So John Salmons is gone, likely for Hakim Warrick and Joe Alexander, and I have to admit I’m a bit torn.  It was necessary in the sense that we needed to dump his contract to assure we have enough cap space to sign a big free agent this off season.  On the other hand, even though he was having a down year, Salmons was still one of our better offensive players for a team that desperately needs scoring.  But more scoring could be on the way!

Here are some trades the Bulls have discussed and will continue to offer.  The Bulls are willing to trade Brad Miller, Tyus Thomas and Jerome James in exchange for Tracy McGrady.  In addition, the Bulls have asked that the Rockets release Miller in order for him to return to the Bulls.  The Bulls are unwilling to add any picks or other considerations for a trade that helps them in no way financially for 2010.  Its basically a trade to give away Tyrus and to add a scoring punch in McGrady.  If the Rockets continue to play hardball, they will likely work out something with the Knicks or nothing at all.

If a Tyrus to Rockets deal falls through, the Bulls will likely trade him to the Knicks for Al Harrington.  This would be a move, again, to add more scoring punch with the loss of Salmons.  If for some reason the Knicks change their mind on trading Harrington or if he is packaged in a Rockets deal, there is a strong chance Tyrus stays for the remainder of the season.

Lastly, Chris Bosh for Deng and Noah was offered by the Bulls and is still on the table, however, its the Raptors who are reluctant.  The Raptors were intrigued by the idea and do fear they will lose Bosh for nothing this off season, but seem unwilling to make such a huge splash and are highly attached to their franchise player.  They’re reluctant to make such a drastic change, trade the face of their franchise and disrupt the chemistry of a playoff team.   It’s an interesting proposal but seems too large scale for each team to handle.  We will see though.

UPDATE 2.17.10 - T-mac headed to the Kings.  Look for Al Harrington-Thomas trade now.

By Victor Bellan