Click-a-Bull (Being an NBA Fan, Trade Rumors, Franchise Players)

Last night's loss to the Clippers was the classic trap game: the Bulls were coming off one of the greatest road trips in NBA history, and they are a young team with an inexperienced (bad) coach. Easy game to lack energy and come out flat, so let's not read too much into it.

Great piece from Kelly Dwyer on why you should truly appreciate the chance to cheer/love a great team. Made me realize that as much as I enjoyed it, I was just a little too young to truly enjoy/appreciate the 1990s Bulls dynasty. ...

Your champs, in your eyes

Sometime, over the weekend, a TBJ viewer sent this email to Skeets and Tas.

"This Celtics' loss, coming at the end of this three game stretch, is hands down the lowest point for C's fans since KG and Ray were acquired. It makes me long for '05-‘06, when there was no pressure and I could just be happy to watch Pierce quietly churn out great games, or '06-‘07 when I could just be content if we kept it close with the Spurs for a quarter.' This pressure and caring so much about the outcome makes having your team be a contender way less awesome than you'd think."

Are you kidding me?

Honestly, can anyone get behind this? Lakers fans, Celtics fans, Nets fans, Warriors fans?

Goodness, gracious, sakes alive; have we not been there before? Nostalgia is a mild form of depression, Donald Fagen keeps telling us, and this is an obvious example of such. To not relate to Nick L. is to not be a fan of ... geez, life. We are all Nick L. If you're not Nick L., then you are not a fan.

This isn't to rip on Nick L., I have got to make that clear. This is only to wake you lot up. Or, if you're already awake, talk you off the ledge.

If you are a fan of a good team, a very good team, you need to appreciate that noise to no end. Not just because of what other bits of fandom are going through, and not just because you might not get a chance to root for a winner for long stretches of your fandom, but because your team needs a bit of appreciation.

Because your team wins games, more often than not. Because your team could win a championship — a championship! This doesn't mean you turn a blind eye to the foibles amongst these fables — these 60-win fables — but this has to mean you appreciate more than you fret.

And there is nobody that you should believe, in this regard, more than your humble narrator.

Not because I'm nostalgic, or spoiled, or that I lost myself in a half-empty miasma; but because I was around and paying attention and pumping fists (Ron Harper-style) for the greatest dynasty of the last 40 years.

I'm a Chicago Bulls fan. And though I've never sported a single bit of Bulls apparel, nor painted a bit of my face, or referred to the team in question as "we," nor created an overwrought argument regarding the outfit based solely on personal bias, I was and am a bit of a freak. The remote had to face the right way, certain doors had to be closed, certain albums had to at least be referenced before game time, and all sorts of silly superstitions had to be followed. I was a fan. I am a fan. But I was also a fan.

I was also, cruelly, quite aware. To the point of, seriously, giving our actual homecoming queen the "'kay, thanks, gotta go, bye"-treatment on the phone because halftime of Jordan's trouncing of the Nets was nearly over, and I had a seat to fill. And this was someone who was calling during halftime, because it was the only time to call. She knew. And I knew that this wasn't meant to last. This is why I taped the games. This is why I made a point to pay attention. Not because the gravity of the game depended on it — Jordan tended to be Jordan whether or not I had that TV remote aligned properly — but because I knew the difference between permanence and impermanence.

Weekly Post-Ups

With a little more than two weeks to go before the Feb. 18 trade deadline, the chatter is starting to pick up. Here’s the latest trade buzz culled from conversations with team executives, agents, and others in the know:

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Rumblings about Ray Allen being on his way out of Boston are accurate, but only if the Celtics can get back a player who’d crack the top eight in their rotation. One scenario that has been discussed would have Allen going to Chicago for Kirk Hinrich and another piece – John Salmons? – to satisfy the salary requirements. If it came to fruition, what an intriguing swap it would be for teams that waged such a thrilling postseason battle only eight months ago. Since Allen’s $19.7 million contract expires after the season, acquiring him would leave Chicago flush with cap space for a 2010 free-agent binge centered around Chicago native Dwyane Wade and an additional superstar.

NBA Superstars: Top Franchise Players In The Game Today

11. Derrick Rose

Rose is the youngest on this list, and has made significant progress since being drafted only a couple of years ago. He's currently scoring about 20 points a game and 6 assists. He's the main chip in the Chicago Bulls puzzle, who should make the playoffs this season for sure.

When all else fails, hire the guy you could've had immediately but clearly didn't want

Mike Martz hired as Bears Offensive Coordinator - Chicago Tribune

Twenty-seven days after the Bears set out to find a new offensive coordinator, they have hired a man who was one of the most logical choices from the start, passing wizard Mike Martz.

