Drew gooden is young and can be held onto and would make an excellent addition to the front court. He can score and rebound, and would work perfectly with the screen and rolls.
Plus, dumping Ben Wallace's salary is crucial so that we can resign AT LEAST Luol, if not both lu and ben gordon.
if paxon can make this happen, he has rescued his reputation in my view...
Yes!!! Great trade, Pax. Too bad we had to give up Joe Smith, too, but that was a minor cost to pay to unload Big Ben's contract. Drew Gooden gives us a valuable piece, a 4 who plays in the post, scores, rebounds, and could play well along side a Noah or a Thomas. Plus him and Kirk have to love being teamed back up again. Larry Hughes, even though he has a bloated contract, too, gives us a better piece that what Wallace had left. A tall 2 who is an excellent defender, and, even though he hasn't been doing it lately, has shown he can score in this league. This is a coup: give Paxson the credit he deserves.
we are not saving any salary cap... in fact we are at best a wash, hughes is making 12.5 mil for the next 3 years, and gooden is making 6.5 for 2 years... this is in relation to smiths 5.5 for 2 yeras, and wallaces 14.5 the next 3 (ben wallace has a contract where he makes less as he gets further into the contract. also, we have no need for hughes! what happens to thabo?!?!? we now have 8 players 6'7 or shorter, du,hinrich, gordon, thabo, hughes, noce, deng.
This is a good trade. While I worry about Larry Hughes creaky body, we do get a decent gaurd with some size and an average 4 to pair with Joakim Noah. The team got ALOT younger all of a sudden and Shannon Brown should realize some playing time here. The only guy I am going to miss is J-Smith but Gooden's production apparently equals Smith's numbers-wise.
I dig this....this is huge for DaBulls...Thank God I didn't call Paxson names....sorry to those who did..gotta be feelin pretty special about now..lol...I was wondering what he was doin, tho....I gotta admit...
I think he showed he thought about this...and I just added Paxson to my spell check dictionary...DaBulls and Sefalosha, too
Larry Hughes (I'm a big fan) and Sefalosha in the back court is a huge upgrade...and our front court just got solid by opening up more minutes for some guys we all wanna see play...I imagine Paxson did too.. as well.. also.. (that's a triple positive, btw)...
ok..I'll tune in...I think the playoffs are a lock, now
I'm not ready to enshrien Paxson in the Hall of Fame, but this is a deal that had to happen. Sorry to see Smith go, but he was on a one year deal, and most likely would not have been brought back next year. Wallace was a cancer the Bulls clubhouse, and frankly I would have taken a Ham Sandwich for him. I'm just sorry Pax has been asleep at the wheel for the last six weeks, and he just woke up to realize there was a deadline today.
I'm confused as to how Wally Szczerbiak is included in this deal. What does Seattle get out of this? If I were another team, I wouldn't take Adrian Griffin for a can of beer. Also, why couldn't Duhon be involved in this trade?
It sounds good, but with Larry Hughes more than likely starting, how does Gordon, Sefalosha fit into the equation? Gooden will get the start meaning Tyrus minutes will be around the same, with Gray and Noah receiving more minutes. I guess time will tell. I believe overall the Bulls will be better, younger, but better. Wallace I think had maybe 2 more decent years. Joe Smith probably is playing his best ball in his last 5 years. I think the bulls will miss him more then anything.
gooden PPG 11.3 RPG 8.30
hughes PPG 12.3 RPG 3.60
I guess the new line-up will be :
HINRICH
HUGHES
DENG
GOODEN
GRAY
I believe in the long run, Gray will be a better player then Wallace, but for now Cleveland just got stronger.
Interesting that we get Hughes now, when we could have had him since 2000 when Sleuth Krause traded Kukoc to the 76ers. Instead, Mr. "organizations win championships" opted to let Hughes go to Golden State for John Starks (never played a game for us) and a future draft pick. Anybody recall who we got for that? Probably somebody who's flipping burgers somewhere today. Not that Pax hasn't made similar bonehead trades -- let's see, who did we get for Tyson Chandler? Could it have been all stars like P.J. Brown (retired) and J.R. Smith (who he let go to the Nuggets for nothin')?
Big Ben had to go- true, but there has to be more to this trade. Now we have 3 power forwards and no one who can defend the center position. (Don't tell me Gray is the answer.) Hughes is a legit 2 and should not be forced to play the point (he's not). What does this mean for Thabo? Back to riding the pine once Deng is 100% healthy I presume? Does this mean we are committing to Hughes and getting rid of Gordon? We can't pay two shooting guards over 10 mil per year.
I would understand this trade more if Hughes or Gooden were expiring contracts. Otherwise, I don't see the long term benefits of this one.
I'm no Drew Gooden fan but at least he can play the post which the Bull needs. We're looking a starting five of Hinrich, Hughes, Deng, Gooden and Noah. Not too shabby. What will happen to Thabo Selfosha? Back to his role coming off from the bench? This will destroy his confidence. We'll see how Jim Boylan could turn around this franchise? Wow, we finally get rid of Ben Wallace. I couldn't wait to see him gone. What a relief.
With Hughes included there is no salary savings. Hughes is awful. Compared to the deals Pax could have made the past year this is pretty sad. I am so down on the Bulls right now.
