*NBA THREAD* Abe will be missed (2 Viewers)

[Abraham]

Carmelo is 1-16 in the last two years under thirty seconds in one possession games.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Smith and Bargs having a good battle for dumbest #### in the NBA. Bargnani's shot was worse but JR's was up there.

 

[Abraham]

Smith and Bargs having a good battle for dumbest #### in the NBA. Bargnani's shot was worse but JR's was up there.

Pretty dumb.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Paul out 3-5 weeks with a separated shoulder.

 

[Encyclopedia Brown]

The Clips scored 35 points in the first half against San Antonio--who scored 70.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Raptors putting on a clinic in Washington.

11-3 now since the trade. Amazing.

And 9-2 since the Sac players arrived. Only loses to the Spurs and an OT loss in Cha. It hasn't been against scrub teams either which has me the most impressed. @ Dallas, @OKC, Indy, @Was and @Chi x2 (Bulls aren't very good but they still have a helluva defence). Won 7 of 8 on the road. What might be the most shocking, is Casey is finally doing things right. He's settled on a 9 man rotation instead of his dart board system to start the year. No more Fields or Novak. I thought he'd continue to trot out Fields at the 3, keep Ross stuck to the bench behind Derozan and not use Salmons at all.

Ujiri succeeding too fast. This miracle run in Dec/Jan is fun to watch, but it's not helping them long term and is definitely hurtintg their lottery chances.

An 11-3 run is exactly the opposite of what the Raptors should be doing right now.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Raptors putting on a clinic in Washington.

11-3 now since the trade. Amazing.

And 9-2 since the Sac players arrived. Only loses to the Spurs and an OT loss in Cha. It hasn't been against scrub teams either which has me the most impressed. @ Dallas, @OKC, Indy, @Was and @Chi x2 (Bulls aren't very good but they still have a helluva defence). Won 7 of 8 on the road. What might be the most shocking, is Casey is finally doing things right. He's settled on a 9 man rotation instead of his dart board system to start the year. No more Fields or Novak. I thought he'd continue to trot out Fields at the 3, keep Ross stuck to the bench behind Derozan and not use Salmons at all.

Ujiri succeeding too fast. This miracle run in Dec/Jan is fun to watch, but it's not helping them long term and is definitely hurtintg their lottery chances.

An 11-3 run is exactly the opposite of what the Raptors should be doing right now.

That is definitely one way of looking at it and if it were any other year, I'd agree. If they'd traded Lowry right after Gay, I'd agree. I understand the reasons behind tanking but don't think it is right in every case. Should the Suns blow it up and tank this season? They don't have a superstar and aren't going to win a title so they should be trying to lose, right? Or should continue on as a 45-50 win team and look to acquire that final piece by other means?

The problem for Toronto is that trading every asset for pennies on the dollar guarantees you nothing more than 2-3 seasons of futility. There are so many terrible teams this year that it would be difficult for them to even get a sniff at the top seed. Hell, 20 wins probably puts you out of the top 5 lottery spots this year. Even if they do get a hgh pick, it would years before that player is ready lead a team to a title; if that player doesn't turn out to be a bust. And then you still have to be able to build a good team around that player and hope that LeBron isn't still LeBron at that point.

As is, they've got one of the younger cores in the league. JV, Ross, Derozan and Amir are all under 26 and getting better each year. Lowry is only 28 if they decide to resign him. They're playing a fantastic style of ball right and They're going to get a good taste of playoff ball this year which will help going forward. Seems like Ujiri may now be looking at having a 45+ win team for the next few years and then attempt to bring in a star later. Wiggins has already expressed his interest in playing for Toronto so why not let him cut his teeth for someone else then nab him in free agency once he has matured? In the short term, they have a couple of tradeable salaries to bring in another piece or two if they want to be buyers this year in what looks to be a buyers market.

I don't think this "miracle run" is a mirage but i also I don't think they're a contender by any means. if the playoffs started today, they'd be a virtual lock for the 2nd round which is pretty big for this franchise. If they can get "lucky" and matchup with the Pacers in the playoffs, they could be looking at the conference finals. Toronto seems has matched up very well with the Pacers over the last two years and while I don't think many others would agree, I think they'd have a legitimate shot at beating them. They'd get swept by the Heat...

