I know it's probably just talking out off my ass but I was wondering if the Bulls would have any interest in Theo Ratliff. I know he's getting older and has been plagued by injuries, but I wonder whether he'd be ready to play next year.
I think that trading for him and Rajon Rondo would be very smart for the Bulls. I think a Duhon/Nocioni trade would probably work. I'd love the defensive quick handed Rondo here on the Bulls (especially since he's wen to Kentucky). Ratliff would either be a very serviceable great defending big man who only has one year on his contract left, or he'd be a major trading piece with a big expiring $11 million contract. However, we know how that worked out last year.
Either way, I think the Bulls would come out ahead b/c they'd get Rondo who's better than Duhon. He can't shoot the 3 but he's a better player and he distributes the ball nicely. I really don't see Nocioni or Duhon as being in the Bulls future plans, so why not bring in Rondo and give the Celtics a backup PG and a good SF. I think Paxson would be hesitant to trade players to Boston.
We'd pick up Ratliff's contract and we'd have our 9th pick whoever that is. We could resign PJ and have our big man needs taken care of even if Ratliff is hurt. Then at the midway point, Paxson could evaluate whether or not it's best to make a major deal or keep everyone including whoever he drafted at 9. With Ratliff's contract he'd be able to keep Wallace and Hinrich and not have to worry about matching finances so much if he did try to land a blockbuster deal. He'd have Deng, Tyrus, Thabo, Gordon, Rondo, & the 9th pick as key trading pieces. Or if Ratliff is healthy he'd have 2 of the best defending big men in the league.
I think it would work out great for the Bulls.