I wouldn't read too much into what Pax says about Deng and Gordon when he talks about how Rose will affect the current roster. That way I see it, Pax is talking about the current, up to the minute roster, with no regards to possible trades or future plans at all. Even if he knew he was trading Deng tomorrow, he'd still talk about him as a Bull today.

I agree. Not very often are you going to here a GM say "Well, we're looking to trade player X so we're not worried how player Y will effect him."

Secondly, Welcome Aboard!

I gotta prefer a Hinrich-Gooden for Brand deal over a Hinrich straight up for Camby. I like Camby but Brand would bring more offensive punch. Do it, Pax!!

First off, welcome aboard!!!

Secondly, I agree with you to a point and I think part of what Paxson has to comment on allows him to gain further leverage (or keep existing leverage) in any trade discussions he has with other teams. However, at the same time I've found it very interesting that we've heard very little discussion or mention of Kirk Hinrich the past couple weeks and that is either because the Bulls have absolutely zero intent on trading him (thus as of now they aren't concerned about putting out his market value, yet at the same time they want to be able to throw out that reference to any team that is in fact interested in Deng or Gordon (as Pax can say, well we aren't forced to trade anyone as we could move Hinrich). But thats less likely.

Bottom line you always have to take GM speak or coach speak with a grain of salt (to a certain extent) but I haven't heard anything about Duhon or Hinrich and I think there is a reason why. The funny thing is, if the Bulls pulled off a deal for Brand (centered around KirK) or the rumored deal for Camby Duhon could actually have value to Chicago (as a quality back-up point guard). This point guard crop is thin too so the Bulls won't have a ton of options to bring in a veteran backup (which could mean they use Hughes or Ben Gordon as a backup point and that isn't a good idea).

I definately agree with you. I also wonder if the Bulls could work a draft pick into the equation in the Camby deal, but clearly if all it took was Hinrich/Gooden to get Brand you do that instead of the Camby deal.

Elton Brand officially opted out of his contract today, so this means any deal with the Clippers would be a sign & trade. Should mean you are able to work out a deal without necessarily giving up equal value (since the alternative is him walking for nothing). However, with so few teams under the cap the Clippers could have a bit more leverage than would be typical in a sign and trade.

But at the end of the day if Brand wants to go to a specific team, the onus will be on the Clips to get things worked out. Maggette also opted out and if the Bulls moved two of Hinrich/Deng/Gordon/Hughes, you could make a case for going after Maggette with the mid-level exception (although that may not be enough to get him).

It'd be nice, but I REALLY think he's Heat-bound.

Man, I sure hope not... Why do you think that? Are there rumors out there saying that or just a hunch?

there are rumors going around that if brand were to be traded it would likely be to the heat.

The initial reports seem to indicate that Brands preference is to resign with the Clippers. Ownership and the coaching staff loves Elton in LA so I wouldn't be shocked at all if he signs a long term extension. In fact, I'd put the odds at around 90% that he stays.

However, its not to say that another team couldn't make things interesting or that Donald Sterling gets cheap (something he has a history of doing).

What I don't understand is how we traded him to the clippers because he didn't want to sign an extension with da bulls. He was looking forward to leaving. Now he wants to come back? I don't know how credible this source is.

The Bulls sucked considerably more back then than they do right now.

As much as I'd love for this to happen, I just don't see it.
Brand's comments on the radio can be attributed to the fact that he's a nice guy, and he'd never publicly badmouth a team, especially the one that drafted him, ESPECIALLY on a local radio show.
Secondly, he's in the movie business, a professional schmoozer. When talking to him about future deals, one should expect nothing less than a smile and a handshake and that's exactly what he gave listeners during that interview.

All the talk right now has it where Brand WILL most likely re-sign with the Clippers, esspecially if Baron Davis heads over there which reports have indicated to be his #1 destination. I highly doubt Brand will be a Bull again. Will Pax once again go through an offseason where he fails to aqcuire a true Post player?

In Paxson's defense, this team is more than a post-season player away from the title, especially now that they are committed to the development of Noah/Tyrus/Rose. The reality is its pretty much impossible to contend for a title (I said title, not playoffs) with that many guys in need of development. Also, Paxson was able to get a quality post-scorer in Drew Gooden. People clearly underestimate his offensive ability and just overall ability. Gooden is a pretty damn solid player, the only question is how he'll fit in with Del Negro's offense (which apparently will be much more fast paced).