http://www.realgm.com/src_tradechecker/3/ and Trade ID #5323914 or http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ycdqwl9

Why the Bulls do it:

- They need to cut salary to have a chance at signing a 2010 free agent to a max contract. This season is already a loss, so it does not matter if Adam Morrison contributes nothing.

- Jerry Reinsdorf is too cheap to exceed the salary cap, so the $2M saved could be used to pick up a veteran 3-point shooter the Bulls desperately need. Sasha Vujacic is also better at 3-point shooting than anyone currently on the Bulls roster.

- Jordan Farmar replaces Hinrich at a much more reasonable salary for a back-up guard.

- Jerry Reinsdorf has a personal dislike of TT, so the Bulls will likely let him walk for nothing next summer if he is not traded by the deadline.

Why the Lakers do it:

- Tyrus Thomas (TT) is very talented, but the Bulls have been awful at developing players. Since Phil Jackson & Co. >> Vinny del Negro & Co., TT could likely be developed into a defensive force and acceptably good offensive player.

- Kirk Hinrich has shot like garbage this year, but will likely rebound at some point. He can help keep Fisher's regular season minutes down. Hinrich has acceptable ball handling, and would be a good defensive back-court complement to Kobe.

- The Lakers championship window is now and the remainder of Kobe's prime, and the three players they give up are not part of the essential team core.

- Buss is willing to spend to win, so the Lakers can take on the additional $2M in salary. The Lakers also will not be under the cap next summer, irregardless of this trade.

What do you think?

Hello Lakers fans,

Since your guys will probably beat ours (Bulls) by 30, 40 or 50 points tomorrow night, it seemed a good time to run this trade idea by you.

http://www.realgm.com/src_tradechecker/3/ and Trade ID #5323914 or http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=ycdqwl9

Why the Lakers do it:

- Tyrus Thomas (TT) is very talented, but the Bulls have been awful at developing players. Since Phil Jackson & Co. >> Vinny del Negro & Co., TT could likely be developed into a defensive force and acceptably good offensive player.

- Kirk Hinrich has shot like garbage this year, but will likely rebound at some point. He can help keep Fisher's regular season minutes down. Hinrich has acceptable ball handling, and would be a good defensive back-court complement to Kobe.

- The Lakers championship window is now and the remainder of Kobe's prime, and the three players they give up are not part of the essential team core.

- Buss is willing to spend to win, so the Lakers can take on the additional $2M in salary. The Lakers also will not be under the cap next summer, irregardless of this trade.

Why the Bulls do it:

- They need to cut salary to have a chance at signing a 2010 free agent to a max contract. This season is already a loss, so it does not matter if Adam Morrison contributes nothing.

- Jerry Reinsdorf is too cheap to exceed the salary cap, so the $2M saved could be used to pick up a veteran 3-point shooter the Bulls desperately need. Sasha Vujacic is also better at 3-point shooting than anyone currently on the Bulls roster.

- Jordan Farmar replaces Hinrich at a much more reasonable salary for a back-up guard.

- Jerry Reinsdorf has a personal dislike of TT, so the Bulls will likely let him walk for nothing next summer if he is not traded by the deadline. (See Ben Gordon.)

What do you think?

P.S. Since the Bulls will not win the championship this season, I am rooting for the Lakers to win no. 11 for Phil.

I suggest the Blazers acquire Aaron Gray for a 2nd round draft pick (since Gray's salary is less than the Blazers' cap space, no player needs be sent back to the Bulls).

Why the Blazers do it:

- Oden is out for the season, so the Blazers could use another center to backup Pryzbilla.

- Gray can provide some post offense and rebounding, and while not a great defender, is a huge body with 6 fouls to give.

- The Blazers give up very little, since Gray's contract expires at the end of the season, and Paul Allen can always buy another 2nd round pick from a financially struggling team.

Why the Bulls do it:

- The Bulls do not have enough salary space to sign a badly needed 3-pt. shooter and/or reserve PF, and Jerry Reinsdorf will not go above the luxury tax. Trading the little used Gray would open up $1M to sign another player.

Why Gray approves the trade (since he is on the qualifying offer):

- A chance for more playing time, which will increase the probability of getting another NBA contract next season.

Your thoughts?

(Also posted over at Blazers Edge to see what they think.)

Bulls fan here looking for feedback. I suggest the Blazers acquire Aaron Gray for a 2nd round draft pick (since Gray's salary is less than the Blazers' cap space, no player needs be sent back to the Bulls).

Why the Blazers do it:

- Oden is out for the season, so the Blazers could use another center to backup Pryzbilla.

- Gray can provide some post offense and rebounding, and while not a great defender, is a huge body with 6 fouls to give.

- The Blazers give up very little, since Gray's contract expires at the end of the season, and Paul Allen can always buy another 2nd round pick from a financially struggling team.

Why the Bulls do it:

- The Bulls do not have enough salary space to sign a badly needed 3-pt. shooter and/or reserve PF, and Jerry Reinsdorf will not go above the luxury tax. Trading the little used Gray would open up $1M to sign another player.

Why Gray approves the trade (since he is on the qualifying offer):

- A chance for more playing time, which will increase the probability of getting another NBA contract next season.

Your thoughts?

Open Game #5 Thread – Los Angeles Lakers at Orlando Magic

Game starts at 7:00 CDT on ABC and TSN.

Since I am too lazy to write a preview, here is a link to the SB Nation partner Yahoo! One:Link - box score link is at that page also at game time.

My fearless predictions – Orlando puts up a good fight, but Coby and Pau show up and finish the series in 5. Lakers by 4.

Go Lakers – Win No. 10 for Phil!