<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">In this age of instant gratification, where everything has to be done immediately (if not sooner), it's refreshing that Bulls operations chief John Paxson and coach Scott Skiles have taken a patient approach this season to let their young players continue to grow and develop. But after watching the Bulls during the opening weeks of the regular season, I believe now is the time for Paxson to explore some trade possibilities. Considering the Bulls' depth, it might make sense to try to move two good players for one better player before playing time -- or lack of it -- becomes a divisive issue. No, I'm not talking about trying to deal seldom-used forward Tim Thomas. With a salary of nearly $14 million, only teams interested in dumping a bad contract would be willing to trade for Thomas, and that's the last thing the Bulls want at this point. Thomas' contract is up after this season, which will enable the Bulls to be a major player in the free-agent market next summer. For Paxson to consider giving up a significant portion of that potential salary-cap room, a deal would have to be a blockbuster. Speaking of blockbuster trades, there are rumors that the Minnesota Timberwolves might be receptive to dealing superstar Kevin Garnett. Of course, those are only rumors, and it's way too early to tell whether they are reality or fantasy. It's unlikely Timberwolves management would consider discussing a Garnett trade during the season for fear that word of such talks would leak out. But if he becomes available, the Bulls would be one of a handful of franchises that has the ability to take on Garnett's massive contract -- he makes $18 million this season and has three remaining additional years worth a total of $66 million -- and the assets necessary to make an enticing offer to the Timberwolves. What kind of an offer would it take to land Garnett? It's unclear at this point, but a good starting point probably would be one of the Bulls' budding stars, another solid contributor and the better of their first-round picks next summer. (Thomas' contract also would have to be included to balance any sort of a deal for salary-cap purposes.) Garnett, 29, was hampered by knee pain throughout last season, but he still should have enough good seasons left to justify a big-time trade. More realistic trade scenarios might involve players such as Sacramento Kings swingman Peja Stojakovic or Atlanta Hawks forward Al Harrington.</div> <div align="center"> Sun Times</div>
I could live with trading for Garnett but that's about it. The other two wouldn't be worth trading those budding stars away. That being said, I'd rather the Bulls wait until free agency and go on a little smart shopping spree combined with their draft picks.
