Economy key factor as NBA trade deadline nears
The Amare Stoudemire talks with Phoenix continue, but the economy might stand front and center during the final week before the Feb. 19 trade deadline.
The Bulls figure to do some bargain shopping to see if there are better or safer options than trading for Stoudemire, who had microfracture knee surgery in 2005 and can become a free agent in 2010.
Obviously, revenue is down across the NBA, and some teams are eager to dump salaries. Some of the big men being discussed are New Orleans' Tyson Chandler, Philadelphia's Sam Dalembert and the Clippers' Chris Kaman. More names could be brought to table this weekend.
There figures to be a sense of urgency in the coming days, because to truly dump salary, expensive contracts must be swapped for expiring contracts now. By the summer, those contracts will have run their course.
The Bulls are in position, as a large-market team, to possibly use the expiring deals of Drew Gooden and Cedric Simmons to take on an established player. They wouldn't trade Joakim Noah for Chandler or Dalembert, but if it comes down to the expiring deals and not much more, it could make sense.
Like every Bulls fan, team management is debating the merits and wisdom of trading the rapidly improving Tyrus Thomas for Stoudemire. There have been reports that the Suns have received better offers than what they could get from the Bulls, but time will tell.
Nocioni misses practice: The injury wasn't obvious during the game, but Andres Nocioni apparently was kicked in the leg during the win over Detroit. He skipped Wednesday's practice and his status for tonight's game against Miami is uncertain.
"He's got some swelling in the calf area," Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said. "We'll see how he feels in the morning. He's probably questionable."
Nocioni played the entire fourth quarter of the 107-102 victory over Detroit. Luol Deng sat out the final 10:05 after going 1-for-7 from the field for 7 points and 3 rebounds.
"I thought we were just in a good rhythm," Del Negro said. "Noc can spread the court, so it gives Derrick (Rose) a little bit more room to penetrate in the paint. That was pretty much the only reason. We had good matchups out there, I thought."
Wade on radio: Miami star Dwyane Wade, a native of southwest suburban Robbins, had some interesting comments during an appearance on the "Waddle and Silvy Show" on WMVP 1000-AM.
On Amare Stoudemire trade rumors floating around the Bulls and the Heat: "You've got to be patient and you've got to build your team slowly. There are only certain teams like the Celtics and Lakers that can make one move and be in the championship right away. Other teams have to wait their turn and build their teams."
On the idea of playing for the Bulls someday: "I grew up watching the Bulls and just loving them. They became a part of my DNA as a basketball player. It only crossed my mind because people bring it up all of the time.
"Really, I'm kind of glad I didn't get drafted to Chicago. I'm kind of glad I got an opportunity to really make a name for myself somewhere else. It's a little tougher when you're from there, and Derrick Rose is doing a great job dealing with it. Big ups to him for that."
Bull horns: Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, in town for the Johnny "Red" Kerr tribute, was at the Berto Center on Wednesday and spent time inside the locker room. - Cleveland's Mo Williams has replaced injured Orlando guard Jameer Nelson in the skills contest at all-star weekend. Derrick Rose will be one of the competitors.