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. When Chicago things a chronically underachieving Drew Gooden (who is softer than Brad Daughtery) and a rapidly declining Larry Hughes who gets hurt every other game and can't shoot barely 30% (see www.tradelarryhughes.com) are positive additions then the city has lost all basketball sense. You think Wallace didn't have heart, wait until you get your fill of Hughes and Gooden. Tonight all of Cleveland is celebrating because this makes us a lock for the finals again and a lock that Lebron will end his career where it began: in the great city of Cleveland. Just like you enjoyed sticking it to us during the Jordan years, we will be delighted to pay back those years now that you have the softest, most overpaid, most underachieving roster in the league. Have fun!
This is nothing more then a desperation trade. It seems the Bulls originally picked up Wallace to get past the Heat when they had Shaq, but since he's gone they may want to get more mobile with the rest of the teams. This just seems odd. Guess no plans for Ben Gordon in the future and can go after Luol.
I hope this shuts that cynical whiner Mariotti up--I cant stand his griping and attacks on Paxson and the Bulls. Bitching never provides anything positive, so why does the SunTimes continue to support Mariotti's nasty tone toward our beloved sports teams and personalities? You go, John Paxson, it's not easy dealing with the bloated egos in the NBA in 2008 and I think what you just did was awesome for the Bulls! Paxson gets an A...Mariotti continues to get an F-...the smug whiner!
I think this is an outstanding trade. As someone already pointed out, Drew and Kirk are reunited from their Kansas days.
Larry Hughes has been hot of late, averaging 19 ppg in February. He always seems to step up his offensive game near the end of the season. Also keep in mind that Larry Hughes is "insurance" in case Ben Gordon cannot be resigned, as they both are the same player (okay, Ben is a better shooter, I'll give you that).
All in all, very smart move at the deadline for the Bulls. I think both the Bulls and Cavs will benefit. Do not forget, the Bulls also have two first round draft picks coming up this summer. And not to mention, plenty of young talent. (I would like to see us get rid of Noah, a pick and Duhon for a big man like LaMarcus Aldridge or Henderson from T'Wolves).
Its not exactly what kind of trade I was looking for but i'll take it. Seeing Drew Gooden should lift Kirk's spirits. Seeing Ben Wallace go sure did lifted mine! No more of that damn bell ringing in the united center, or the oh lord when he gets the ball in his had. Gooden is 6'10 and a real on the block and perimeter outside scorer. Larry Hughes is a taller Ben Gordon that can play defense. Wouldn't that make him better than Ben Gordon? I'm going to miss Joe Smith, but everyone knew that if he was your best player, what does that say about your team? I'm not sure what the Cavs are jumping up and down about saying that they got Lebron some help.lol. we know the truth. 2 years and Lebron is out! Go Bulls!!!
Ben Wallace was garbage! I'm glad hes gone.. This trade gives Noah & Tyrus a lot more time on the floor. Should help them develop into nice players for the rest of the year.. Hughe's is a nice player, when healthy.. The oldies will be missed as far as bball knowledge but we needed a change! This trade will have me watching again...
Start Hughes and Kirk at gaurds, with Deng, Gooden and Noah.
Off the bench Gordon, Thabo, Nocioni, Thomas and Gray. These two line ups should be able to make some noise in the East for the rest of the season The right situation, you could do both Thabo and Hughes as big guards with Deng , Nocioni and Noah ( think Detroit), overall good to see Bust Wallace go
This deal is sweet when you think in terms of the next couple of years. We have 2 core players who will become RFA's next season if they don't sign an extension. I believe Luol will be back but I'm not so sure with Gordon. He wants too much money to be so short. He has offensive game but lacks defense and is prone to turn the ball over in crunch time. This deal makes our backcourt much bigger and much better defensively. It gives us insurance in case we can't reach a deal with Gordon. We will take a step back but we now have ammo for a big deal this offseason. Thanks Pax for putting a little on the crap we call the Bulls. And I don't think this changes our chances of making the playoffs. We can still get in the East with our new team. However, I think got CLE got the better end of this deal in terms of winning immediately bcuz cleveland can now contend with boston and the west. BULLS-HIT squad is getting better!!!
I like Hughes and have 4 years. We had a chance to get this guy when Portland was giving him away a few years ago. Gooden is better than what we had. Overall this was a move of desperation. Paxson is over his head in this position as GM.
As a Cavs fan, I can guarantee you that Cleveland is dancing in the streets with the departure of Larry Hughes. He made his rep as a slasher to the hoop, but can't do it anymore due to injury and has become the worst jump shooter in the league. Bulls fans, get ready to spend time at:
www.heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com (It's a real web site).
No web site for Gooden but you'll be tearing your hair out when he follows up a 15 point/10 rebound game with 2 and 2 in 36 minutes. LeBron will straighten out Wallace's attitude. Overall a better deal for the Cavs.
This deal does not help the Bulls and Cavaliers get any closer to challenging the Celtics and Pistons for the Eastern Conference title this season, and it likely moves the Sonics closer to Oklahoma City rather than a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. As for Ben Wallace, he was a disaster from the day he signed a fat contract. He was slow, lethargic and wasn't nearly the rebounder and defensive player he was in Detroit. I'm not so sure he can help LeBron James and the Cavaliers get out of the first round, let alone a return trip in the NBA Finals this June.
