http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/64643/20100212/bulls_could_unload_deng_for_more_cap_space/ hmmmm
i realize this is about to shock the entire forum.... get ready... gasp but... good gms make these kinda deals with expiring contracts like Raef, blake and outlaw have/had. this is how you get gasol type players while not giving up youth. gasp.
It would probably be worth including Batum, if that is what it took to get Deng. Deng for cap space? And people think KP is a bad GM?
I suggested the Bulls make a pair of trades: First, trade Hinrich and Thomas, and Brad Miller for TMac. Second, trade Deng for Blake, Outlaw, and Rudy. This makes enough cap space to sign two full boat FAs. Maybe resign TMac for a much cheaper deal if he can contribute. It'd pair those FAs with Rose, Noah, and Gibson. Rudy is a cheap enough contract and a solid enough contributor that he might see 30 minutes per game at SG/SF. Ideally, the 1st trade would be for Bosh, leaving the Bulls with enough cap space to sign one more FA.
As a loyal Brit and longtime fan of Luol, I can say with all confidence: "no it wouldn't!!!" Rudy, perhaps. Bayless/Webster, absolutely.
Deng's only 24, and he averages a 16.5 PER for his career. I think I'd make that deal, even if it meant Batum.
No, Outlaw's (and Blake's) expiring contract is the only reason why the Bulls would trade Deng. A Rudy sized contract would be required to make the numbers work under the CBA, and like I said, he'd actually be a useful player for the Bulls (and happier).
I thought I read somewhere that Deng can play backup PF, and in fact does well there. If that were true, then I'd be all in favor of Denny's trade. A forward rotation of Batum, Deng and Aldridge would be formidable defensively.
Fortunately you are in the minority. You are ignoring Deng's very troubling injury history. Also Batum's insane potential. (Ugh - I said "potential".)
It would be unreal, and it is an absolute steal for the Blazers if they could get Deng without giving up Nic. If Prichard could pull that off, it would be a slightly-lesser version of the Gasol-Laker deal.
It doesn't really matter if I'm in the minority or if I'm in the majority, does it? Whatever happens will happen. Some will like it, some won't. C'est la vie. Go team.
I'll also point out that Batum has missed all but 10 games this season due to surgery on his shooting shoulder. That said, good point about Deng, although he's played 51 games this year.
Any player not named Roy, Oden, Batum or LMA could be traded for Deng and it would be steal in Portland's favor even with Deng's injury troubles. The only thing Deng doesn't do really well is shoot the three but quite frankly I think Portland relies on the three ball way too much.
Same goes for me, minus the "loyal Brit" part. Same goes for me, minus the Bayless part. And I'd absolutely include Rudy. Other than that, basically, what he said.
