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This story has been a long time coming, but before we get too far into it, let's review some recent history.
Last year at this time the Chicago Bulls were hot on the trail of Amar'e Stoudemire, and were offering a package including Tyrus Thomas to the Phoenix Suns. The deal was so close that Thomas was rumored to be house hunting in Phoenix just before the All-Star break, but an impassioned plea from Alvin Gentry prevented the Suns from trading Stoudemire and the deal never went through.
Fast forward 10 months. Amar'e Stoudemire is still a Phoenix Sun and both sides are saying all the right things about his future being in Phoenix. Still, Stoudemire is a free agent next summer and there's a strong chance he doesn't stay in Phoenix, especially if they don't have a strong postseason run. Expect the Chicago Bulls to make a strong run and Amar'e when the time comes, which makes today's report out of Chicago all the more interesting.
Mike McGraw of the Aurora Daily Herald reports that the Chicago Bulls have a great deal of interest in Houston's Tracy McGrady, and it doesn't take much imagination to figure out why. It's not that the Bulls see McGrady as some sort of savior, rather that his expiring deal would be a means to an end in their quest to land Stoudemire.
There are various players in Chicago who could help Houston now and not hurt them long-term. Brad Miller is more than familiar with Rockets head coach Rick Adelman's system and would give Houston another multi-faceted option at center. John Salmons is struggling through his first year as a father with an infant, but is still a very good player when rested and also has a potentially ending contract. The deal would have to include another piece, and the Bulls would like to unload Jerome James' ending contract as part of any trade. That's not likely to get Houston too excited - GM Daryl Morey has been clear that he wants an All-Star player or player with All-Star potential back in any trade for McGrady. Neither Salmons nor Miller fit that category, either, but if the Bulls were to make Tyrus Thomas the other piece involved they might get Houston's attention.
Tyrus Thomas is not ready for an All-Star mention just yet, but he's improved in each of his three NBA seasons and is precisely the kind of player Adelman loves. He's aggressive, can play down low but also has a mid-range game, and he plays tough defense on every single play. He rebounds well, blocks shots, and leaves it all out on the court. He would fit well in the system, but more importantly he would quickly earn the respect of his new Houston teammates. That's as important as anything else with the tight-nit group in that locker room.
Add to the mix that Thomas is from Baton Rouge and would love to be closer to home . . .not hard to see how this could come together.
A source with knowledge of the situation in Chicago said the Bulls would likely insist on getting either Luis Scola or Carl Landry in a trade, making it a four-for-two deal. The Rockets would get James in addition to Miller, Salmons, and Thomas, while sending McGrady and a forward to Chicago. The Rockets are very high on both Scola and Landry, and that could make this a deal-breaker. It remains to be seen.
One thing's for sure - the Rockets aren't going to let McGrady sit and stew in Houston. He won't play good soldier, as we've seen in the past. He'll complain and stir up mess until he gets traded. The Chicago Bulls have some pieces that would greatly benefit Houston. It seems a solution to Houston's McGrady problem may be close at hand. The Rockets get the young star-quality player they seek, the Bulls get cap space to chase Stoudemire this summer.
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2009 CSFMB Fantasy Basketball Champion-
2009 CSFMB Pro Football Pick'em Champion-
2011 NAS Replacement League Football-
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