Cleveland won big on this deal. They now may be able to scratch with the big two in the East, Boston and Detroit. I'm glad Pax made this deal. His trade to get Wallace was a gamble and he lost. Wallace's lousey attitude in the locker room and lack of heart on the floor became a virus that has spread to the whole team. Sorry to see Joe S. go but this trade gives Bulls fans some hope of the team getting back to the playoffs.
Good deal because of Gooden, Hughes and Brown. We just got better scoringwise in the post and better defensively in the back court.
I am happy to see Ben Wallace go because fans were downright vile. Time for Chicago to see what they have, which is and unfinished product in Gray. And Wallace now has a team he can HELP. Ill, Wallace, Vrajo, and Labron are going to be a force.
My guess is, Thabo will continue to start at the 2. The question is where Ben Gordon will fit.
Actually, who cares? This team is still bad. They're only bad in a different way now.
I can only hope they'll unload at the end of the season. For fans sake, the biggest upside of this trade is dumping Big Ben and giving Noah, Thomas and Gray more time in the rotation to see what they are.
Pretty good trade - Gooden's scoring matches Smith's, and his rebounding matches Wallace's. Plus he's a young guy who played with Hinrich at Kansas (maybe he can revitalize him). Gooden's a banger, something the Bulls haven't had.
Getting Hughes seems to mean Gordon is gone... we're not paying $10+million/year to two SGs... Hopefully Thabo still gets playing time.
Simmons could be an interesting long term project at big...
Noah can handle C... We'll have to see how Gray keeps up... his speed could be a defensive liability... Gooden could also play C, with maybe Thomas at the 4.
In sum - Bulls got a lot more scoring, a good low post scorer/rebounder, and an overpriced 2 who can score.
Bulls lost a good backup PG, a non-scoring overpriced underachieving C, a decent scoring (non-rebounding PF), and Griffin...
Looks like the focus of the draft is going to be PG/C.
Pax just got rid of a 60 million, non-free-throw shooting non-leader and got something decent in return. I like Joe Smith going too, because he was a crutch the younger Bulls were leaning on way too much. He brought here to compliment, not to lead games in scoring! I'm interested in the Bulls again.
unless pax does something to really upgrade this off season all of this would be for nothing but he must sign deng and or gordon if not he just made the rival cavs better and the bulls worst but it was a good move to get all of the salaries out of there jury is still out on this one
As I look at the last dismal minutes of that overtime loss to a New Jersey team that was without Jason Kidd; I think about how pathetic it was that the Bulls couldn't close it out in regulation.
Then I look at who was on the floor when the horn went off after four quarters.
Next, I take a peek at the guys who managed all of 8 points in the overtime period.
Finally ... I take into consideration that three of our "premier" players in that game teamed up for 16 personal fouls, to go along with an aggregate total of 35 points. Then I compute the ratio of points to fouls,(taking into consideration the number of points that those fouls cost us at the line on the other end of the court) and I arrive at the conclusion that you could ship the entire lot of them out ... AND STILL LOSE A GAME!
Pax had to do something,Anything..That's just what it was ...Everybody making their teams better and Pax is like a Deer in the headlights.. CAN'T MAKE A MOVE.He's a horrible GM. For one..you will see Big Ben play BIG TIME ball in Cleveland... Ben is a leader and a free spirit. Pax and Skiles was stopping that from day one! You can't wear the headband[what kind of dumb stuff is that!]Then, telling him Kirk is the leader of team.That hurt him big time.That's why you had/have all the problems on the team.[Kirk can't lead nobody..hardly lead a old lady across the street]then, they tell Ben how to workout..when..put those weights back inside/we don't do that here Ben. So, They lost him. Ben is happy he's gone. WHAT you think Gray is the answer..He's a Big Poluka!
Horrible...Horrible...Horrible. Pax is making moves cause everybody else is making then. Joe Smith..NO! You had P.J. Brown,and J.R. Smith..What was wrong with those guys! Now what about Thabo? For him to get better,he needs playing time...conflick with Larry Hughes. Tyrus needs minutes to get better! Pax is a joke!
This was a decent trade for the bulls immediate needs, but I think paxson still has alot on his plate with decisions on expiring contracts. I still think he has a bigger deal in mind but for right now I mean at least we got a legit post player in grew gooden I think he is good edition and a big option in the bulls system. Grew will make a big impact and will relieve some pressure from the perimeter game. I have not been to big on larry hughes since traded to cleveland to help lebron. I know he has had some good years though becuase he always gave the bulls gaurds big trouble when playing for the wizards so hopefully he can stay healthy step in and give us a big contribution on the wing. Im not sure what the player rotation is going to look like now but it should be intersting with a potential starting 5 of kirk,larry,luol,grew,and ? (noah or gray) its going to be hard to shuffle larry and ben gordan becuase they both demand shots. As of right now ben should be good coming off the bench for his shooting it will keep larry a little fresher and stop putting all the pressure on ben to score so much. Over all im pleased for now im going to miss the good effort joe smith brought every night. Ben wallace was definitly on a decline and will never be in the form he was in detroit so this should reignite some fire in the bulls offense looking forward to seeing to bulls in the playoffs
At least it's a start. Like almost everyone out here, I feel the key was getting rid of Wallace. Now in the off-season they may be able to make some moves.
