It's here folks. Rose or Beasley? What will it be...discuss here.

YIPPEE!!!

Derrick Rose. Also, i just heard on the radio that three different GMs called Chad Ford asking if he knew anything about Dwayne Wade being traded to the Bulls tonight? Hmmmmmmm.

I saw Stephen A Smith on tonight and indicated that the Heat should trade Marion to the Bulls for Hinrich & Tyrus Thomas and than draft Beasley (The Heat that is). Bulls would obviously be taking Rose. Interesting idea and it would give the Bulls cap relief and a pretty good player (albeit, Marion wasn't near as good outside of Phoenix but that Miami team he played on last year was horrid).

I'm very curious to see if the Bulls are able to put together a monster package for Wade because right now the Heat are kind of a mess. They have a ton of forwards and need to move some to even think about taking Beasley.

The Bulls wouldn't be getting any cap relief, Marion's option is for $17 mil a year.

Bulls: Rumors Swirling
By Jason Gage
ChiSport.com

This time last year, the Chicago Bulls were on cloud nine. They didn’t win the NBA Championship, but they had decisively beaten the former NBA Champion Miami Heat in the playoffs and had a strong series against the Detroit Pistons. Fans in Chicago and experts around the NBA saw nothing but a bright future in Chicago and on top of it all, the Bulls had a top 10 pick to add another talent (what most figured would be the last one they’d add in a long time). The Bulls eventually selected Noah, who looks like a solid piece (ie, Tyson Chandler Jr.).


However, the season got ugly quick, Skiles was fired as the team struggled to overcome early season injuries (Deng/Gordon/Hinrich/Ben Wallace). The Bulls ended up finding themselves in the lottery and somehow lucked out and have the top pick. GM John Paxson has his future tied to such selection as the Bulls are no longer the toast of the NBA. However, they are still the youngest team in the league and have many tradeable assets (including trade exceptions and the desireable fat contracts to make a blockbuster deal).

The one asset that no one expects to be traded is the top pick, where the Bulls are expected to take Derrick Rose. So it isn’t really the top pick that will make things interesting in Chicago, it will be the trade rumors and here’s just a few of the rumors swirling around the windy city:

1. Dwayne Wade
ESPN analyst Chad Ford has indicated that three NBA GM’s contacted him in the last 24 hours regarding Wade going to Chicago. Apparently these GM’s were both supplying information but also looking for information. This is a common thing NBA GM’s will do as often times a good NBA analyst will have a better gauge or more unique gauge on the market than the GM. There were no indications of who would be involved in such deal, but the first pick appears off the table and any deal would likely include Kirk Hinrich, who is a favorite of Riley’s. Assuming the Bulls could put together a package that didn’t include Luol Deng and the entire front court, this deal makes a lot of sense. The Bulls could utilize a back-court involving Rose/Wade/Sefolosha (I’m assuming Gordon would be a part of this deal or a seperate deal) and a wing tandom of Luol Deng and Andres Nocioni. The front court would likely be a bit thinner (Tyrus would likely be a part of the trade) but would still feature Joakim Noah and Drew Gooden which is a solid front court. Plus, in the after-math you would still have a couple players that could be moved.

2. Hinrich to the Bucks
You’ll notice a theme to all these rumors and that is Kirk Hinrich. With the selection of Derrick Rose, the Bulls are expected to move Hinrich. This will become easier on July 1, when Hinrich (and Nocioni) lose base year compensation status, but there are rumblings around the Bucks organization of a deal which would involve Hinrich going to the Bulls for salary filler (Desmond Mason and others) and the 8th overall pick. The logic is there for the Skiles and the Bucks, who are trying to make a statement that they plan on contending and need a point guard to do that. From Chicago’s standpoint they lose out in the talent end of the deal (#8 overall pick is not as valuable as Kirk Hinrich) but financially they put themselves in a better position to sign Deng & Gordon and still put the team in a spot where they can make the necessary moves to make a splash at Lebron/Wade when they become free agents.

3. Heat Trade #2 Overall Selection to Chicago
Sam Smith reported in the Chicago Tribune that the Chicago Bulls have had preliminary discussions about a deal which would net the Bulls the 2nd overall pick. This seems a bit odd, although a draft day that netted the Bulls Michael Beasley & Derrick Rose would be a good thing. The Bulls would be getting both a playmaker and scorer of the future, but Paxson would have some significant tweaking to do as Deng/Hinrich/Hughes and possibly Gordon would be without roster spots (Deng could still have one, if the team opted to play Beasley at the 4). The cost would be steap and would start at Tyrus Thomas (or Joakim Noah), Kirk Hinrich, and one other chip. The Heat have also received numerous other offers for the #2 overall selection which are believed to include stars like Elton Brand.

