I bet you’ve been wondering who the Bulls are going to select in tonight’s NBA Draft.
Me too.
However, if Bulls management has it’s way, some other team is going to end up with the 17th pick.
According to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune: “Like the Heat’s trade of Daequan Cook and their first-round pick, the Bulls are trying to shave payroll for free agency. They’ve tried to package the pick with Luol Deng or Kirk Hinrich with little serious interest yet, although talks with the Clippers continue.”
Speaking of the Cook trade, the Heat pulled off a real coup there.
According to Israel Gutierrez of the Miami Herald: “By trading [Cook], the Heat have only Beasley ($4.96 million) and Mario Chalmers ($850,000) under contract next season. The Heat also avoids having to budget $1.2 million in salary cap space for the No. 18 pick. With the salary cap set at $56 million, that would leave the Heat with enough space to re-sign Wade, another max-salary player and possibly a third max player (between $15-$17 million for the first year of the deal).”
Pat Riley’s salary wrangling has allowed the Miami to Leapfrog Chicago as The Most Desirable Potential Destination for LeBron James. After all, the Heat could realistically field a three-man core of Dwyane Wade, LeBron James and (say) Chris Bosh.
I hate to admit it, but that would certainly trump a LeBron-Rose-Noah combo. But that won’t stop the Bulls from working to make moves right up until the last minute.
Said Bulls GM Gar Forman: “There are a lot of things we’re considering, some of which the (No. 17) pick is involved with. We’re not just going to move the pick (alone) for financial consideration. Like trade deadlines, a lot of times things don’t happen until the 24th hour.”
Like a trade that would send Luol Deng to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat? Apparently, this deal has been discussed…but it’s unlikely to occur. For financial reasons, of course.
According to Mike McGraw of the Daily Herald: “This deal would save the Bulls about $22 million in future salaries, but it wouldn’t give them any more cap space to add a second free agent this summer. In fact, it would erase about $300,000 in cap space, which probably makes this move unlikely. … The Bulls wouldn’t mind moving Deng this summer to add a second free agent, but they’re not likely to trade him for two reserves and no cap relief.”
Remember: Even if nothing happens by tonight, the Bulls still have a week or two to shed salary for the upcoming free agent bonanza. I’m not sure whether management can actually move Deng and/or Hinrich — their contracts are that much of an anchor — but if you’re a fan of either guy, I suggest you make peace with the idea of seeing them in another uniform next season.
You know, just in case.
being a knick fan i definately know about cost cutting moves….but if im the bulls..i would stand pat if nothing really presents itself….the bulls would realistically only get one top tier free agent in any event…theres one thing you have to remember…if these teams strike out…cap space does not win you basketball games…hinrich is a great player beyond his skills on the basketball court…plus u may even pick up another ‘taj gibson’….
it is really a chance that nothing could change and all these teams cleared all this cap room for nothing….
taj gibson with that 19th pick*
I believe that both Deng & Hinrich are part of what makes the Bulls attractive. That being a given, I believe that one or both could be gone by the beginning of this coming season and that will slow down the march to a championship. They are a major component of the chemistry that makes the Bulls go and will be missed. It will take time to replace 40% of the on court presence regardless of who comes in to fill the spot.
We true Bulls fans totally die-hard-rooting Bulls fans have zero interest in Hinrich and Deng whether they stay in Bulls uniforms or not next season and beyond because we are totally focused and hoping hard on that King in Cleveland or Chris Bosh signing with our Bulls.Now we will totally make peace with any of these two scenarios taking place in favor of Chicago,we have zero interest in making peace by trying to get rid of Hinrich and Deng because LBJ and Bosh have always been 1st, everything else has zero meaning especially if one of these two free-agent stars sign with the Windy City, NUFF SAID. GO BULLS.
I am not saying like poof be gone kirk or deng I still know they both have alot to offer our team and not just gonna throw them under the bus. The time may come when they must move on but for now I am not willing to get rid of one or both of them just for cap space when there are no sure things the bulls will sign anyone at least now the team they have is very compeditive and it can fight against most any team in the league therefore be careful what you wish for thinking just getting rid of guys means you have more money then if no one signs jerry john and Gar dont look like they did not try to get anyone I am not sold yet they really are trying to make our team a true contender actions always speak louder than words lets see what happens tonight and in the following week via free agency, I will hold the rest of my comments till after tonight and more to come after july 1 because if the bulls aint signed anyone by july 2 it will be too late to get anyone then enough said . Peace
I disagree, BULL4EVER. I do care whether we see Hinrich and Deng in Bulls uniforms. More specifically, I hope we DO still have Hinrich and DON’T still have Deng. Hinrich is a good veteran leader on the court and someone who you can turn to when you need someone level-headed to calm the team down a bit. He’s also a great defender. That said, I do agree that his salary is too high. Deng is a good player, but I’m tired of waiting for him to take it to the next level. Finally, I’m quite honestly sick of all of the pandering to LeBron that I’m seeing. Sure he’s an excellent player, but I have my doubts about his drive to win. Up to this point it just seems like when things don’t go his way in the playoffs, he has a tendency to look defeated and just give up. That’s not the kind of player I want on my team. I’d rather have someone with less talent that will give 100% every time he’s out on the court. Granted, LeBron’s attitude could be completely different in a new situation, but I have my doubts. LeBron could be a great addition, but the Bulls will be fine without him, too.