Arguments can be made for either route to be taken. I'm just happy to be watching a team playing great, unselfish ball right now. Uriji seems to be a smart guy so I'll trust him in which ever route he goes.

 

[Abraham]

Agreed. Yes. This draft is loaded. But even the best player from this draft - assuming you get him - is two or three years from being a superstar in even the best case. Raptors have a nice core. Nothing wrong with being the 4-5 seed for a couple years while these guys get better.

 

[thecatch]

I suspect people who advocate tanking haven't paid much attention to the culture of losing that surrounds and permeates these organizations. It's intangible but can be incredibly hard to break.

 

[pollardsvision]

Yeah, I agree the notion of tanking seems overrated by many. I defended the Bobcats signing of Jefferson this summer, and still think trying to win is the right thing to do.

Tanking isn't the good bet many seem to think it is. It's further instilling a losing culture for a gamble that's almost certain not to pay off. It's unlikely to result in the #1 overall pick, and even if it does, it'll almost certainly never result in a title. If a small-market, poorly run team does land the championship caliber alpha-dog, it's just as likely that player will leave before they win a title.

Most teams aren't going to win a title any time soon, and there's nothing wrong with franchise trying to build a consistent winner without relying on getting the #1 pick in the right year (ala IND, POR, MEM).

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Raptors putting on a clinic in Washington.

11-3 now since the trade. Amazing.

And 9-2 since the Sac players arrived. Only loses to the Spurs and an OT loss in Cha. It hasn't been against scrub teams either which has me the most impressed. @ Dallas, @OKC, Indy, @Was and @Chi x2 (Bulls aren't very good but they still have a helluva defence). Won 7 of 8 on the road. What might be the most shocking, is Casey is finally doing things right. He's settled on a 9 man rotation instead of his dart board system to start the year. No more Fields or Novak. I thought he'd continue to trot out Fields at the 3, keep Ross stuck to the bench behind Derozan and not use Salmons at all.

Ujiri succeeding too fast. This miracle run in Dec/Jan is fun to watch, but it's not helping them long term and is definitely hurtintg their lottery chances.

An 11-3 run is exactly the opposite of what the Raptors should be doing right now.

That is definitely one way of looking at it and if it were any other year, I'd agree. If they'd traded Lowry right after Gay, I'd agree. I understand the reasons behind tanking but don't think it is right in every case. Should the Suns blow it up and tank this season? They don't have a superstar and aren't going to win a title so they should be trying to lose, right? Or should continue on as a 45-50 win team and look to acquire that final piece by other means?

The problem for Toronto is that trading every asset for pennies on the dollar guarantees you nothing more than 2-3 seasons of futility. There are so many terrible teams this year that it would be difficult for them to even get a sniff at the top seed. Hell, 20 wins probably puts you out of the top 5 lottery spots this year. Even if they do get a hgh pick, it would years before that player is ready lead a team to a title; if that player doesn't turn out to be a bust. And then you still have to be able to build a good team around that player and hope that LeBron isn't still LeBron at that point.

As is, they've got one of the younger cores in the league. JV, Ross, Derozan and Amir are all under 26 and getting better each year. Lowry is only 28 if they decide to resign him. They're playing a fantastic style of ball right and They're going to get a good taste of playoff ball this year which will help going forward. Seems like Ujiri may now be looking at having a 45+ win team for the next few years and then attempt to bring in a star later. Wiggins has already expressed his interest in playing for Toronto so why not let him cut his teeth for someone else then nab him in free agency once he has matured? In the short term, they have a couple of tradeable salaries to bring in another piece or two if they want to be buyers this year in what looks to be a buyers market.

I don't think this "miracle run" is a mirage but i also I don't think they're a contender by any means. if the playoffs started today, they'd be a virtual lock for the 2nd round which is pretty big for this franchise. If they can get "lucky" and matchup with the Pacers in the playoffs, they could be looking at the conference finals. Toronto seems has matched up very well with the Pacers over the last two years and while I don't think many others would agree, I think they'd have a legitimate shot at beating them. They'd get swept by the Heat...