4. Shawn Marion to the Bulls
Not only is Kirk Hinrich a recurring theme in these rumors, but so are the Miami Heat. It appears evident that Riley & Paxson have had numerous discussions and there is definately a variety of possibilities involving Chicago & Miami. ESPN’s, Stephen A. Smith, briefly mentioned on Sportcenter the possibility of the Heat keeping the #2 pick (and taking Beasley) while moving Marion to the Bulls for Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich. Marion is a very good all around player, who struggled away from Steve Nash. However, it’s hard to judge Marion’s play in Miami since he was surrounded with such a terrible cast. The Heat have to move Marion just as much as the Bulls need to move Hinrich (and at least one other guard). On top of getting fair value for Hinrich & Thomas (Marion would be), the Bulls would be getting an expiring contract (which is always valuable).

Expiring contract, so they would be getting relief in a sense (basically getting rid of the long-term deal that Hinrich has).

Well, assuming they let him walk or flip him, otherwise even with a paycut he'll end up making more than Kirk, especially since Hinrich's deal was front-loaded.

My assumption is they'd either let Marion walk or flip him. The key is they'd be spending money on a guy that would be starting, where as, Hinrich, is clearly not going to be starting. Its pretty evident Pax is trying to move some guys for expiring deals and better position the club financially speaking.

A lot of talk today around the Bulls walking out of the draft with Rose & Beasley and recently there have been a lot more positive quotes coming out of Bulls camp regarding Michael (ie, Rose & Beasley are the two guys in this draft that are "winners"). Bulls have the ability to do it and they can make up for what they give up (which will be some damn good young talent and could even include Deng) if they than go around and use the trade exception to help get them something (which will be very valuable) as well as the MLE and LLE or whatever it's called.

why... oh WHY do I have to have a softball game right as the draft starts? I want to see this evening unfold!!!

It sounds as if Deng will be back on the Bulls but that Pax is more willing to move him. Gordon will likely be back, as will Gooden, but the Bulls are trying to position themselves to make a major run at Elton Brand, who apparently has told people close to him that he would be happy to return to Chicago.

If Gordon is dealt it would likely be in a sign and trade which would also involve Nocioni (who is quietly being shopped). Bottom line, the entire franchise is on the block and there are a whole lot of ways Paxson can go.

I'd have no problem with that if it landed us Rose AND Beasley...or Brand or Marion or BOTH!

There are so many rumors and so much hype about this year's draft. I'm having a hard time concentrating at work. Good thing I don't have much work at the end of the month.

Unfortunately any deals involving Gordon or Deng couldn't happen tonight.

Is that because they aren't under contract? I'm assuming a deal can get done but just not officially performed until later?

agree in principal and announce it "unofficially" so it basically locks both side into the deal.

Perhaps. From what I read they can't be moved until July?

Paxson has to be making a big move this off-season. After the beatdown he has gotten for the players he didn't get, it is time to put the chips on the table and rock.

But only if JR says its ok...

I don't know that I remember the last time he told a GM no. Kenny gets the override all of the time.

This has happened several times in the draft in previous years. They'll make an annoucement saying that the two teams have "agreed to a deal in principle" but all of the details and technicalities won't get ironed out until mid-summer.

Beasley’s production from the post will make the Bulls a more threatening playoff team than Rose would as a point guard. Even in the era of no perimeter hand checks, a big man’s ability to control a game through high-percentage scoring opportunities and rebounding is invaluable. Teams with great post players also derive other scoring opportunities off the big man’s offensive tools. Sharpshooters around the perimeter give a big man outstanding passing options when confronted with double teams, and keen-eyed big men who set up higher in the post always have the option to drop off passes for teammates cutting through the lane or backdoor along the baseline.

A versatile big man such as Beasley, who can knock down 18-footers in his sleep, can create outstanding spacing on the floor, a key to any half-court offense. The prevailing thought every NBA playoff season is that the game slows down and proper half-court offensive execution is essential to advancing through the rounds. The reason it’s a prevailing thought is because it’s the truth. The Celtics, Spurs, Pistons and Lakers have won titles since the MJ Era by successfully executing this thought process, Dwayne Wade, the refs from the ‘06 Finals and the Heat notwithstanding. If the Bulls want to become a playoff contending team with long-term title aspirations, then they will choose the big man (Beasley) over the little man (Rose) tonight.

Aaaaaahhhhh, I'm so excited! I just got back from work 30 minutes ago and am ready for tonight's festivities...

I agree with everything you said above. The question is whether the Bulls believe they can find that big man easier than they could find a play-maker like Rose. There is no denying that in the current version of the NBA that a PG who can create can change the entire eb and flow of a game and really carry a franchise. Especially when you factor in the NBA throughouly enforcing and calling the hand-check rule which will continue to open up and make it easier for guards to dominate in this league.