i can personally guarantee the bulls or any other team will sign a FA by july 2nd
woops meant WILL NOT
They WILL NOT sign by July 2nd because they are not allowed to sign until July 8th anyway. Deng is who will get traded because now that the Bulls have Thibs, he will want to hang onto Hinrich for his defensive ability
I wouldn’t mind seeing them trade the 17th pick for 2 later picks. Might as well get some depth. If they could pull out trading away Deng’s huge contract, I’m all for it.
i think they should get rid of deng he has’nt done anything for the team but be hurt aand take it to the hole softer then a WNBA player! ithink we keep kirk cause we need a pg that can play some defence. besides who is are other pg pargo thats a joke
As a long time Bulls fan I have to say that I am not opposed to the idea of trading Luol Deng but I would much rather have Hinrich on the Bulls than else where. Hinrich had his best years under a defensive minded coach and that is exactly what the Bulls have now. Hinrich is our only real perimeter defender in our starting lineup
there is no such way you can guarantee that one thing is for sure by july 2 teams will have a good idea who wants to play for them or who they will be signing on the 8 of july they have had plenty of time back room talks and via friends such as under the table deals don’t think it does not happen either way the bulls best not wait to make a move it may be too late that is all I am saying trying to hold out for LBJ and that is definatly no sure thing. they should go after bosh if james wants in then make it happen after but I think james is staying in cleavland no dought just messing with the team to let them know he is serious about winning . his point has been made at least wade is clear only way he leaves Miami is they don’t make some major changes which looks like that is what they are doing so I think it is safe to say he will be there when the smoke clears. Peace
ESPN is reporting that Kirk is gone to either the Wizards or the Kings as soon as July 9th rolls around…which means we will have as much cap space as Miami, with a much larger nucleus of good players to surround a pair of FA’s with (Miami has Wade and Beasley, we still have Rose, Noah, Deng, and Taj)
Ohh man with Hinrich’s contract cleared this puts us in real contention to have a hell of a team next year. I am so excited about our possibilities right now!! It is reported that the Kings would take on Hinrich if the deal with the Wizard’s deal falls apart sounds very positive we have a back up plan in place already. Lets go Bulls!!!!!!
I wouldn’t mind losing Deng but I like Kirk and I’d hate to see him go. Just love how he plays but we gotta do what we have to do to free up more money. Our luck seems to be nobody takes what we offer but they’ll settle for other teams crap players when we offer a better player. Whatever though. I’m hopin for a good offseason.
We will miss you Kirk!
Speak for your self “BULLS4EVER”, I am not saying that I would not be willing to give them up to eliminate their expensive contracts but I think TRUE Bulls fan would really respect what they have given to the team in the past. Helping us to begin to get out of our long time slump, after years of missing the playoffs and being at the bottom of the league. We do need to do better and get to the next level of play but to say you do not care about them at all and are only looking forward to the next big thing is completely disrespectful to them. I am not a huge Deng fan but I definitely give due respect to Captain Kirk and his time on the Bulls if he really does end up getting moved. That said lets do what needs to be done this offseason and bring on the ship.
This just in; Kirk and our pick are gone to Washington.
Just read an article stating, kirk and 17th pick to the wizards. It’s not official yet but how can we even put our best on ball defender trading block. If anything it should be deng who really didn’t do anything all season. Just my opinion, but it should be deng.
The best thing to do is to get rid of Deng. Then Get Joe Johnson because he is an underrated player and doesnt “show boat” and complain like LBJ. Chicago doesnt need a show boater. Chicago needs a winner. Plus Hinrich ves the Bulls more cap space. That way they can sign another player which could be Derrick Lee or Chris Bosh. Again players who are underrated and keep their mouths shut and just play the game. Plus if the Bulls trade Deng to maybe Orlando for Peitrus and/or Gortat. That will help them produce a stronger bench which is something the Bulls are weak on. Then that wouldnt really help Orlando out that much because Deng only plays one position. That way Rashard Lewis is forced to play power when he is naturally a small forward. While the Bulls get two players that can play two positions.
Trm3 Kirk is gone. He was traded to the wizards with the 17 pick. So now we will have even more money to sign Rudy Gay………….Sarcasm intended!
Are you serious Max?
some of you need to slow down, everyone is wanting the bulls to shed player capt kirk and deng, But! what if the bulls don’t bring in anyone no big names maybe just david lee or joe johnson, the bulls just all but traded kirk, if the bulls don’t land lebron and bosh, the bulls franchise will be set back a couple years, D ROSE is amazing and i love Noah but those two alone don’t win championships greate player like rose need role player around them, trading Capt Kirk could possibly cost us
I’m glad hinrich is gone. i just hope we actually get one of these dudes.
and David Lee…Hell yeah!!
