BAMAPHIN 22
FinHeaven Elite
1. Forward Al Jefferson, a top two protected first-round pick and center Theo Ratliff (Celtics) for forward Pau Gasol (Grizzlies).
All signs are that the Bulls are unwilling to send two of their top young perimeter scorers (Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni) to Memphis for Gasol, which opens the door for another team. By making this deal with Boston, the Grizzlies clear their biggest contract (Gasol is owed $63.1 million through 2010-11), which helps owner Michael Heisley in his efforts to sell the team.
2. Swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Bob Sura (Rockets) for forward P.J. Brown (Bulls).
Chicago may be unwilling to make a major deal for Gasol, but the Bulls are desperate for a post-up scorer. Why not rent Wells for the rest of the year? He's the best back-to-the-basket mercenary on the market; in spite of his disagreements with coach Jeff Van Gundy, Houston has been giving Wells as many as 15 post-ups per game during center Yao Ming's absence. With Yao due back later this month, the Rockets can afford to move Wells in exchange for the classy Brown, who has the professionalism and length (6-11) at power forward that Van Gundy covets for the stretch run. To make the numbers work, Chicago must take on the contract of Sura, who may never play again (multiple knee surgeries) and who is on the books for only $1 million guaranteed next season.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/01/30/nba.thomsen.deal0205/index.html
All signs are that the Bulls are unwilling to send two of their top young perimeter scorers (Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni) to Memphis for Gasol, which opens the door for another team. By making this deal with Boston, the Grizzlies clear their biggest contract (Gasol is owed $63.1 million through 2010-11), which helps owner Michael Heisley in his efforts to sell the team.
2. Swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Bob Sura (Rockets) for forward P.J. Brown (Bulls).
Chicago may be unwilling to make a major deal for Gasol, but the Bulls are desperate for a post-up scorer. Why not rent Wells for the rest of the year? He's the best back-to-the-basket mercenary on the market; in spite of his disagreements with coach Jeff Van Gundy, Houston has been giving Wells as many as 15 post-ups per game during center Yao Ming's absence. With Yao due back later this month, the Rockets can afford to move Wells in exchange for the classy Brown, who has the professionalism and length (6-11) at power forward that Van Gundy covets for the stretch run. To make the numbers work, Chicago must take on the contract of Sura, who may never play again (multiple knee surgeries) and who is on the books for only $1 million guaranteed next season.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/01/30/nba.thomsen.deal0205/index.html