So the question is, if the Bulls think Rose is this guy and can land someone like Elton Brand (who is a proven low post threat) do they do it? I don't question Beasley's ability to score but I don't necessarily see him as a true low post threat. I see him in a combination of Bosh/Melo in the sense that they will be great offensive players but if you consider him a post player, he'd be more like Bosh (in the sense a shooting big as opposed to a physically dominant one) or like Melo in the sense of a pure scorer but maybe not a great passer or anything along those lines.

Regardless I would be thrilled if the Bulls found a way to get the 2nd overall pick and nab both Beasley & Rose but that is incredibly realistic and would obviously set back the franchises time-table (but it could obviously put the franchise in a tremendous spot to make a run at Lebron/Wade in the 2010 FA race).

Apparently at some point in time the Twolves offered the Bulls Al Jefferson for the #1 overall pick. Thats the type of move I'd strongly consider but it doesn't sound like the Bulls will bite. You could acquire Jefferson and have Jefferson/Noah as your low post threat with Hinrich/Deng (legit starters) and Gordon (plus Nocioni/Hughes/etc). Obviously some salary or fillers would have to get moved, but with Jefferson on board the Bulls could pretty much focus on moving the parts for a better PG or SG.

Yikes, tough call. Would we get the number 3 as well?

Haha, if that was the case it would a no-brainer, lol. Although you could probably expand it to such. I just don't see why Minny would do that because I truly believe Jefferson is the type of guy you build a franchise around (unless they think Rose is a better guy to do it with).

Man, that's tempting. 23 year old big men that averaged 21-11 the last year don't become available too often. If his defense were even average I think I'd do that, but he's an atrocious defender. He also makes a lot more than the pick right now.

No, I don't think the Bulls would bite b/c they want a PG. But, if the Bulls had all along wanted Beasley, then I think they'd be crazy not to make the trade b/c 23 year old PF/C's who average 21 and 11 don't come often. The dude won't even be in his prime for 2-3 more years and at that point should be averaging 24 and 12 type #'s. That's sick...

I'd have to think about that trade, but I'm pretty sure I'd make it. I guess I'd have to consult Vinny and ask him how he thinks Al would fit into the offense Vinny wants to run, but I think he could figure out a way to make it work with a young, dominant post-player. I'd absolutely make this trade, however, if we could figure out a way to acquire Wade without giving up the #1 pick. Wade and Jefferson on the same team would be badass. And, we'd likely still have Noah and Nocioni. We'd just have to find a solid PG to run the team, which I think we could convince Duhon to come back to do if he didn't have much competition with Hinrich and Gordon both likely gone.

I actually think its almost a no-brainer to make the deal. I don't know who the Bulls give up cap wise, but I'm not concerned about his lack of defense because the Bulls still have Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah who both project into plus defensive players.

I like Jefferson a lot and certainly wouldn't complain, but I'd still worry about the D. He wasn't just a bad defender, he was awful this year, like worse than Eddy Curry. The Timberwolves allowed 12 fewer points per 100 posessions when he wasn't on the floor, which is a staggering total and the worst in the league. I really think to negate it you have to pair him with a strong defensive minded center, someone like Jermaine O'Neal (if healthy) or Samuel Dalembert. You certainly can't put him on the other team's best post player, and if it's a bigger center Tyrus and Noah probably can't hack it (unless Noah somehow gains like 25 pounds).

In about 45 minutes, we will all know who the newest Bulls is...

5 minutes!

Shucks, I can't make it to a TV tonight.

Do any of you guys know if it will be streamed on ESPN360.com or NBA.com?

If anyone knew, that'd be great!

I'd assume nba.com will have it.

Derrick Rose WILL be a Bull!

I'm happy that's the case...but that's BS that Katz opened his big mouth.

DERRICK ROSE A CHICAGO BULL!!!!!

Andy Katz better be right! Well he said Bulls executives told him.

ESPN is saying they WILL take Rose.
Doesnt look like Miami is going to deal #2

NOW LETS GET WADE!!

It seems as if someone told Rose. He was smiling widely talking to his mom.

Man, no talk about our second round pick. Who the hecks it gonna be? A Vinny Del Negro EURO player?!?!?

I'd looooooooooove to get a DJ White or Bill Walker.

No thanks to Walker and his glass knee....

I'd love DJ White. Or Dorsey or Hendrix.

Collectively, this might be the most inarticulate, dumbest draft class in NBA history.

The Chicago Bulls are OFFICIALLY on the clock...

Derrick Rose it is!

DERRICK freaking ROSE FINALLY OMG YES!!!