<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"The kid improved a lot from last year, and really got his body in better condition," says a Western Conference GM. "He's young, and he's at the right position. I think if I were Chicago, I'd have to re-sign him or at least get something in return for him." Bulls GM John Paxson has said all along he'd match any offer for Curry, but he almost has to say that in order to scare off competitors. There already have been reports that Chicago would only agree to take back Curry at a reduced rate and with protections built into the contract. Some around the NBA also wonder if the Bulls might know more about Curry's condition than they are letting on because of privacy concerns or other reasons. But even if the Bulls decide not to keep Curry, it doesn't mean they necessarily would walk away empty-handed. They might be able to do a sign-and-trade with the Hawks, perhaps for forward Al Harrington. Atlanta already has a crowded frontcourt, and Harrington's contract (one year, $7 million) is attractive. The Bulls also could try to swing a deal with another NBA team, assuming Curry would go along with it. The Warriors, Grizzlies and Sonics all have long been interested in Curry. Golden State's Troy Murphy, for example, would fill Chicago's need for a sweet-shooting big man with whom to run the pick and roll (and he's a Notre Dame alum like Paxson). The Warriors, meanwhile, have rookie power forward Ike Diogu, whom they took with the No. 9 pick in last month's draft. But Diogu is probably not ready yet to step in as a full-time starter at power forward, and Murphy is a base-year compensation player, making him almost impossible to trade to a team like Chicago that is over the salary cap.</div> <div align="center">Source</div>
