The Bulls pulled off a 7-man, 3-team deal landing Brad Miller and John Salmons in Chicago for Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin, and Cedric Simmons. Don't know who those last two players are? Me neither.
I like this trade a lot. I know, I know, everyone wanted Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, or Vince Carter. Who doesn't want those guys? But you know what, that just wasn't realistic and those were dream expectations for any Bulls fan. The deal that Paxson pulled off is about as good as it's going to get — and it's pretty damn good.
I love Brad Miller. I liked him when he was with the Bulls, and was very pissed when the Bulls let him go and he became an all-star. No, he isn't an all-star caliber player anymore, but he his definitely a very solid post presence, which is what the Bulls have been lacking for God knows how long. He is a great compliment to Thomas and Noah, and I feel like he is going to make the whole team better. He is going to open up their offense and allow Derrick Rose to do much more at the point.
John Salmons. Does anyone realize that this guy is averaging 18 points per game and can play the forward or 2-guard position? Not to mention he is a good defender — another area the Bulls have been lacking in this season. I think he is a great addition to the team. Both Miller and Salmons give the Bulls a much better chance of making the playoffs.
So what about the players they lost? Is Nocioni a good player? Yes. Is Drew Gooden a good player? Yes. Are they both expendable? MOST DEFINITELY! If you consider who the Bulls got for who they gave up, the Bulls come out looking great from this deal. Yea, they might lose a little money because of it, but so what?
This deal does raise the question for what guard is the next to go however. Hinrich? Gordon? Hughes? I have a feeling one of those players will be gone before the trade deadline expires — most likely Hughes or Hinrich. I think if the Bulls commit to keeping Gordon, the back-court of Rose, Salmons, Deng, and Gordon coming off the bench is prettay, prettay good. And now with a solid front-court with Miller, Thomas, and Noah — The Chicago Bulls have just gotten A LOT better.
Thoughts anyone?
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