Martz will be charged with turning around the Bears' dismal offense and doing it quickly with quarterback Jay Cutler, someone he was pining to work with even during last season.

Martz becomes the third offensive coordinator during the Lovie Smith era and potentially the last if the coaching staff doesn't turn things around. That's what the press conference the team held Jan. 5 insinuated. Team president Ted Phillips has demanded an immediate turnaround after three straight seasons without a trip to the playoffs.

I made my thoughts known about what seemed to be the inevitable copout of hiring Martz, so I don't have much to say. Except that Greg Olsen better spruce up his resume, because I don't even know if Martz knows how to pronounce "tight end". This will not end well.

Derrick Rose on being an All-Star (Video)

Exclusive: Rose on being an All-Star

Derrick Rose couldn't believe the news.

He knew it might be coming. He knew his name might pop up on the Eastern Conference All- Star team. His teammates and coaches were convinced he would make the team. Even some of his opponents had spoken out on his behalf in recent days. After all, he had been playing better than anybody in basketball over the past two weeks, seemingly overpowering other guards whenever he got the chance.

Still, after all this talk, it really didn't sink in when he heard the news officially. When he heard that he had become the youngest All-Star in Bulls' franchise history. When he heard that he was the first player since Michael Jordan in 1998 to even make the team.

The 21-year-old guard just sat on his bed in his New Orleans hotel and smiled.

His dream had become a reality.

I caught up with Rose just moments after the announcement was made, and it's safe to say that he will be savoring this feeling of accomplishment for a long, long time.

Nick Friedell: Describe the feeling of what it's like to be an All-Star.

Derrick Rose: I really can't describe it right now. It really hasn't hit me. Hopefully, when I get down to Dallas that's when it will really hit me, I know. I really didn't know [there] wasn't an All-Star for the Bulls since Mike [Jordan] in '98 or something like that, so just thinking about that it's amazing.

What a humble, modest superstar. Couldn't be happier to have this guy on the Bulls for the next 10+ years.

Click-a-Bull (Trade Rumors: Brad Miller, Kirk to Lakers / Free Agent Rumor: Joe Johnson)

NBA Trade Rumor: Brendan Haywood or Brad Miller To Portland

At the start of the season, there was no question that the Blazers had the most post depth in the League. But then the injuries hit. First Greg Oden fractured the patella in his left knee, and then Joel Przybilla ruptured his right patella tendon. As both of these happened in December, Portland hoped that 2010 would bring them some good news. But after going 5-5 in their last 10 games, and Utah jumping them in the Northwest Conference standings, it’s time to make a move.

According to ESPN.com’s Marc Stein, the Blazers have set their sites on two of the League’s expendable big men: Washington’s Brendan Haywood and Chicago’s Brad Miller. While neither is clearly a long-term option, their short-term benefits could push Portland over the top in the West.

DC pointed this out, and it's worth sharing: If you enter the Kirk for Sasha V. and A. Morrison trade into the ESPN Trade Machine, it shows no effect on the Bulls record and the Lakers getting -1 win this season. Seems odd.


Hawks, Johnson face uncertain future

When the heralded 2010 free-agent market opens this summer, most of the public’s attention will be devoted to figuring out where LeBron James(notes), Dwyane Wade(notes) and Chris Bosh(notes) are going. But there’s another prominent All-Star who figures to attract a lot of interest from NBA suitors, and he just might be among the most likely players to change teams.

Joe Johnson(notes) has the Atlanta Hawks contending now in the Eastern Conference, but several league sources say they wouldn’t be surprised if the All-Star guard leaves this summer, specifically to sign with the Chicago Bulls. The Hawks’ perch near the top of the East would likely keep them from moving Johnson – or any of their other core players – before next month’s trade deadline, but rival team executives wonder if they’d at least be willing to listen to offers if they aren’t certain Johnson will return.

D-Rose FINALLY Ends Bulls' All-Star Drought!!

Bulls' Rose voted into NBA All-Star Game

The Bulls' All-Star drought is over.

According to league sources, Derrick Rose, the Bulls' second-year guard, has been voted by NBA coaches as an Eastern Conference reserve. An official announcement will be made on a TNT telecast later Thursday.

Rose, averaging 19.75 points and 5.9 assists, is the Bulls' first All-Star since Michael Jordan won the game's most valuable player award in 1998.

Rose also will be in Dallas to defend his Skills Challenge title. That contest will take place Feb. 12. The All-Star game is Feb. 14.

Utah Jazz and former Illinois point guard Deron Williams was named to the West squad. The Celtics' Rajon Rondo will join Rose on the East side.

Report: Coaches pick Rose for All-Star game

According to a report at Yahoo!.com, the Bulls' drought in the NBA All-Star game is over.

