Bulls Trades Galore. And They're Actually Good.

Rejoice Bulls fans. Everyone can now wave a sweet, long goodbye to old Captain Hack 'N Flop.

So long Andres. You had your moments, many moons ago. Now take your Pert Plus and kindly leave. At least we'll always have the good times...

You. I don't even wanna look at you. Just get the hell out.



Sorry Dr. Turd Beard. Time to head on down the road.

The Swiss era has come to an end. You weren't meant to play basketball Thabo. According to Larry David, all your people do is ski and eat chocolate. (I couldn't find that particular clip, so I offer this instead.)








So, what do we get in return? Well the Sac-Town deal brings in Brad Miller (remember him?) and John "Smoked" Salmons. In Miller we get a big man known for his very solid passing, especially out of the high post, which should instantly help our young frontcourt (Noah and Thomas), not to mention Luol, who is at his best when cutting to the hoop. Miller can still shoot it from the top of the key too, which should make for a much better pick-and-pop situation with Derrick.

Salmons is having a career year, and does a bit of everything:

2009: 17.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.1 spg, 41.8 3PT%, 16.2 PER

So when you look at it, Miller acts as an upgrade over Drew Gooden who also fits better with our team chemistry. He's on contract for next year as well, but we would have had to sign someone to replace Gooden anyway. Salmons makes us better right now and gives us a replacement for Gordon if we're unable to resign him, which at this point, seems likely due to luxury tax shenanigans. Salmons has the option to opt out of his contract in 2010, and considering he's 30 right now, you have to figure he'll try and go get as much money as possible. Basically, these moves improve us in the short-term and put us in a better position to nab Chris Bosh in 2010, who, rumor has it, considers Chi-town his #1 destination.

Sending out Larry Hughes brings back another malcontent and former Bull, Tim Thomas. Yes I hear the collective groan, but unless he wants to accept a very limited role, I'm sure he will be bought out and sent home once again. We also had to accept the contract of Jerome James, who will most likely never play in the NBA again, and Anthony Roberson, who is probably headed to the practice squad.

The icing on the cake was sending Thabo to OKC for Denver's 1st round pick next year. There was no longer any room or feasible minutes for Swiss Chocolate, and I would say we got great return. That pick could wield some solid talent or be combined with our own pick and perhaps Kirk to put together a trade package.

So was the Sacramento trade the "megadeal" that ESPN deemed it. Certainly not. If anything, calling it such shows just how lame this trade deadline was. None of these moves were sexy, but they make us better, and put us in a better position to contend when 2010 rolls around. So whether it was Paxson or Gar Forman who swung these deals, you should tip your cap.

Not to mention, Amare is likely done for the season with a detached retina. So... phew!