Arguments can be made for either route to be taken. I'm just happy to be watching a team playing great, unselfish ball right now. Uriji seems to be a smart guy so I'll trust him in which ever route he goes.

Just to expand on why I don't believe this is a mirage... As I've said, the teams they've been beating are no slouches. But the biggest thing is their defence. 8th in the league in D-rating overall and 1st in their last 10 games. Combine that with a slightly above average offence, and you've got a team that is legit. All the top defensive teams are contenders save for the ones that have piss poor offences (Chi & Cha)... Again not saying Toronto is a contender just that they are a quality team. Offence will come and go on a nightly basis but solid D will always be there.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Sounds like Cleveland is going to waive Bynum...

 

[tommyGunZ]

Raptors putting on a clinic in Washington.

11-3 now since the trade. Amazing.

And 9-2 since the Sac players arrived. Only loses to the Spurs and an OT loss in Cha. It hasn't been against scrub teams either which has me the most impressed. @ Dallas, @OKC, Indy, @Was and @Chi x2 (Bulls aren't very good but they still have a helluva defence). Won 7 of 8 on the road. What might be the most shocking, is Casey is finally doing things right. He's settled on a 9 man rotation instead of his dart board system to start the year. No more Fields or Novak. I thought he'd continue to trot out Fields at the 3, keep Ross stuck to the bench behind Derozan and not use Salmons at all.

Ujiri succeeding too fast. This miracle run in Dec/Jan is fun to watch, but it's not helping them long term and is definitely hurtintg their lottery chances.

An 11-3 run is exactly the opposite of what the Raptors should be doing right now.

That is definitely one way of looking at it and if it were any other year, I'd agree. If they'd traded Lowry right after Gay, I'd agree. I understand the reasons behind tanking but don't think it is right in every case. Should the Suns blow it up and tank this season? They don't have a superstar and aren't going to win a title so they should be trying to lose, right? Or should continue on as a 45-50 win team and look to acquire that final piece by other means?

The problem for Toronto is that trading every asset for pennies on the dollar guarantees you nothing more than 2-3 seasons of futility. There are so many terrible teams this year that it would be difficult for them to even get a sniff at the top seed. Hell, 20 wins probably puts you out of the top 5 lottery spots this year. Even if they do get a hgh pick, it would years before that player is ready lead a team to a title; if that player doesn't turn out to be a bust. And then you still have to be able to build a good team around that player and hope that LeBron isn't still LeBron at that point.

As is, they've got one of the younger cores in the league. JV, Ross, Derozan and Amir are all under 26 and getting better each year. Lowry is only 28 if they decide to resign him. They're playing a fantastic style of ball right and They're going to get a good taste of playoff ball this year which will help going forward. Seems like Ujiri may now be looking at having a 45+ win team for the next few years and then attempt to bring in a star later. Wiggins has already expressed his interest in playing for Toronto so why not let him cut his teeth for someone else then nab him in free agency once he has matured? In the short term, they have a couple of tradeable salaries to bring in another piece or two if they want to be buyers this year in what looks to be a buyers market.

I don't think this "miracle run" is a mirage but i also I don't think they're a contender by any means. if the playoffs started today, they'd be a virtual lock for the 2nd round which is pretty big for this franchise. If they can get "lucky" and matchup with the Pacers in the playoffs, they could be looking at the conference finals. Toronto seems has matched up very well with the Pacers over the last two years and while I don't think many others would agree, I think they'd have a legitimate shot at beating them. They'd get swept by the Heat...

Arguments can be made for either route to be taken. I'm just happy to be watching a team playing great, unselfish ball right now. Uriji seems to be a smart guy so I'll trust him in which ever route he goes.

Toronto isn't beating Indiana in the playoffs.

Again, this is a nice Dec//January win streak, but you're way overrating the talent. There are a couple of guys who may be rotation players on a contender, but not a single building block.

It's a mirage dude. Next year, when tankapolloza isn't happening, you'll be back in the lottery.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Raptors putting on a clinic in Washington.

11-3 now since the trade. Amazing.

