Hinrich trade could clear the way for Atlanta's Joe Johnson

Kirk Hinrich could be on his way to Washington. Not necessarily tonight during the NBA Draft, but when the free-agent negotiating period ends July 9.

The Wizards would have the cap room to simply absorb Hinrich's $9 million salary. The Bulls would also send whoever they choose with the No. 17 pick and probably receive a second-rounder in return.

This news was reported on ESPN.com earlier today and a source verified the potential of the deal.

If the Bulls pull this off, it's almost a certainty that Atlanta's Joe Johnson will sign with the Bulls as a free agent. It was no secret during the past few months that the all-star shooting guard was hoping to land in Chicago this summer.

By moving Hinrich and taking back no salary in return, the Bulls would still have cap room to sign LeBron James or one of the power forwards (among Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, David Lee) if James decides not to come to Chicago.

The Bulls are likely to trade Luol Deng if they can sign James. One possibility is Orlando, offering center Marcin Gortat and swingman Mickael Pietrus, according to a league source.