. If DHoward has a down year in one of the next few years Noah winning Def MVP isn’t out of the question because voters seem to gravitate towards high rebounds and blocks.
If Denver won’t take Deng Gibson and JJ and some draft picks then I’d move in if I were the Bulls. They still could use another shooter. Does anyone know their official cap number? How much space do we have left?
Comment by Alan — September 10, 2010 @ 7:32 pm
Does anyone know if we would get Nene in this trade?
I am NOT for the trade with noah included at all, but it would be more interesting if Nene was involved. He has a hefty contract thought (11-12 mil/year), and is obviously less talented than Noah
Comment by Jimmy — September 10, 2010 @ 9:17 pm
Wow, you are all a bunch of idiots. Yelly, screamy and hustle is great, but Carmelo is one of the top 5 players in the league. Do the math.
Comment by Mike Moes — September 11, 2010 @ 2:00 am
Man, those Denver Nuggets are pipe dreaming they could have NOAH for carmelo anthony,Chicago giving up NOAH for anyone would be a humongous blow to Chicago returning to that 90′s greatness they once had because Rose and Noah are the next JORDAN & PIPPEN on this rising Bulls team of a totally near future.These two are totally similiar to what JORDAN & PIPPEN once were when they were with Chicago.GO BULLS BABY!!!!!
Comment by BULL4EVER — September 11, 2010 @ 1:51 pm
We’re talking about how to get ‘this’ team over the top – into the Championship. You’re talking about pairing Anthony with an above-average point guard to get to that level. He has been aside Billups and good talent long enough and I don’t see the results, as much as I agree he is an elite player.
How many Centers in this league could have pulled off that amazing steal and full-court drive and dunk (and1) to seal the 3rd overtime of a playoff game? When you have a Center that can do his job: Defend his position and help on others, serious rebounding on both sides, reliable interior scoring, fast-break/pick-roll finisher AND be the heart, lead by example on the court, leave it ALL on the court AND play the mental-chess in front of the camera AND show up in the big games … you keep that guy. Period.
The Bulls need all of these aspects, even if he loses a dozen games to the foot. Plus, it’s not just Noah, it becomes Gibson/Deng (and a 1st Round pick) – good NBA players that you know what you get from them and we have every logical right to expect more with the additions that are already there (and the ability to fill the current need at the draft).
Let ‘Melo go to NY and the East can become great again …
Comment by inkybreath — September 11, 2010 @ 7:20 pm
What?! Are you guys serious? Melo is one of the best players in the league. Period. Noah is not. 2 is greater than 1. 1 + 1 = 2. This is simple math, people.
I have to find me another Bulls blog. I’m officially done! I can’t be seen fraternizing with you people. I have the image of a reasonable person to uphold. Peace.
Comment by kipp — September 11, 2010 @ 10:51 pm
Chicago has a zero need of Carmelo Anthony,especially with Rose,Noah and Boozer in the mix,not to mention we have quite a bit of sharpshooting prospects on this Bulls team that can totally shoot lights out of anything on the court.Those new york knicks won’t ever win anything no matter what,even if Carmelo Anthony joins forces with A’mare Stoudemire because you don’t ever win NBA titles with the knicks,nets or the Cavaliers.GO BULLS!!!!
Comment by BULL4EVER — September 12, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
I read this website every so often [usually I jump on BaB], and this is the first set of articles I agree with, basically. Took long enough.
But yeah. If we include Noah in the deal, keep in mind that the trade has to be Deng/Noah to work under the CBA.
I would probably do a Deng/filler[/gibson] for Melo trade just because of fit [we need a wing scorer, and it's a risk we need to take to possibly be competitive re: championships], but we’d be paying a lot more for a guy who’s not really that much better.
Comment by Prevenge — September 12, 2010 @ 4:18 pm
People just trading Deng, Gibson, J.J and our 1st round draft pick hurts us already! I say F**K this deal! Denver please keep Melo or let him sign with another team.