The report cites sources that say Bulls guard Derrick Rose has been picked by NBA coaches to play in the game. The official announcement will be made at 6 p.m. today on TNT.

The last Bulls star to play be in the NBA's All-Star Game was Michael Jordan in 1998.

Yahoo! also reports that former Illini star Deron Williams will play for the West squad, and Rose will be joined by Rajon Rondo and Paul Pierce of Boston, Chris Bosh of Toronto, Gerald Wallace of Charlotte, and two Atlanta players, Joe Johnson and Al Horford.

Report: Rose Added to All Star Roster


Derrick Rose Voted into the NBA All-Star Game by Coaches

Derrick Rose will be selected to the NBA All-Star team—report

Bulls D-Rose and Taj in Rook/Soph Challenge

Rose, Evans among players in 2010 Rookie Challenge

Bulls guard Derrick Rose , the reigning Rookie of the Year, and Kings superstar-in-training Tyreke Evans , the clear-cut frontrunner for this season's ROY hardware, lead a list of 18 players selected for the 2010 T-Mobile Rookie Challenge to be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at American Airlines Center in Dallas.

The participants were selected by the NBA's assistant coaches, with each team submitting one ballot. The Rook and Sophomore head coaches will be the lead assistants from the 2010 All-Star Game coaching staffs. The team with the best record in each conference as of Jan. 31 gets that honor, though Phil Jackson (Lakers) and Mike Brown (Cavaliers) aren't eligible after coaching last year.

(Note: Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade's quirky Band-Aids will not make an appearance.)

Joining Rose on the Sophomores: Heat forward Michael Beasley , Clippers guard Eric Gordon , Timberwolves big man Kevin Love , Nets center Brook Lopez , Knicks forward Danilo Gallinari , Thunder guard Russell Westbrook and two Grizzlies: center Marc Gasol and guard O.J. Mayo .

Forward Omri Casspi , 'Reke's Israeli-born teammate in Sacramento, joins him on the Rookie team, as does Bulls forward Taj Gibson , Warriors gunner Stephen Curry , Pistons forward Jonas Jerebko , Bucks guard Brandon Jennings , 'Wolves guard Jonny Flynn , Thunder guard James Harden and Spurs forward/center DeJuan Blair .

Click-a-Bull (Trade and Trade Rumors - Amare, Kirk, T-Mac, Salmons)

Bulls deal Gray to Hornets for Devin Brown

The Bulls shipped seldom-used center Aaron Gray to New Orleans for veteran guard Devin Brown on Monday.

Gray missed training camp and the first two months of the season with a stress fracture in his left fibula. Since recovering, he has appeared in just eight games and never seemed to get back into playing shape.

The 6-foot-5 Brown has played a significant role on some good teams during his eight NBA seasons and won a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2005. This year he was averaging 9.7 points per game and was getting consistent playing time for the Hornets, logging 30 minutes in a loss at Denver on Saturday.

Brown, 31, is considered a good defender and streaky shooter. When the Hornets lost to the Bulls at the United Center on Dec. 26, Brown hit 6 of 7 shots from 3-point range for 22 points - all in the first half. He shot 45.6 percent from 3-point range in December but dropped to 26 percent in January.

One question still to be answered is if acquiring Brown sets the stage for the Bulls to trade either John Salmons or Kirk Hinrich before the Feb. 18 trade deadline, therefore opening more cap room to spend on free agents next summer.

Brown and Gray make similar salaries, roughly $1 million.

VOTE IN THE POLL ---->



Bulls Trade a Precursor for Amar'e?

The trade Monday that sent starting New Orleans Hornets guard Devin Brown to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for seldom-used center Aaron Gray doesn't seem like much on the surface because neither guy is somebody most smart NBA fans would call a "game-changer." While it's obvious that the Hornets made this move to shed salary, Chicago's motivations require a little more digging and imagination.

It's possible that this trade could be an attempt to shore up the Bulls' backcourt should they be able to find a taker for either Kirk Hinrich or John Salmons before the trade deadline. Chicago would like to head into this offseason with enough money to pursue a big name free agent and possibly have the option of extending Tyrus Thomas. As it stands, they'll have to choose one of those options or the other.

Hinrich is scheduled to make $17 million for the next two full seasons, and Salmons is on the books for just under $6 million next year should he exercise his player option this offseason. Brown, on the other hand, can play out the rest of this season for right around $500,000 and do a lot of the same things Hinrich and Salmon can do for a heck of a lot less money.

So, even if Chicago only manages to return non-rotation role players with expiring contracts for a player like Hinrich or Salmons, the Bulls have an answer for the holes left in the lineup. In a lot of ways, just shedding the salary would be considered a big move for the Bulls going forward. But looking at this thing on a grander scale, it seems remotely possible that this could allow Chicago to put together a pretty impressive package in a trade offer for a really big name.