And 9-2 since the Sac players arrived. Only loses to the Spurs and an OT loss in Cha. It hasn't been against scrub teams either which has me the most impressed. @ Dallas, @OKC, Indy, @Was and @Chi x2 (Bulls aren't very good but they still have a helluva defence). Won 7 of 8 on the road. What might be the most shocking, is Casey is finally doing things right. He's settled on a 9 man rotation instead of his dart board system to start the year. No more Fields or Novak. I thought he'd continue to trot out Fields at the 3, keep Ross stuck to the bench behind Derozan and not use Salmons at all.

Ujiri succeeding too fast. This miracle run in Dec/Jan is fun to watch, but it's not helping them long term and is definitely hurtintg their lottery chances.

An 11-3 run is exactly the opposite of what the Raptors should be doing right now.

That is definitely one way of looking at it and if it were any other year, I'd agree. If they'd traded Lowry right after Gay, I'd agree. I understand the reasons behind tanking but don't think it is right in every case. Should the Suns blow it up and tank this season? They don't have a superstar and aren't going to win a title so they should be trying to lose, right? Or should continue on as a 45-50 win team and look to acquire that final piece by other means?

The problem for Toronto is that trading every asset for pennies on the dollar guarantees you nothing more than 2-3 seasons of futility. There are so many terrible teams this year that it would be difficult for them to even get a sniff at the top seed. Hell, 20 wins probably puts you out of the top 5 lottery spots this year. Even if they do get a hgh pick, it would years before that player is ready lead a team to a title; if that player doesn't turn out to be a bust. And then you still have to be able to build a good team around that player and hope that LeBron isn't still LeBron at that point.

As is, they've got one of the younger cores in the league. JV, Ross, Derozan and Amir are all under 26 and getting better each year. Lowry is only 28 if they decide to resign him. They're playing a fantastic style of ball right and They're going to get a good taste of playoff ball this year which will help going forward. Seems like Ujiri may now be looking at having a 45+ win team for the next few years and then attempt to bring in a star later. Wiggins has already expressed his interest in playing for Toronto so why not let him cut his teeth for someone else then nab him in free agency once he has matured? In the short term, they have a couple of tradeable salaries to bring in another piece or two if they want to be buyers this year in what looks to be a buyers market.

I don't think this "miracle run" is a mirage but i also I don't think they're a contender by any means. if the playoffs started today, they'd be a virtual lock for the 2nd round which is pretty big for this franchise. If they can get "lucky" and matchup with the Pacers in the playoffs, they could be looking at the conference finals. Toronto seems has matched up very well with the Pacers over the last two years and while I don't think many others would agree, I think they'd have a legitimate shot at beating them. They'd get swept by the Heat...

Arguments can be made for either route to be taken. I'm just happy to be watching a team playing great, unselfish ball right now. Uriji seems to be a smart guy so I'll trust him in which ever route he goes.

Toronto isn't beating Indiana in the playoffs.

Again, this is a nice Dec//January win streak, but you're way overrating the talent. There are a couple of guys who may be rotation players on a contender, but not a single building block.

It's a mirage dude. Next year, when tankapolloza isn't happening, you'll be back in the lottery.

Why would I be in a lottery?

I get that you don't understand basketball very well outside of omg Kobe so I won't bother trying to explain anymore to you.

 

[Notorious T.R.E.]

Went to the Blazers/Bobcats game last night. Blazers couldn't miss. They had 70 points at the half. The crowd started the "Chalupa" chant midway through the 3rd (even though 100 points earns a McDonald's breakfast sandwich these days and not the Chalupa, which I still have never tried) and the home team was playing players in the 4th I'd never even heard of. I couldn't name more than two players on the Bobcats team. They were largely invisible. The NBA needs to contract some teams. Just way too many watered down bad teams out there.

The Bobcats have some guys who can play. Every team has a clunker once in a while. The talent pool in the league is as deep as I can ever remember it being, and it looks like it will be strengthened substantially by next year's draft.

Who is there best player? Al Jefferson? They had some goofy looking white guy that looked like Scola. He sucked. That's a bad team.

Real aficionado here.

 

[Abraham]

Yeah, I agree the notion of tanking seems overrated by many. I defended the Bobcats signing of Jefferson this summer, and still think trying to win is the right thing to do.