We don’t need his ball hanging skills. If anything I rather go after Rudy Gay! He is still young and by the time his big 4 year contract is over he is going to be 28 years old and to me that is still a young age. Plus Rudy Gay is more of a caught, dunk and shoot type of guy that fits well with our team and he plays way better defense then Melo and in this summer he is having an impress all around game for team USA. Plus we won’t have to give up that much pieces for him then with Melo.
GO BULLS!!!
Comment by Dj — September 12, 2010 @ 9:54 pm
@Prevenge, That’s why I try to stay off BaB because there is not enough reason to the madness that is blogged there. Matt’s logic is much more sound than what is constantly argued about on BaB. Just my opinion.
Comment by Savage — September 13, 2010 @ 1:21 am
Da Bulls look great AS IS. First, we now have 2 of the best rebounders in the league on the same team! How rare!? The Bulls will own the boards Regular seaons and playoffs! Name a better 4-5 combo! If you remeber, giving up second chance points was one of the main reason the Bulls lost to Cleveland. That won’t be an issue this year (but it will if we trade Noah) Second, the Bulls are arguably one of the most offensively-balanced teams in league now. You have a post game now (keep in mind that Boozer can score against any single coverage, if you double him, Noah will make you pay!) You have one of the best penetrators in the league (Rose), and outside shooting! If Thibs can get them to play defense they way they did on boston, we’ll have a championship within 2 years! Without Melo!
Comment by TimeTraveler — September 13, 2010 @ 2:12 pm
@TimeTraveler
Gasol – Bynum, Garnett-Perkins, Lewis-Howard, to name a feew tandems that are superior… As to the balance of your ramblings: you are deluded.
Comment by DANNYBOY — September 14, 2010 @ 12:01 am
@ TimeTraveler
I say 1 more year or maybe now, if the Bulls can find a better deal then Melo that will push them to the top against the Lakers b-cuz right now, the only team that worries me is them. Miami, Orlando and Boston don’t scare me with the team we have. I’m pretty sure we can beat them.
GO BULLS!!!
Comment by Dj — September 14, 2010 @ 4:39 am
Basketball is chemistry, is something magic and the addiction of great players doesn’t mean to became a winner. Plus the ball is still only one and the shot’s number are almost the same in a game, the difference? Make a solid defence, win boards, take the 3 pt shots, blocks, steals and assists. This make a difference, we need only d-rose raise to 25 ppg and noah to a maximum level in rpg and bpg. Of course having melo at the cost of deng+James Johnson+future picks it fits pretty well.
But please never made it happen if the name of noah is written.
Comment by Maurice — September 14, 2010 @ 9:52 am
@ DJ
I agree, a deal that would make the Bulls better should be pursued, but I think it starts and ends with having a strong 4 and 5, otherwise, there’s no way to compete with LA’s Bigs. This is why you gotta keep Noah because he’s too hard to replace. And I do think Rudy Gay’s all-around game and athleticism would be a better fit for this Bulls team than Melo, but Memphis won’t part with Gay anytime soon (which is why they just overpaid him).
The only positions the Bulls could conceivably upgrade at this point are shooting guard and small forward. But I’m not convinced Melo would be a huge upgrade over Deng. Don’t get me wrong, Melo is a much better scorer, but that’s it. Deng is a better defender, better rebounder (among small forwards, Deng is one of the best rebounders in the league!), and his mid-range jump shot is just as good or better than Melo’s. And with Thib’s emphasis on defense and inside out offense, Deng’s game (especially defense) is a better fit. Also, Melo took a hell of a lot of shots to average those 28 points in Denver, he wouldn’t get as many shots on this Bulls team. He’d average 22 at best. Deng gives you 18-20 a game, better defense and better rebounding. I don’t see a need for this trade.