Yup it is true Bill, the Bulls traded Hinrich and their 17 pick draft to the Wizards for their 2nd round draft pick.
Their is a plus side and negative side for making this move. The plus side is that the Bulls will have enough money to sign 2 Max free-agent players like: Lebron and Bosh or Wade and Amare. They can even get a 3rd Super Star if they do a sign and trade deal move with Deng. The negative side of this move is that if none of these top super star players don’t want to come to Chicago we are F*** and leaving us no choice but to sign Boozer and Joe Johnson or Ray Allen and Amare to max contracts which I hope not!!!
Note to Miami: You can re-sign ur Wade and sign LeBron and sign Bosh or Amar’e…we’re going for Lee and Gay..then we’re gonna sign Morrow, Korver and Carl Landry with all the money we free’d up. The Bulls will have a nice solid team while the Heat will just a have good team. Finals bound!
And trm3 who ever u really r (max) That is not a bad idea to sign Rudy Gay and David Lee as a plan B if these top super star players don’t come to Chicago like: Lebron, Wade or Bosh.
Yah we can also get Wade, Lebron, Kobe, Amare and Bosh if we play our cards right =P
Btw..I think Ricky Davis and Laettner are available, I think we can get them for cheap to build a DEEP bench with all the money we just created.
Kirk was expendable once Rose matured. Too expensive as a backup and not a true SG.
I bet he helps backup and guide Wall just as he did with Rose. By then his contract ends.
Is Joe Johnson a more likely pickup? Him and Bosh?
LMFAO Trm3. I hear Bobby Hurley is available to back up Rose at the point!!! Maybe even get Bobby Jackson!!
There is no downside to this deal 9 mill is too expensive to pay a backup. That being said I did love having Hinrich on the team he is a competitor. It took a lot of effort to get the deal done I can finally say that the front office did a good job finally. I know most fans are skeptical with good reason. But I would much have Johnson/Bosh or LBJ/Bosh many other combos than Hinrich and one top free agent. We will get at the very least one top FA and a second solid player if not another top FA. Im excited wish more fans were as well.
Welcome to basketball purgatory, Kirk.
Hahaha, good one Bill, we can also add Dirk Nowitzki and Yao Ming since we have a lot of money!
Forget about the King in a Miami uniform in 2010-11 because LeBron won’t ever even sign with Miami no matter how much Cap Space Miami frees up.LBJ will either sign a contract in the Windy City or he will stay in Cleveland.Another thing I want to point out is, Chicago could use LBJ, Chicago does not at all even need him because the Bulls also have four other high-profile free-agent stars for star attraction like Bosh, StoudaMire, Boozer and Johnson, besides LeBron James.Chicago could use LeBron James, Chicago does not need LeBron James at all. GO BULLS BABY.
Getting rid of Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick for basically nothing doesn’t make sense. Someone mentioned that the Bulls would get a future Wizards 2nd round pick, that is little compension for a starting guard and the 17th pick. If that is accurate then Pax and Gar should be strung up. I do not care how much cap space it gives us. Now the Bulls absolutely have to get 2 quality guards to be competitive next season, that tells me that we are going after J. Johnson. Thibodeau will have to be a miracle worker to get defense out of Johnson. I truly believe that Capt. Kirk was the lynchpin of this Bulls team, but that is the way it goes. The Bulls are 2-3 years away from a championship with or without Hinrich and whoever they get as FAs. It could be longer without Hinrich.
All I got to say is you better get used to the idea of seeing JOE JOHNSON in a Bulls uni next year. He has said he wants to be here! Look back and realize – I like this guy, and you will all like him once next season is underway. He is a taller BG, and he has the length and smarts to play good defense. His offensive game is already there.
Although I liked Hinrich, he was too much money for the role he would play this up coming season. They should get rid of Deng too. Free up more space. Even if we didn’t get Lebron we could still pick up Bosh, Johnson, and Gay.
Hinrich and the 17th pick are gone and the reports say that JOE JOHNSON is wanting to play for the BULLS so bad that he is willing to sign early!
So can you imagine Derrick Rose, Joe Johnson, Lebron James, Taj Gibson, & J. Noah as the starting line-up. With Deng, James Johnson, and others that we could pick up coming off the bench. We would be pretty hard to compete with! Go Bulls!!!
Who could you double team? Try to double Rose and Joe Johnson or Lebron will kill you! Double Lebron and Rose or Joe will kill you! Double Joe and you know the rest! So how would you stop the Bulls attack then? And they all play defense. Rose could work on his some more but we all know Lebron and Joe play good defense. Some would even say great for Lebron! So with Bosh, or Joe, or Lebron; were gonna be a better team next season for sure!
im glad we didnt trade Deng. He is averaging 20 points now. And the Miami Heat, with those three losers Wade, LeBron, and Bosh, are playing terrible.