Trade Deadline Wrapup

So, the trade deadline has come and gone. Let’s take a look at the trades the Bulls made:

1) Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Michael Ruffin, Cedric Simmons to SAC for Brad Miller, John Salmons. I’ve already said a little bit about this before. I’m fine with those guys leaving. Brad is a former Bull, and offensively should be the best big man the Bulls will have had in years. He’ll immediately be our starting center, and Thank God for that. Noah was not a starting center, and should be in a better role as an energy guy off the bench. John Salmons is a 6’ 6” guard who wants his playing time, and is having a career year at age 30. I didn’t realize this at the time, but this likely signifies the end of the Ben Gordon Era in Chicago. We can’t keep both him and Salmons. This makes me kinda sad, as I always liked Ben. But, I think I’m ready to move on. This is the Derrick Rose Era now. Salmons’ presence also meant the end for someone else…

2) Thabo Sefolosha, to OKC for a first-round pick next year. Either from Denver or San Antonio, I believe – whichever is worse.

3) Larry Hughes to NYK for Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and Anthony Roberson. Tim Thomas is also a former Bull, a former Hughes-type player, whom the Bulls traded because they weren’t going to play him. Hopefully no hard feeling linger. He’ll probably get a bit of PT now. Also, Hughes should get some PT with Mike D’Antoni, so I’m happy for him. He’ll get his shots now. I wouldn’t be surprised if he played pretty will for the rest of the season, or some part of it anyway.

There were rumors about Kirk Hinrich for expiring contracts, in particular Minnesota, but nothing happened. Paxson also possibly eluded to this possibility during his press conference. Hopefully next season it will be Rose and Hinrich, with Salmons coming off the bench. Though Hinrich could possibly be 6th man instead.

Overall, I’m happy with these moves. We got rid of guys that we didn’t need (including one we weren’t playing at all), for guys that we can use right away. I’m not the guy who can tell you how it works salary-wise, but I don’t think it hurts us. And ss far as players are concerned, this should actually give us a push into the playoffs (which we might have made anyway). It will be fun to see Rose in the playoffs, I think.