Watch what Wallace will do now he's with Lebron. You won't recognize him he'll play so well.
It will truly tell what a SCUMBAG he really is. I also think it won't be long before he starts talking smack about the Bulls as an orginization
As I look at the last dismal minutes of that overtime loss to a New Jersey team that was without Jason Kidd; I think about how pathetic it was that the Bulls couldn't close it out in regulation.
Then I look at who was on the floor when the horn went off after four quarters.
Next, I take a peek at the guys who managed all of 8 points in the overtime period.
Finally ... I consider the fact that three of our "premier" players in that game teamed up for 16 personal fouls, to go along with an aggregate total of 35 points.
Then I compute the ratio of points to fouls,(taking into consideration the number of points that those fouls cost us at the line on the other end of the court) and I arrive at the conclusion that you could ship the entire lot of them out ... AND STILL LOSE THE GAME!
This is the best day for the franchise since that June day in Utah when Michael posed for his final finest moment as a Bull. Thats how good it feels to get rid of Wallace. I was among the small minority that dreaded the Wallace singing before it ever happened, because I knew it meant the end of Tyson Chandler in Chicago.
Now Noah and Gray can share time at center and develop for next year.
I am glad to see Joe Smith go, because he only took time away from the development of Thomas. Unfortuneatly, Gooden likely will do exactly the same thing. However, Gooden is a better, tougher player than Smith, so I can live with that. This allows us to trade either Thomas or Gooden with Gordon and Hinrich for a real point guard in the offseason.
I like the Hughes acquisition because it adds more size to our backcourt rotation, and it means that Gordon is definately out with the Bulls during this summers trade season. Can't wait to get rid of that mope a dope spastic clutz.
Have to go the ESPN.com to check out the salary cap ramifications of Hughes and Goodens contracts long term. They make $20 million per this season.
This definately makes the Bulls better immediately and gives us much better trade flexibility in the immediate future.
Great(not just good) Riddance to one of the 2 mope a dope Bens, can't wait for the other shoe to drop. I hope Gordons wrist falls off for the rest of the season so I don't have to watch him rumble stumble and bumble all over the court every night. Sitting actually helps his trade value, if he has any with his insane contract demands.
Maybe the rest of the season might be worth the cost of the NBA ticket, the first part sure wasn't
This was a good trade for the bulls and not so great for the cavs. The bulls get bigger in the backcourt and add a scoring option in the starting line up in hughes. The problem is that there are not enough minutes to go around for everyone. The bulls now have 6 guards (pg- hinrich, duhon, sg- gordon, hughes, thabo, brown.) Hinrich, gordon, and hughes are going to play big minutes which leaves few minutes for thabo and duhon. Shannon brown may be a hidden gem in this deal and I'm sorry but thabo is not a point guard. As for the front court, I wouldn't expect to see Gray often if at all unless matchups warrant it. I don't know what everyone sees in gray but i don't see much. Yes he has size but, he is soft, slow, and not very strong for a guy his size, so i'm not on that
Comments
Ben starts making free throws, Joe Smith starts making shots; then they get traded.
Posted by: Keylan | February 21, 2008 02:43 PM
I hate Ben Wallace let LeBron be frustrated with his lack of passion of heart.
Posted by: Rob | February 21, 2008 02:52 PM
THIS DEAL HAS TO HAPPEN!!!!
Drew gooden is young and can be held onto and would make an excellent addition to the front court. He can score and rebound, and would work perfectly with the screen and rolls.
Plus, dumping Ben Wallace's salary is crucial so that we can resign AT LEAST Luol, if not both lu and ben gordon.
if paxon can make this happen, he has rescued his reputation in my view...
Posted by: patrick | February 21, 2008 02:52 PM
Yes!!! Great trade, Pax. Too bad we had to give up Joe Smith, too, but that was a minor cost to pay to unload Big Ben's contract. Drew Gooden gives us a valuable piece, a 4 who plays in the post, scores, rebounds, and could play well along side a Noah or a Thomas. Plus him and Kirk have to love being teamed back up again. Larry Hughes, even though he has a bloated contract, too, gives us a better piece that what Wallace had left. A tall 2 who is an excellent defender, and, even though he hasn't been doing it lately, has shown he can score in this league. This is a coup: give Paxson the credit he deserves.
Posted by: MC | February 21, 2008 02:55 PM
we are not saving any salary cap... in fact we are at best a wash, hughes is making 12.5 mil for the next 3 years, and gooden is making 6.5 for 2 years... this is in relation to smiths 5.5 for 2 yeras, and wallaces 14.5 the next 3 (ben wallace has a contract where he makes less as he gets further into the contract. also, we have no need for hughes! what happens to thabo?!?!? we now have 8 players 6'7 or shorter, du,hinrich, gordon, thabo, hughes, noce, deng.
Posted by: dan | February 21, 2008 03:05 PM
This is a good trade. While I worry about Larry Hughes creaky body, we do get a decent gaurd with some size and an average 4 to pair with Joakim Noah. The team got ALOT younger all of a sudden and Shannon Brown should realize some playing time here. The only guy I am going to miss is J-Smith but Gooden's production apparently equals Smith's numbers-wise.
