The big problem the Bulls have according to the writers closest to the team, is the fear of the cap dropping a ton after next season. Teams will be able to offer their own free agents, not just more money, but $40 million more than other teams, if the rumored projections are accurate. So, you either have to do a sign and trade and make sure you have some players who would interest the teams who would be losing the FA or you are going to need a reason for a player to want to play for less, and Chicago in the winter, possible 66.7% hike in state taxes, isn't a very good reason. If MJ were still here and players knew they would be playing for a title, that's one thing, but the Bulls aren't there. They either need to trade for a FA to be or probably will get shut out on the big names, unless the NBA's economics make an unexpected recovery next season, or Wade decides he wants to come home. Chances are Bosh probably isn't going anywhere.

KC made a point of saying its not sources, but source. He claims the talks never happened, now the source, ESPN, said its dead. I don't know, it could be Sam and KC were right, or it could be the Bulls don't want their fans to know about it, because they know the majority would do it, and they may be in the minority. The NBA is loaded with so many rumors, its not too far fetched to think Sam and KC are correct, or at least if there were "talks" it was some team making an inquiry that was quickly rejected.

KC Johnson on Tribune Live echoed Sam Smith and said this deal was never discussed. Apparently the NBA is bracing for a huge drop in salary cap next year the the disparity in what guys can sign for staying with their teams and what guys can sign for with a new team is going to be very big. Johnson said the Bulls really want Bosh, but now believe they probably have no shot. The guy they think they may have a shot at is Wade.

He also said Boozer made a lot of sense for the Bulls, so why they aren't discussing him if that's the case, is puzzling.

I suppose its possible the Bulls did discuss this deal but don't want their fanbase to know they might have said no. The majority I'm quite sure would get rid of Tyrus and Hinrich for Boozer. I don't know if you want Pargo playing as your 3rd guard, and maybe the Bulls don't either. If the Bulls did turn it down and got shut out of free agency next offseason, the PR would be brutal.

Actually, Sam is a pretty good buddy of Jerry Reinsdorf. I trust what he says. The NBA is a rumor league. Most are fake.

Sam Smith said these rumors are absolutely false.

There was a running back that had the same issue several years ago. I forgot who it was but it was a huge name. He wound up have a ton of knee problems.

According to Any Katz:

Oklahoma City, Detroit and Chicago made assurances early on Thursday that they weren't dealing their top 16 picks.

If he stays healthy, he'll probably be the second greatest Bull ever. I think the Bulls think he's even better than they thought.

Doesn't Miller have to sit out 5 games for violating the drug policy?

According to reports out of Dallas, Harris is expected to sign on with the Bullies today.

I do agree the Lakers would want a star back for Kobe. I don't think the Bulls have that, but a 3 way might get it done. I have no scenerios however.

I would much rather have Noah than Hawes. Be leary of 7 footers who can't rebound, especially in college when they are much bigger than everyone else. Mark my words, 3 years from now people will be scratching their heads as to why Hawes was a lottery pick. And his footwork, big deal, that was Stacey King's forte as well.,

I think Hawes is a stiff. I hope and think Paxson will stay away from him.

Very very doubtful unless its moving down a spot or 2 and they still are going to get the guy they want. The Bulls had success with Duhon in the second, but look at past season's first round picks. Most of those guys are junk. Second rounders usually wind up in Europe or the NBDL.

Does anyone know if Shawn Marion lives in Chicago? I just saw him working out at Equinox, 900 N. Michigan. He was talking to someone that works there and said he was going somewhere but would be back in a week. FYI, in no way do I think because Marion is working out downtown that he is destined to be a Bull, I was just curious if anyone knew if he lived around here or not.

From Michael Sneed's column 6/23/06:


. . Milwaukee Buck Toni Kukoc dining at Quartino Wednesday night and dropping hints about a possible return to the Bulls.

It was in a gossip column a couple of weeks ago that Kukoc said there was a good chance he would be playing for the Bulls this coming season. He still lives in the northern suburbs I believe. Pretty much halfway between Milwaukee and Chicago.

Very doubtful KG gets traded, but if the Bulls somehow did get him, you really can't worry about depth, because with KG and Wallace on the front line, you aren't going to have to be as deep. I think Deng could be a star, I think Thomas could be a star, I think people will always be waiting for Chandler to become one. KG is a star. I would take the sure thing. The Bulls could make a nice 3 or 4 year run before most likely totally sucking again, unless the Knicks pick next year gets them something really good, which is extremely possible.

You couldn't possibly have Wallace and Chandler together on the floor in the 4th quarter of a relatively close game. They would probably set the record for free throws missed in a quarter a few times over in a season. They are going to give Wallace Chandler's jersey number, because Tyson, he gone.

I think its going to get ugly in Detroit fairly quickly. They still will be good for a couple of seasons, but Joe Duuuuuuuuuuuuumars has his work cut out for him.

When Deng gets 20 points, the Bulls have an incredible record. The guy is going to be a solid pro for a long time. He's not as flashy as some others, he'll never be asked to be in the dunk contest, but he's a steady, smart player. Sort of like a small forward/guard version of Elton Brand. Yes, I do think he can play the off guard position. I love the guy, and would only deal him if it mean KG was joining BW in the Bulls' frontcourt.

It also weakens a division and conference foe. Its a great signing. I'll help Chandler pack his bags if he wants.

Wasn't Scottie Pippen a manager throwing guys towels his first year of college? Who cares what Thomas was ranked in high school, he jumps out of the building, blocks shots, runs like the wind, has a shot that is better than people think, and is only going to get better. Having him and Wallace is only going to help a guy like Gordon on defense. The Bulls are on the rise. Getting rid of Krause and bringing in Pax was a stroke of genius by the Chairman.

Get rid of Chandler now. The guy has back issues at 23. They haven't invented a game short enough for him not to be in foul trouble. He can't score down low. He's a great defender and decent rebounder, but that said, game after game how many times does he have more fouls than points and snags about 5 rebounds? That's not worth the money on his contract. Let some other team wait for him to play up to his potential, and free up some cap space for basketball players not projects.