Comment by TimeTraveler — September 14, 2010 @ 7:02 pm
@TimeTraveler
I agree that they shouldn’t part with Noah but I think you are wrong on Deng. If you watch Denver play Melo is the focus of the opposing defense. He is constantly double teamed. Deng is double teamed about as often as Melo isn’t. When you are the focal point of an offense you are asked to put up more shots hence Melo’s shooting numbers. If he was on the Bulls teams would have to pick their poison. They can’t double Boozer, Melo and give help d on Rose’s drives. At least one of them will have a good matchup each possession. I agree Deng is a better defender but he isn’t that much better of a rebounder. Defensive Rebounding I’ll give you but Melo is a better offensive rebounder and a much much better ballhandler and passer. Melo also has a great post game, granted he doesn’t use it nearly enough, it’s still better then Deng’s non-existent post up skills. My favorite part of Melo’s game is his killer instinct at the end of games. I love that he wants that final shoot and more often then not makes it. You really can’t even compare him to Deng here. DRose may develop into the Bulls first clutch performer since #23 but he’s not there yet. You’ve got nothing to worry about though TimeTraveler. There’s no way Denver takes this trade. It would make zero sense for them to take Deng and his contract back in a deal and the Bulls can’t make a deal without Deng in it.
Comment by Alan — September 14, 2010 @ 8:16 pm
Trade Noah for Melo. I’m a Bulls fan too, and I would hesitate to make the deal. Lets get melp and have our own Big Three
Comment by Olu — September 15, 2010 @ 5:31 pm
@Alan
Great points. And you’re right, Most teams have to double Melo whereas for Deng, it’s safe to say he’ll never command a double.
As far as offensive rebounds, Melo does pull down more, but Deng is rarely in position to get offensive boards, he’s mostly on the perimeter whereas Melo posts up more and is often closer to the basktet.
Adding Melo over Deng (and as you said, most likely won’t happen) could give the Bulls the most dynamic offensive package in the league, or there could be some serious chemisty issues. Melo will most likely want most of the offensive run through him which wouldn’t happen. They’ll run some plays for him because he’s that good, but Thibs has already said several times that he’s running an inside out offense in the half-court set. He’s gonna use Noah at the top of the key to run some plays (like Boston uses KG), working it in to Boozer in the post, and back out when the post option isn’t working. Melo has never played in that type of primary offense. An inside-out system would require your wing to get open for spot up shots on the kickback, and slash to the bucket when the lane is open (which is pretty much all Deng does). Melo likes to get the ball, hold it, create his own shot, or find the open man when he can. I don’t see Melo being able to use his full offensive talent on this Bulls team with the system Thibs wants to run. He would have to alter his game some(like Ray Allen and KG did in Boston, and like the big three in Miami will have to do). You’re right that Melo is better in the clutch, and an offensive upgrade, but he would have to buy into the system for it to work.
Comment by TimeTraveler — September 16, 2010 @ 2:55 pm
Good stuff time traveler. I agree with most of it. The more I think about ‘Melo the less I like the idea. I read about how he offered to pay his twitter followers 5k if they slapped some woman. I wouldn’t want someone like that in the locker room. I went to Syracuse while he won the title there so I’ve always been a big fan of his but I’m beginning to think he’ll never grow up. If his maturity ever catches up to his talent he’ll be a monster but stories like this make me wonder if it’ll ever happen. I did read about the Bulls being more uptempo and I’m excited about it. This is all personal opinion and I have no facts to go off of but I actually think the Bulls leaked the inclusion of Noah in trade talks as leverage in contract negotiations. I don’t think the Nuggets would offer him as much money and I don’t think he wants to leave. I don’t think they ever seriously considered moving him…at least I hope not. While ‘Melo probably isn’t coming, I don’t think they’re done tinkering. They have a little cap space left and my hope is that they use it in the same fashion as Sam Presti in OKC. We’d only be able to do it this year because Noah’s ext will kick in next year. If GarPax are shrewd and patient enough we could gain some nice assets along the way this year. OKC constantly has multiple first round picks and they seem to get a young player from some team every year that doesn’t want to pay the luxury tax. Remember when we dumped Sefolosha on them for a late pick? He’s turned into a great defensive weapon and we did it just to reduce our cap number. I’m sure plenty of teams will be looking to do the same during the season. I know this is a little off topic but I really think the Bulls could build on their already solid foundation if they wait it out.
Comment by Alan — September 17, 2010 @ 12:52 am
[...] Chicago Bulls Confidential als auch By The Horns beschäftigen sich unter anderem mit möglichen Trades, die Carmelo Anthony zu den Bulls bringen [...]
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