Bulls' good day could have been much better

Just like their pursuit of Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol over the last few years, the Bulls fell short Thursday of making something big happen.

One of the most important NBA trade deadlines in history came and went without the Bulls accomplishing their main goal, which was clearing enough cap space for two max contracts.

Their best chance of attracting LeBron James, Dwyane Wade or Chris Bosh was by having enough room to attract two of the big three free agents, but because they didn't move Kirk Hinrich, they'll have room enough for only one big contract and some spare parts.

That sounds a lot like Atlanta's Joe Johnson, and that's not a bad thing, but nothing like what it would have meant to get Johnson and one of the other three, or two of the big three.

And if two of those three wind up together somewhere in the East, then Derrick Rose and Johnson won't be enough to overcome that and reach the NBA Finals, which is what this exercise is all about.

On the other hand, the Knicks did exactly what the Bulls wanted to do, which was clear $30 million for the upcoming Summer of LeBron, and enough cap space for two max-contract free agents.

So, yeah, the Bulls had a good day, just not a great day.

They got rid of John Salmons and his $6 million for next year.

And they finally admitted - albeit two years late - that Tyrus Thomas was a bust, and got a pick in return from Charlotte.

Go ahead and pat John Paxson on the back if you feel the need, but remember that Thomas was essentially the second pick in the draft four years ago, and whatever pick they wind up with won't be anywhere near where they began with Thomas.

As he did with Hinrich, Ben Gordon and so many others, Paxson waited at least a year too long to deal Thomas and failed to maximize the asset and value.

In fact, so far the best thing Paxson has done is get lucky - something new for the Bulls - with a ping-pong ball that turned into Derrick Rose.

Now he needs to get lucky in free agency.

That would also be something new for the Bulls.

Ivan Boldirev-ingIn the past, managing assets has been an afterthought for the Blackhawks, if thought of at all.That's what makes the recent Cam Barker trade so impressive for GM Stan Bowman.Everyone in the NHL knew Barker had to go before March 3 because of the Hawks' impending cap problems. Yet, Bowman moved an asset while he still had some leverage, and in return got a better defenseman in Kim Johnsson who can help the Hawks this year, and also a prospect in Nick Leddy.Before Bowman, it's unlikely the Hawks would have moved in time to receive value plus a prospect/pick, but that's how you build inventory and protect your future while working for the present.Nicely done.Sunday skateJ.P. Parise was a huge part of Team Canada in the '72 Summit Series, and his son - Team USA's Zach Parise - was asked on the XM Hockey Channel if he thought his dad would be cheering for the Americans on Sunday when they face Canada."He better be rooting for us,'' Zach said. "I paid for his tickets.''The good guysThe Wolves will host a night for John Anderson on Saturday during a game against Houston at the Allstate Arena, raising a banner for the longtime Chicago coach now working in Atlanta.Anderson's name will join the club's two retired jerseys, Steve Maltais and Wendell Young, along with the four championship banners Anderson helped bring to Chicago.For ticket info, visit chicagowolves.com.The makeoverCarlos Zambrano indicated Thursday that he's past the age of acting like a clown and it's time to grow up.If you're keeping score at home, Zambrano's officially taken the lead over Tyrus Thomas in most times saying, "This year will be different.''The gamesVancouver organizers have made available 100,000 condoms in two Olympic villages for 7,000 athletes. That's equal to the number of Tiger Woods jokes made available by the preceding sentence.Just sayingBefore Rudy Jaramillo joined the Cubs, the last time we heard a Chicago coach would be the complete difference-maker in a season was Rod Marinelli.New mathMiami Herald's Greg Cote: "Alex Rodriguez's 500th home run ball fetched $103,579 in auction. It would have been worth more, but, prorated for steroids, it might actually be around the 403rd home run ball.''That's ruffCBS' David Letterman: "PETA was protesting outside the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show last night. They want the dogs to stop wearing fur.''And finally -CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman, on Charlotte boss Michael Jordan gaining even more power by possibly becoming an NBA owner: "What, Matt Millen wasn't available?"brozner@dailyherald.com