Amar'e Stoudemire is one such big name, as has been reported by multiple news outlets in the last couple of days. Chicago could package Kirk Hinrich or Luol Deng with Tyrus Thomas as the key pieces to a deal for Stoudemire. Either offer would get close to matching the necessary salaries to get a move done; it would just be a question as to whether or not that were enough to get Phoenix to bite. Chicago does have a couple of expiring contracts worth $6-12 million apiece that they could use to sweeten the pot as well.

Lakers Interested in Kirk Hinrich

The Bulls have actively been trying to trade guard Kirk Hinrich and the $17 million he is owed over the next two seasons to clear up cap space to go after some of the star power on this summer’s free agent market. But that could be difficult to do considering teams aren’t looking to take on much financial burden right now. But ESPN’s Chad Ford reports that the Bulls and Lakers would both benefit from a deal.

The defending champs are a bit concerned with their perimeter defense and Hinrich is well-known as being an outstanding defender. Plus, the Yankees of the NBA are one of the few teams that could take on a salary like Hinrich’s.

The Lakers have opted not to extend Jordan Farmar’s contract so that could open the door for Hinrich. The Lakers would likely be willing to part with the expiring contracts of Farmar, Adam Morrison and Josh Powell in order to get Hinrich. Ford says “some sort of combo of Adam Morrison and Derrick Fisher for Hinrich would help both teams” but I’m not sure the Lakers would part with Fisher, and all the experience he brings come playoff time. Plus, he is still a pretty solid on the ball defender.

Besides defense, Hinrich would give the Lakers another quality three-point shooter and someone with a high basketball IQ.

Slow down on Stoudemire-to-Bulls rumors

Last year, the rumors that Amare Stoudemire would be traded were unexpected and, ultimately, Phoenix opted not to make a financial purge.

This season, they are expected, although recent talk of the Bulls being strongly interested should be tempered.

The Arizona Republic reported recently the Suns are amping up efforts to deal the All-Star power forward, mindful that attempts to reach a deal on a long-term contract extension haven't gone far. The newspaper reported Golden State, Minnesota and Cleveland have shown interest in Stoudemire, but noted that the forward's ability to opt out to become a free agent and not re-sign with any team he is traded to could serve as a deterrent.

Yahoo! Sports, citing sources, listed the Bulls as one of several teams showing "major interest" in Stoudemire. However, just like last season, the Bulls have reservations over acquiring Stoudemire, who will seek a maximum contract at a time questions remain about his defensive play and recovery from microfracture surgery on his knee.

The Bulls could've traded for Stoudemire last season, but opted not to. He's certainly on their radar and discussions between now and the Feb. 18 trade deadline will take place. However, to label him the Bulls' top priority is overstating matters.

Chat with Chris Sheridan

What's TMAC's destination?
Chris Sheridan
All indications are that the process continues to move slowly. I still think it'll come down to the Knicks or the Bulls, unless an Iguodala offer is truly going to be put on the table by Houston. and if the talent the Bulls and Knicks are offering is relatively equal, I give the Knicks the edge because they can offer more financial relief in the form of Cuttino Mobley's expiring and insurance-paid contract, which is $3-plus million more than Jerome james' similar deal. Plus, James Dolan would be much more willing than Jerry Reinsdorf to throw $3 million in cash into the deal. Also, the Knicks could take back Brian Cook (expiring $3.5 million) and get Houston under the tax, which would mean another $4-plus million going into Les Alexander's wallet because the Rockets would then get a share of the revenues from the taxpaying teams.

Brown's arrival might pave way for more Bulls moves

On the surface, Monday's trade by the Bulls was a no-brainer: They gave up someone who rarely plays for a veteran guard with playoff experience.

The Bulls sent third-year center Aaron Gray to New Orleans for 6-foot-5 guard Devin Brown, who also has played for the Spurs, Cavs and Jazz during eight years in the NBA. He won a title with San Antonio in 2005.

When Derrick Rose, Kirk Hinrich and John Salmons are all healthy and playing well, as they have been during the Bulls' surprising three-game winning streak, there isn't much need for a fourth guard. The Bulls have struggled all season to find court time for Jannero Pargo.

Brown's primary role figures to be as a replacement for Salmons or Hinrich, maybe even Luol Deng, should the Bulls succeed in making another trade before the Feb. 18 deadline.

There is no guarantee that will happen, since most NBA teams are reluctant to take on any extra salary right now. Hinrich has two more years remaining on his contract at a total of $17 million. That's not outrageous by NBA standards but definitely above market value.

A source confirmed the Bulls have had discussions with the Lakers about Hinrich, most likely for Adam Morrison and Sasha Vujacic, but nothing is imminent.