Bulls - NBA Trade Deadline

Okay… my beloved Bulls, having been less than good for the couple of years since I raved about them beating the Heats in the 06/07 Playoffs, finally decided to pull some trades.

Bulls Traded:
Larry Hughes G/F
Drew Gooden F/C
Thabo Sefolosha G/F
Andreas Nocioni F
Cedric Simmons F
Micheal Ruffin PF

Bulls Acquired:
Brad Miller F/C
John Salmons G/F
Jerome James F/C
Tim Thomas F/C
1st Round Pick (09/10)

Talent wise, it is an upgrade for sure. And the best part is that Larry Hughes is finally outta here. I mean I really don’t like his style of game, telling everyone how good he is and who well he can be and should be a starter. One thing I do know, he sure knows how to chuck bad shots (see also: www. larryhughesstoptakingsomanybadshots.com). Drew Gooden was serviceable but he is too sloppy and slow for the Bulls offensive game. Besides, he has limited post moves for a F/C. Okay, now to the acquisitions.

Brad Miller (C) and John Salmons (G/F) – via Sacramento Kings

Brad Miller, like Gooden, is slow; but, he can pass and shoot better. Miller could also be an upgrade at the post position, something the Bulls lacked tremendously. I know… because I saw how they got burnt by Yao Ming at Toyota Center. So Brad Miller as a starter center would ease the offensive pressure from Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose for sure.


To further improve the arsenal, Salmons is a G/F that can flat out shoot; so, he kinda replaced Nocioni at the 3pt department.

Jerome James (F/C) and Tim Thomas (F/C) – via New York Knicks
This is a salary dump and cap relief here. Basically, Larry Hughes’ contract is “split” into 2 to make future trades easier. James could also be injured longer and then there might be cap relief from NBA. So, it is not as bad as some people made this trade out to be.

1st Round Pick (09/10) – via Oklahoma City Thunders
Sefolosha has been a hard worker, just that there wasn’t enough opportunity for him. This acquired pick could most likely help Bulls net a veteran star in the off season if they package it along with their first round pick.


All in all, the trades are necessary to move forward. Cap relief, talent upgrade and future flexibility is what the trades are about this time round. Hopefully, things will turn out better for the Bulls. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

As for Nocioni, Sefolosha, they had been assets to the Bulls and all the best to their future NBA careers.

Go Bulls !!!