Posted by: Ike | February 21, 2008 03:06 PM
What a RELIEF! This will give the younger players like Noah, Gray, Tyrus and Thabo much needed more floor time to see what they're made of.
Posted by: Dr. G | February 21, 2008 03:06 PM
Cleveland should have thrown Shannon Brown in the deal. They aren't playing him anyway.
Roman responds: I think he is.
Posted by: Jack | February 21, 2008 03:07 PM
I dig this....this is huge for DaBulls...Thank God I didn't call Paxson names....sorry to those who did..gotta be feelin pretty special about now..lol...I was wondering what he was doin, tho....I gotta admit...
I think he showed he thought about this...and I just added Paxson to my spell check dictionary...DaBulls and Sefalosha, too
Larry Hughes (I'm a big fan) and Sefalosha in the back court is a huge upgrade...and our front court just got solid by opening up more minutes for some guys we all wanna see play...I imagine Paxson did too.. as well.. also.. (that's a triple positive, btw)...
ok..I'll tune in...I think the playoffs are a lock, now
CONGRATULATIONS DAN DAKICH!!!
Posted by: HItman | February 21, 2008 03:07 PM
I'm not ready to enshrien Paxson in the Hall of Fame, but this is a deal that had to happen. Sorry to see Smith go, but he was on a one year deal, and most likely would not have been brought back next year. Wallace was a cancer the Bulls clubhouse, and frankly I would have taken a Ham Sandwich for him. I'm just sorry Pax has been asleep at the wheel for the last six weeks, and he just woke up to realize there was a deadline today.
Posted by: Chris | February 21, 2008 03:09 PM
Yes, it's about time Pax got up of the bench and got back into the game. This is a good trade. Good bye Big Bent!
Posted by: John | February 21, 2008 03:09 PM
Horrible!!! Blocks Tyrus Thmas and Thabo's bid for more playing time. Paxson missed the boat and then reacted too late. Bulls are the a mess!!
Posted by: Jed | February 21, 2008 03:17 PM
I'm confused as to how Wally Szczerbiak is included in this deal. What does Seattle get out of this? If I were another team, I wouldn't take Adrian Griffin for a can of beer. Also, why couldn't Duhon be involved in this trade?
Posted by: Matt | February 21, 2008 03:25 PM
It sounds good, but with Larry Hughes more than likely starting, how does Gordon, Sefalosha fit into the equation? Gooden will get the start meaning Tyrus minutes will be around the same, with Gray and Noah receiving more minutes. I guess time will tell. I believe overall the Bulls will be better, younger, but better. Wallace I think had maybe 2 more decent years. Joe Smith probably is playing his best ball in his last 5 years. I think the bulls will miss him more then anything.
gooden PPG 11.3 RPG 8.30
hughes PPG 12.3 RPG 3.60
I guess the new line-up will be :
HINRICH
HUGHES
DENG
GOODEN
GRAY
I believe in the long run, Gray will be a better player then Wallace, but for now Cleveland just got stronger.
Posted by: NORMAN BREWTON JR. | February 21, 2008 03:32 PM
Interesting that we get Hughes now, when we could have had him since 2000 when Sleuth Krause traded Kukoc to the 76ers. Instead, Mr. "organizations win championships" opted to let Hughes go to Golden State for John Starks (never played a game for us) and a future draft pick. Anybody recall who we got for that? Probably somebody who's flipping burgers somewhere today. Not that Pax hasn't made similar bonehead trades -- let's see, who did we get for Tyson Chandler? Could it have been all stars like P.J. Brown (retired) and J.R. Smith (who he let go to the Nuggets for nothin')?
Posted by: DON ARNOLD | February 21, 2008 03:32 PM
Big Ben had to go- true, but there has to be more to this trade. Now we have 3 power forwards and no one who can defend the center position. (Don't tell me Gray is the answer.) Hughes is a legit 2 and should not be forced to play the point (he's not). What does this mean for Thabo? Back to riding the pine once Deng is 100% healthy I presume? Does this mean we are committing to Hughes and getting rid of Gordon? We can't pay two shooting guards over 10 mil per year.
I would understand this trade more if Hughes or Gooden were expiring contracts. Otherwise, I don't see the long term benefits of this one.
Posted by: Chris | February 21, 2008 03:40 PM
I'm no Drew Gooden fan but at least he can play the post which the Bull needs. We're looking a starting five of Hinrich, Hughes, Deng, Gooden and Noah. Not too shabby. What will happen to Thabo Selfosha? Back to his role coming off from the bench? This will destroy his confidence. We'll see how Jim Boylan could turn around this franchise? Wow, we finally get rid of Ben Wallace. I couldn't wait to see him gone. What a relief.
Posted by: Demy | February 21, 2008 03:50 PM
With Hughes included there is no salary savings. Hughes is awful. Compared to the deals Pax could have made the past year this is pretty sad. I am so down on the Bulls right now.
