I’m Reading:Sam Smith, Trade Ideas Galore
February 8th, 2010 | by samia |Sam Smith puts together a solid read on all teams that could make a good match with the Bulls for a mid season trade. Smith does not only kick around hypothetical deals, but deals that make sense for both the Bulls and any interested parties.
-Hinrich to the Magic for Brandon Bass, J.J. Redick, Anthony Johnson
This idea fills a need for the Bulls beautifully, but I’m not quite sure the Bulls are getting all they should in the return. Redick might find his way to being released, and Johnson’s best years were more than a couple seasons ago. Ultimately, I think the Magic are getting too good of a player. However, Bass by himself is a solid player, although he’s been rotting on the bench. If the Bulls had a front line of Noah and could slide Bass into that mix, that gives them a very strong and physical pairing with a great nose for the ball. The Bulls could own the offensive glass and have reassurance to get the break started with defensive rebounds. I’m not sure the Bulls get back enough, but I like how Bass fits into the Bulls’ personality on the floor.
Smith just threw this name out there, and although it’s playing fantasy GM, it gets you to think. Ellis, void of the point guard responsibilities, would thrive going up and down the floor with Rose to the point where the Bulls could very likely compete with the top Eastern Conference teams. A talent like Monta makes the Bulls close to a 50 win team. You may think it’s a big statement, but I don’t think so much. The questions would lie in the defensive end after losing a player like Hinrich, and with that in mind the Bulls would have to retool. We all know Monta Ellis isn’t the definition of defense, but he’s capable when his head is in the right place.
A solid player no doubt, but not the caliber the Bulls should be going after. He’s always hurt for starters, and second, trading his expiring contract at 9.15 mill for Hinrich’s doesn’t save you that much money. Smith talks about filling a need but your creating too much of a hole by letting go of Hinrich. This isn’t the right deal.
When your in a tough seven game series, you need a solid big man to hold you down defensively. Sam Smith speculates on Deng and Noah for Jefferson, which personally makes me vomit hardcore without hesitation. I only suggest the Bulls go nowhere near Jefferson, who is so awful defensively it’s borderline funny. Would he be a solid post presence? Sure, but he’ll take the whole team out of rhythm and Rose would be bogged down in half court sets. Not a good fit.
Best Idea of the Bunch?
It’s a tough one. Realistically, Brandon Bass is a legitimate option. From Orlando’s perspective, if they could flip Bass, who never plays for a proven player like Hinrich than it’s a win for them. Bass would be a success in a Bulls uniform, and I’m sure he’d be gracious because of the playing time. Only problem is Ty Thomas, who you would hope be packaged in a trade.
Tags: Al Jefferson, Anthony Johnson, Brandon Bass, Corey Maggette, Golden State Warriors, J.J. Redick, Kirk Hinrich, Los Angeles Clippers, Marcus Camby, Minnesota Timberwolves, Monta Ellis, Orlando Magic, Tyrus Thomas