Tanking isn't the good bet many seem to think it is. It's further instilling a losing culture for a gamble that's almost certain not to pay off. It's unlikely to result in the #1 overall pick, and even if it does, it'll almost certainly never result in a title. If a small-market, poorly run team does land the championship caliber alpha-dog, it's just as likely that player will leave before they win a title.

Most teams aren't going to win a title any time soon, and there's nothing wrong with franchise trying to build a consistent winner without relying on getting the #1 pick in the right year (ala IND, POR, MEM).

Agree 100%. I'd say at least twenty teams are more than one superstar away from truly contending. There is nothing wrong with being the 4 or 5 or 6 seed and rolling the dice in the postseason.

 

[CurlyNight]

So Kobe is saying don't vote him in the All Stars, and to vote younger players in instead. If you are a big Kobe fan, would you give him the accolade vote knowing he's not going to play or vote for someone else?

 

[Abraham]

I would think even his fans would have the good sense to vote for someone that might play. Odd he didn't mention curry or harden.

 

[CurlyNight]

I would think even his fans would have the good sense to vote for someone that might play. Odd he didn't mention curry or harden.

You would think. My Laker fan cousins are voting him in.

 

[jfranco77]

I love this. Why bother knowing the score of the game?

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/4/5273526/jr-smith-knicks-lose-late-game-blunder

Smith told reporters after the game that he took the shot because he thought the Knicks were down by two points:

 

[Good Posting Judge]

I love this. Why bother knowing the score of the game?

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/4/5273526/jr-smith-knicks-lose-late-game-blunder

Smith told reporters after the game that he took the shot because he thought the Knicks were down by two points:

That game kept me alive in a survivor pool. Thanks JR!

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Donuts to D-League.

Donatas Motiejunas - F/C - Rockets
Donatas Motiejunas has been assigned to the D-League.
The team has not announced it yet and it is expected to be official later Monday afternoon. Motiejunas hasn't played in the last two games of the season even without Greg Smith (knee) or Omer Asik (knee). He probably won't have fantasy value with the Rockets this season.


Source: The Monitor

 

[Zaxxon]

Donuts to D-League.

Donatas Motiejunas - F/C - Rockets
Donatas Motiejunas has been assigned to the D-League.
The team has not announced it yet and it is expected to be official later Monday afternoon. Motiejunas hasn't played in the last two games of the season even without Greg Smith (knee) or Omer Asik (knee). He probably won't have fantasy value with the Rockets this season.


Source: The Monitor

Seems like only a temporary reason to avoid flipping him for Lamarcus Aldridge.

 

[Abraham]

Trying to drive his trade value down a little, I would guess.

 

[Instinctive]

I love this. Why bother knowing the score of the game?

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/4/5273526/jr-smith-knicks-lose-late-game-blunder

Smith told reporters after the game that he took the shot because he thought the Knicks were down by two points:

That game kept me alive in a survivor pool. Thanks JR!

Watching the video I don't actually think it's that dumb of a shot. If he had made it nobody would say anything. We're judging it only because they then lost.

 

[pollardsvision]

Just to make him seem accessible to other teams that otherwise might've thought he wasn't an option. Now, they'll get a couple of teams trying to get a bargain, and the bidding war will start.

Just like at auctions where they drop the reserve because nobody will bid it and the bidding soon surpasses the reserve.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Bynum to Chi for Deng

 

[Limp Ditka]

Deng a Cav

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

Love the deal for the Bulls. (Great for Cavs too)

The deal made so much sense for both.

 

[scoobus]

Really think the Cavs made out well in this deal. Even for being a rental player, you'd think Deng could've gotten more. Decent chance the Bulls will only see 2nd round picks out of this.

 

[Juxtatarot]

The Bulls acquired the right to the Sacramento Kings’ first-round pick, which is top-12 protected in 2014, top-10 protected from 2015-17 and then becomes a second-round pick if not used by then, and two second-round picks the Cavaliers had acquired from the Trail Blazers in 2015 and 2016.

Also, the Bulls have the right to swap their own 2015 first-round pick with the Cavaliers only in the case the Cleveland pick is between 15 and 30.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Really think the Cavs made out well in this deal. Even for being a rental player, you'd think Deng could've gotten more. Decent chance the Bulls will only see 2nd round picks out of this.