Posted by: Pip | February 21, 2008 03:55 PM
Oh, how the mighty have fallen. When Chicago things a chronically underachieving Drew Gooden (who is softer than Brad Daughtery) and a rapidly declining Larry Hughes who gets hurt every other game and can't shoot barely 30% (see www.tradelarryhughes.com) are positive additions then the city has lost all basketball sense. You think Wallace didn't have heart, wait until you get your fill of Hughes and Gooden. Tonight all of Cleveland is celebrating because this makes us a lock for the finals again and a lock that Lebron will end his career where it began: in the great city of Cleveland. Just like you enjoyed sticking it to us during the Jordan years, we will be delighted to pay back those years now that you have the softest, most overpaid, most underachieving roster in the league. Have fun!
Posted by: Bill Wenington | February 21, 2008 03:57 PM
This is nothing more then a desperation trade. It seems the Bulls originally picked up Wallace to get past the Heat when they had Shaq, but since he's gone they may want to get more mobile with the rest of the teams. This just seems odd. Guess no plans for Ben Gordon in the future and can go after Luol.
Posted by: Christopher | February 21, 2008 04:00 PM
I hope this shuts that cynical whiner Mariotti up--I cant stand his griping and attacks on Paxson and the Bulls. Bitching never provides anything positive, so why does the SunTimes continue to support Mariotti's nasty tone toward our beloved sports teams and personalities? You go, John Paxson, it's not easy dealing with the bloated egos in the NBA in 2008 and I think what you just did was awesome for the Bulls! Paxson gets an A...Mariotti continues to get an F-...the smug whiner!
Posted by: Jay | February 21, 2008 04:07 PM
I think this is an outstanding trade. As someone already pointed out, Drew and Kirk are reunited from their Kansas days.
Larry Hughes has been hot of late, averaging 19 ppg in February. He always seems to step up his offensive game near the end of the season. Also keep in mind that Larry Hughes is "insurance" in case Ben Gordon cannot be resigned, as they both are the same player (okay, Ben is a better shooter, I'll give you that).
All in all, very smart move at the deadline for the Bulls. I think both the Bulls and Cavs will benefit. Do not forget, the Bulls also have two first round draft picks coming up this summer. And not to mention, plenty of young talent. (I would like to see us get rid of Noah, a pick and Duhon for a big man like LaMarcus Aldridge or Henderson from T'Wolves).
Posted by: Kevin Danielson | February 21, 2008 04:07 PM
Its not exactly what kind of trade I was looking for but i'll take it. Seeing Drew Gooden should lift Kirk's spirits. Seeing Ben Wallace go sure did lifted mine! No more of that damn bell ringing in the united center, or the oh lord when he gets the ball in his had. Gooden is 6'10 and a real on the block and perimeter outside scorer. Larry Hughes is a taller Ben Gordon that can play defense. Wouldn't that make him better than Ben Gordon? I'm going to miss Joe Smith, but everyone knew that if he was your best player, what does that say about your team? I'm not sure what the Cavs are jumping up and down about saying that they got Lebron some help.lol. we know the truth. 2 years and Lebron is out! Go Bulls!!!
Posted by: David | February 21, 2008 04:11 PM
Ben Wallace was garbage! I'm glad hes gone.. This trade gives Noah & Tyrus a lot more time on the floor. Should help them develop into nice players for the rest of the year.. Hughe's is a nice player, when healthy.. The oldies will be missed as far as bball knowledge but we needed a change! This trade will have me watching again...
Posted by: Pablo | February 21, 2008 04:11 PM
Start Hughes and Kirk at gaurds, with Deng, Gooden and Noah.
Off the bench Gordon, Thabo, Nocioni, Thomas and Gray. These two line ups should be able to make some noise in the East for the rest of the season The right situation, you could do both Thabo and Hughes as big guards with Deng , Nocioni and Noah ( think Detroit), overall good to see Bust Wallace go
Allen
Posted by: allen | February 21, 2008 04:15 PM
This deal is sweet when you think in terms of the next couple of years. We have 2 core players who will become RFA's next season if they don't sign an extension. I believe Luol will be back but I'm not so sure with Gordon. He wants too much money to be so short. He has offensive game but lacks defense and is prone to turn the ball over in crunch time. This deal makes our backcourt much bigger and much better defensively. It gives us insurance in case we can't reach a deal with Gordon. We will take a step back but we now have ammo for a big deal this offseason. Thanks Pax for putting a little on the crap we call the Bulls. And I don't think this changes our chances of making the playoffs. We can still get in the East with our new team. However, I think got CLE got the better end of this deal in terms of winning immediately bcuz cleveland can now contend with boston and the west. BULLS-HIT squad is getting better!!!
Posted by: Brian | February 21, 2008 04:17 PM
Norman sez: "Wallace I think had maybe 2 more decent years."
Really?
I guess this wasn't one of them, huh?
Will 2009 be one of them, or will he decide to extend his vacation ... and take next year off too?
Posted by: Mark Villano | February 21, 2008 04:18 PM
I like Hughes and have 4 years. We had a chance to get this guy when Portland was giving him away a few years ago. Gooden is better than what we had. Overall this was a move of desperation. Paxson is over his head in this position as GM.
Time 2 start looking for a new GM and coach.