The deal gets the Bulls out of the luxury tax too. Trades with other teams likely wouldn't allow that.

I'm not sure how I feel yet as a Bulls fan. You're right, that Kings pick might only end up a 2nd rounder. On the other hand, the Bulls felt they'd have to overpay Deng to re-sign him so I guess getting something is better than nothing by letting him walk.

Jimmy Butler will be the starting 3 but the Bulls having a gaping hole now at 2. I'm not sure how they'll be able to fill that next year. I assume they still plan on using the amnesty for Boozer. That gives them decent money under the cap but not max money. And they plan on signing Nikola Mirotic with some of that money, he's their stretch 4 stashed Euro. Many have called him the best prospect in Europe.

Cavs get a good player who will help them quite a bit. Deng has his flaws though and they're going to have to pay him a lot of money to keep him.

Edit: The other thing to consider is the whole "tanking" thing. Losing Rose and now Deng is demoralizing for the other players. They were likely making the playoffs with Deng but may not now. So that might end up getting them a lottery pick.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Also, who gets Bynum on a minimum deal? Heat or Clippers?

 

[Abraham]

Mavs.

 

[Short Corner]

I love this. Why bother knowing the score of the game?

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/1/4/5273526/jr-smith-knicks-lose-late-game-blunder

Smith told reporters after the game that he took the shot because he thought the Knicks were down by two points:

That game kept me alive in a survivor pool. Thanks JR!

Watching the video I don't actually think it's that dumb of a shot. If he had made it nobody would say anything. We're judging it only because they then lost.

No. It was a dumb shot.

 

[the moops]

Yea, dumb shot whether it goes in or not. In that scenario, tied ball game, less than 24 seconds, you gotta take the last shot, unless it is a wide open layup.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Good deal for both sides, especially if the Cavs can re-sign Deng.

Are the Bulls done or are they going for a complete blowup? They gotta hold onto Noah but it seems like a pretty good time to amnesty Boozer and maybe shop Gibson around.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Good deal for both sides, especially if the Cavs can re-sign Deng.

Are the Bulls done or are they going for a complete blowup? They gotta hold onto Noah but it seems like a pretty good time to amnesty Boozer and maybe shop Gibson around.

Barring a trade, I'm 99.99% certain Boozer will be amnestied. A trade would have to be for expiring contract(s) to make sense for the Bulls but I don't think any team would be interested.

There have been some rumors that Dunleavy is available although he won't return much in trade. I doubt Noah or Gibson will be dumped although I suspect they'd listen to decent offers, particualy for Gibson. They don't have any other high salaried guys other than Rose.

Hinrich, Snell, Butler, Boozer, Noah is a really bad starting lineup. That really shouldn't be a playoff team, even in the East.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Good deal for both sides, especially if the Cavs can re-sign Deng.

Are the Bulls done or are they going for a complete blowup? They gotta hold onto Noah but it seems like a pretty good time to amnesty Boozer and maybe shop Gibson around.

Barring a trade, I'm 99.99% certain Boozer will be amnestied. A trade would have to be for expiring contract(s) to make sense for the Bulls but I don't think any team would be interested.

There have been some rumors that Dunleavy is available although he won't return much in trade. I doubt Noah or Gibson will be dumped although I suspect they'd listen to decent offers, particualy for Gibson. They don't have any other high salaried guys other than Rose.

Hinrich, Snell, Butler, Boozer, Noah is a really bad starting lineup. That really shouldn't be a playoff team, even in the East.

You'd think they'd amnesty Boozer sooner rather than later. He's pretty much the last remaining guy on the roster than can score... even though he's been terrible at it this year.

 

[Juxtatarot]

Good deal for both sides, especially if the Cavs can re-sign Deng.

Are the Bulls done or are they going for a complete blowup? They gotta hold onto Noah but it seems like a pretty good time to amnesty Boozer and maybe shop Gibson around.

Barring a trade, I'm 99.99% certain Boozer will be amnestied. A trade would have to be for expiring contract(s) to make sense for the Bulls but I don't think any team would be interested.