Posted by: Mg | February 21, 2008 04:18 PM
As a Cavs fan, I can guarantee you that Cleveland is dancing in the streets with the departure of Larry Hughes. He made his rep as a slasher to the hoop, but can't do it anymore due to injury and has become the worst jump shooter in the league. Bulls fans, get ready to spend time at:
www.heylarryhughespleasestoptakingsomanybadshots.com (It's a real web site).
No web site for Gooden but you'll be tearing your hair out when he follows up a 15 point/10 rebound game with 2 and 2 in 36 minutes. LeBron will straighten out Wallace's attitude. Overall a better deal for the Cavs.
Posted by: Steve Edelman | February 21, 2008 04:22 PM
This deal does not help the Bulls and Cavaliers get any closer to challenging the Celtics and Pistons for the Eastern Conference title this season, and it likely moves the Sonics closer to Oklahoma City rather than a spot in the Western Conference playoffs. As for Ben Wallace, he was a disaster from the day he signed a fat contract. He was slow, lethargic and wasn't nearly the rebounder and defensive player he was in Detroit. I'm not so sure he can help LeBron James and the Cavaliers get out of the first round, let alone a return trip in the NBA Finals this June.
Posted by: Andrew Beebe | February 21, 2008 04:23 PM
Cleveland won big on this deal. They now may be able to scratch with the big two in the East, Boston and Detroit. I'm glad Pax made this deal. His trade to get Wallace was a gamble and he lost. Wallace's lousey attitude in the locker room and lack of heart on the floor became a virus that has spread to the whole team. Sorry to see Joe S. go but this trade gives Bulls fans some hope of the team getting back to the playoffs.
Posted by: Mark Ondera | February 21, 2008 04:24 PM
Good deal because of Gooden, Hughes and Brown. We just got better scoringwise in the post and better defensively in the back court.
I am happy to see Ben Wallace go because fans were downright vile. Time for Chicago to see what they have, which is and unfinished product in Gray. And Wallace now has a team he can HELP. Ill, Wallace, Vrajo, and Labron are going to be a force.
Posted by: Keith Lifetime Southsider | February 21, 2008 04:28 PM
My guess is, Thabo will continue to start at the 2. The question is where Ben Gordon will fit.
Actually, who cares? This team is still bad. They're only bad in a different way now.
I can only hope they'll unload at the end of the season. For fans sake, the biggest upside of this trade is dumping Big Ben and giving Noah, Thomas and Gray more time in the rotation to see what they are.
Posted by: Barry A. from Melrose | February 21, 2008 04:30 PM
Pretty good trade - Gooden's scoring matches Smith's, and his rebounding matches Wallace's. Plus he's a young guy who played with Hinrich at Kansas (maybe he can revitalize him). Gooden's a banger, something the Bulls haven't had.
Getting Hughes seems to mean Gordon is gone... we're not paying $10+million/year to two SGs... Hopefully Thabo still gets playing time.
Simmons could be an interesting long term project at big...
Noah can handle C... We'll have to see how Gray keeps up... his speed could be a defensive liability... Gooden could also play C, with maybe Thomas at the 4.
In sum - Bulls got a lot more scoring, a good low post scorer/rebounder, and an overpriced 2 who can score.
Bulls lost a good backup PG, a non-scoring overpriced underachieving C, a decent scoring (non-rebounding PF), and Griffin...
Looks like the focus of the draft is going to be PG/C.
Posted by: Chris G. | February 21, 2008 04:31 PM
Oh Great! Now we got too many guards, and fowards!
Duhon
shannon
thabo
gordon
hughes
WHAT THE HECK!
Posted by: DA BULLS | February 21, 2008 04:32 PM
Pax just got rid of a 60 million, non-free-throw shooting non-leader and got something decent in return. I like Joe Smith going too, because he was a crutch the younger Bulls were leaning on way too much. He brought here to compliment, not to lead games in scoring! I'm interested in the Bulls again.
Posted by: Kelly Lee Williams | February 21, 2008 04:35 PM
unless pax does something to really upgrade this off season all of this would be for nothing but he must sign deng and or gordon if not he just made the rival cavs better and the bulls worst but it was a good move to get all of the salaries out of there jury is still out on this one
Posted by: earl | February 21, 2008 04:39 PM
As I look at the last dismal minutes of that overtime loss to a New Jersey team that was without Jason Kidd; I think about how pathetic it was that the Bulls couldn't close it out in regulation.
Then I look at who was on the floor when the horn went off after four quarters.
Next, I take a peek at the guys who managed all of 8 points in the overtime period.
Finally ... I take into consideration that three of our "premier" players in that game teamed up for 16 personal fouls, to go along with an aggregate total of 35 points. Then I compute the ratio of points to fouls,(taking into consideration the number of points that those fouls cost us at the line on the other end of the court) and I arrive at the conclusion that you could ship the entire lot of them out ... AND STILL LOSE A GAME!
Posted by: Mark Villano | February 21, 2008 04:42 PM
Pax had to do something,Anything..That's just what it was ...Everybody making their teams better and Pax is like a Deer in the headlights.. CAN'T MAKE A MOVE.He's a horrible GM. For one..you will see Big Ben play BIG TIME ball in Cleveland... Ben is a leader and a free spirit. Pax and Skiles was stopping that from day one! You can't wear the headband[what kind of dumb stuff is that!]Then, telling him Kirk is the leader of team.That hurt him big time.That's why you had/have all the problems on the team.[Kirk can't lead nobody..hardly lead a old lady across the street]then, they tell Ben how to workout..when..put those weights back inside/we don't do that here Ben. So, They lost him. Ben is happy he's gone. WHAT you think Gray is the answer..He's a Big Poluka!