There have been some rumors that Dunleavy is available although he won't return much in trade. I doubt Noah or Gibson will be dumped although I suspect they'd listen to decent offers, particualy for Gibson. They don't have any other high salaried guys other than Rose.

Hinrich, Snell, Butler, Boozer, Noah is a really bad starting lineup. That really shouldn't be a playoff team, even in the East.

You'd think they'd amnesty Boozer sooner rather than later. He's pretty much the last remaining guy on the roster than can score... even though he's been terrible at it this year.

Teams can only amnesty players during a short window of time in the offseason. They have to wait.

 

[Cliff Clavin]

Good deal for both sides, especially if the Cavs can re-sign Deng.

Are the Bulls done or are they going for a complete blowup? They gotta hold onto Noah but it seems like a pretty good time to amnesty Boozer and maybe shop Gibson around.

Barring a trade, I'm 99.99% certain Boozer will be amnestied. A trade would have to be for expiring contract(s) to make sense for the Bulls but I don't think any team would be interested.

There have been some rumors that Dunleavy is available although he won't return much in trade. I doubt Noah or Gibson will be dumped although I suspect they'd listen to decent offers, particualy for Gibson. They don't have any other high salaried guys other than Rose.

Hinrich, Snell, Butler, Boozer, Noah is a really bad starting lineup. That really shouldn't be a playoff team, even in the East.

You'd think they'd amnesty Boozer sooner rather than later. He's pretty much the last remaining guy on the roster than can score... even though he's been terrible at it this year.

Teams can only amnesty players during a short window of time in the offseason. They have to wait.

Ah yeah. Forgot about that.

 

[Daywalker]

Vin Baker went on that trip with Rodman to N. Korea. Wonder if he's broke. $97mill career earnings. Yikes.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Very, VERY disappointed the Lakers could not make the Gasol for Bynum deal happen.

 

[Short Corner]

Very, VERY disappointed the Lakers could not make the Gasol for Bynum deal happen.

How much more did they want in return? I think they are over estimating the value of a 6-month rental of Gasol for an also-ran.

 

[Gr00vus]

Very, VERY disappointed the Lakers could not make the Gasol for Bynum deal happen.

How much more did they want in return? I think they are over estimating the value of a 6-month rental of Gasol for an also-ran.

I think the problem was making the salary numbers match. The Lakers needed to take back more salary along with Bynum and they probably didn't want to take anything the Cavs wanted to give to make the numbers match.

 

[SoCalBroncoFan]

What if the Bulls traded Bynum to the Lakers for Gasol? Then they could amnesty Boozer in the off-season and see if Gasol would be interested in a team-friendly deal? Gasol is a verey nice scorer and okay rebounder. With Noah in the middle, Gasol at the 4, Butler at the 3 and Rose at the 1 they would just need to find a 2 guard. They could either re-sign Taj Gibson to come off the bench or bring the Euro over. Defensively Gasol is soft, but with Noah and Butler playing the 3 and the 5 they might be able to make up for some of his defensive shortcomings.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Very, VERY disappointed the Lakers could not make the Gasol for Bynum deal happen.

How much more did they want in return? I think they are over estimating the value of a 6-month rental of Gasol for an also-ran.

Rumor is that they wanted Waiters or a 1st round pick.

Which is probably too much, though Waiters hasn't shown much thus far.

 

[tommyGunZ]

What if the Bulls traded Bynum to the Lakers for Gasol? Then they could amnesty Boozer in the off-season and see if Gasol would be interested in a team-friendly deal? Gasol is a verey nice scorer and okay rebounder. With Noah in the middle, Gasol at the 4, Butler at the 3 and Rose at the 1 they would just need to find a 2 guard. They could either re-sign Taj Gibson to come off the bench or bring the Euro over. Defensively Gasol is soft, but with Noah and Butler playing the 3 and the 5 they might be able to make up for some of his defensive shortcomings.

Bulls have already waived Bynum.

 

[thecatch]

Donuts demanding a trade. Some tanking team should trade for him and give him some floor time. I think he has potential.

 

[Abraham]

Donuts demanding a trade. Some tanking team should trade for him and give him some floor time. I think he has potential.

Bosh?