Posted by: D. Green | February 21, 2008 04:54 PM
Horrible...Horrible...Horrible. Pax is making moves cause everybody else is making then. Joe Smith..NO! You had P.J. Brown,and J.R. Smith..What was wrong with those guys! Now what about Thabo? For him to get better,he needs playing time...conflick with Larry Hughes. Tyrus needs minutes to get better! Pax is a joke!
Posted by: D. Green | February 21, 2008 05:08 PM
This was a decent trade for the bulls immediate needs, but I think paxson still has alot on his plate with decisions on expiring contracts. I still think he has a bigger deal in mind but for right now I mean at least we got a legit post player in grew gooden I think he is good edition and a big option in the bulls system. Grew will make a big impact and will relieve some pressure from the perimeter game. I have not been to big on larry hughes since traded to cleveland to help lebron. I know he has had some good years though becuase he always gave the bulls gaurds big trouble when playing for the wizards so hopefully he can stay healthy step in and give us a big contribution on the wing. Im not sure what the player rotation is going to look like now but it should be intersting with a potential starting 5 of kirk,larry,luol,grew,and ? (noah or gray) its going to be hard to shuffle larry and ben gordan becuase they both demand shots. As of right now ben should be good coming off the bench for his shooting it will keep larry a little fresher and stop putting all the pressure on ben to score so much. Over all im pleased for now im going to miss the good effort joe smith brought every night. Ben wallace was definitly on a decline and will never be in the form he was in detroit so this should reignite some fire in the bulls offense looking forward to seeing to bulls in the playoffs
Posted by: Elijah | February 21, 2008 05:14 PM
At least it's a start. Like almost everyone out here, I feel the key was getting rid of Wallace. Now in the off-season they may be able to make some moves.
Watch what Wallace will do now he's with Lebron. You won't recognize him he'll play so well.
It will truly tell what a SCUMBAG he really is. I also think it won't be long before he starts talking smack about the Bulls as an orginization
Posted by: kman | February 21, 2008 05:20 PM
As I look at the last dismal minutes of that overtime loss to a New Jersey team that was without Jason Kidd; I think about how pathetic it was that the Bulls couldn't close it out in regulation.
Then I look at who was on the floor when the horn went off after four quarters.
Next, I take a peek at the guys who managed all of 8 points in the overtime period.
Finally ... I consider the fact that three of our "premier" players in that game teamed up for 16 personal fouls, to go along with an aggregate total of 35 points.
Then I compute the ratio of points to fouls,(taking into consideration the number of points that those fouls cost us at the line on the other end of the court) and I arrive at the conclusion that you could ship the entire lot of them out ... AND STILL LOSE THE GAME!
Posted by: Mark Villano | February 21, 2008 05:22 PM
This is the best day for the franchise since that June day in Utah when Michael posed for his final finest moment as a Bull. Thats how good it feels to get rid of Wallace. I was among the small minority that dreaded the Wallace singing before it ever happened, because I knew it meant the end of Tyson Chandler in Chicago.
Now Noah and Gray can share time at center and develop for next year.
I am glad to see Joe Smith go, because he only took time away from the development of Thomas. Unfortuneatly, Gooden likely will do exactly the same thing. However, Gooden is a better, tougher player than Smith, so I can live with that. This allows us to trade either Thomas or Gooden with Gordon and Hinrich for a real point guard in the offseason.
I like the Hughes acquisition because it adds more size to our backcourt rotation, and it means that Gordon is definately out with the Bulls during this summers trade season. Can't wait to get rid of that mope a dope spastic clutz.
Have to go the ESPN.com to check out the salary cap ramifications of Hughes and Goodens contracts long term. They make $20 million per this season.
This definately makes the Bulls better immediately and gives us much better trade flexibility in the immediate future.
Great(not just good) Riddance to one of the 2 mope a dope Bens, can't wait for the other shoe to drop. I hope Gordons wrist falls off for the rest of the season so I don't have to watch him rumble stumble and bumble all over the court every night. Sitting actually helps his trade value, if he has any with his insane contract demands.
Maybe the rest of the season might be worth the cost of the NBA ticket, the first part sure wasn't
Posted by: BigWay | February 21, 2008 05:23 PM
This was a good trade for the bulls and not so great for the cavs. The bulls get bigger in the backcourt and add a scoring option in the starting line up in hughes. The problem is that there are not enough minutes to go around for everyone. The bulls now have 6 guards (pg- hinrich, duhon, sg- gordon, hughes, thabo, brown.) Hinrich, gordon, and hughes are going to play big minutes which leaves few minutes for thabo and duhon. Shannon brown may be a hidden gem in this deal and I'm sorry but thabo is not a point guard. As for the front court, I wouldn't expect to see Gray often if at all unless matchups warrant it. I don't know what everyone sees in gray but i don't see much. Yes he has size but, he is soft, slow, and not very strong for a guy his size, so i'm not on that