RealGM

Bulls Trade: Deng, Smith, Griffin
Nets Trade: Richard Jefferson and 2nd round pick.

Slashing is a big problem for Chicago. Scoring is another. Defense is a third. Jefferson is good at all three.

A few years ago this trade was a hot rumor but Paxson passed for the usual reasons. With the Nets being as mediocre as ever and with Carter, Kidd, and Jefferson all alternating in rumors they may be open to a trade. The Nets are currently on a 5 game losing streak.

Jefferson's injuries look like they're in the past. He's played the most games for the Nets this season while leading them in scoring at 23.9. His rebounding numbers are low. I haven't seen too much of the Nets this year, so perhaps they are a result of him playing more minutes at the two. Regardless, it's time for the Bulls to stop being so picky and actually make a move.

The Nets need to start thinking about getting younger. Deng is only 22 and promising. He knows how to move without the ball and would flourish next to Kidd. This trade allows them to get younger without taking a step backwards. Smith gives them some front-court offense.

The Bulls hate to lose Smith, but free up minutes for their three young bigs.

*cough*

Deng AND Smith? Seems like too much for the Bulls to give up.

why would you do this as a bulls fan? I would demand Sean Williams at least.

Perhaps we could ask for more, but the Bulls' biggest problem is that every scorer they have is a jump shooter. They have no guys that attack the rim and no guys that get to the free-throw line. I haven't checked, but I suspect that we're dead last in FTA per game. Ben Gordon leads us in FTA with only about four a game. That's a very scary stat, and provides insight into why the Bulls are struggling so much.

Jefferson alone averages 10 free-throws per game. That alone would drastically change the Bulls and improve them significantly.

no for the bulls

Nets say yes.

I'm totally fine from the bulls pov. They get the best player in the deal and Smith fits zero long term plans here.

RJ is better than Deng...He would provide some needed slashing to that Bulls team...This looks like a fair deal, but only if NJ is ready to blow it up and trade Kidd too...

dunkonu21 wrote:RJ is better than Deng...He would provide some needed slashing to that Bulls team...This looks like a fair deal, but only if NJ is ready to blow it up and trade Kidd too...

Agreed, otherwise there's no point in downgrading at SF. Joe Smith provides some depth, but when everyone's healthy he'd be NJ's 4th best big man.

I don't understand why the Nets would consider this - it's a lateral move on the wings at best (although probably just an outright downgrade in talent at the 3) when they need help up front.

jefe wrote:I don't understand why the Nets would consider this - it's a lateral move on the wings at best (although probably just an outright downgrade in talent at the 3) when they need help up front.

It only makes sense if they are doing a full blown rebuilding by moving Kidd and Carter.

Whoa, how is Joe Smith their fourth best big?

I'll give you Kristic if he's healthy, but he isn't so that's not an issue. Smith is without question better than Magloire and Allen. He's better than Josh Boone. Williams is better than Smith overall, but Smith is clearly a better offensive player.

jefe wrote:I don't understand why the Nets would consider this - it's a lateral move on the wings at best (although probably just an outright downgrade in talent at the 3) when they need help up front.

They downgrade on talent at the three, but Deng is a 19 and 7 guy, so it's not a huge down grade by any means. They still compete, they get younger, and add a big man who can start for them.

The Bulls do this because Jefferson adds diversity to their offensive scheme since he's a slasher.

It doesn't really make sense for either team.

The Bulls are in disarray and obviously need to retool a bit. They're looking toward the future. New Jersey is in win-now mode and has to come up with a last-ditch plan to field a winning team before Kidd is done.

Why would the Bulls trade their youth? Why would New Jersey trade the more established, more complete player?

nate33 wrote:It doesn't really make sense for either team.

The Bulls are in disarray and obviously need to retool a bit. They're looking toward the future. New Jersey is in win-now mode and has to come up with a last-ditch plan to field a winning team before Kidd is done.

Why would the Bulls trade their youth? Why would New Jersey trade the more established, more complete player?

I've explained why it makes sense for the Bulls.

They're one of the worst offensive teams in the NBA and one of the worst at getting to the line and attacking the hoop. Jefferson, (who isn't that old, he's only 27) gets to the line 10 times a game. That would be HUGE for the Bulls. You're right, the Bulls are in disarray and need to retool. This is a way to do it. They don't need to blow things up. They are only a season removed from the East Semi Finals. They do, however, need to change their offensive scheme. They can't have all of their offensive players live and die by the jump shot. Jefferson lives to attack the rim.

Luol Deng isn't Mouhamed Sene. He's an established 22 year old who gets 19 and 7. The Nets can easily compete for a ring with him in their roster. By trading for Deng, they get younger, add depth, and still compete for a playoff spot.

bullzman23 wrote:-= original quote snipped =-




I've explained why it makes sense for the Bulls.

You've explained why it might conceivably help the Bulls in the short term. My point is that the Bulls aren't looking at the short term. RJ is 27. Deng is 22. Even if this trade helps Chicago, the improvement isn't worth giving up 5 years of their best player's career.

nate has a real point the age difference is quite large maybe jefferson is better simply because he is in his prime.

nate33 wrote:You've explained why it might conceivably help the Bulls in the short term. My point is that the Bulls aren't looking at the short term. RJ is 27. Deng is 22. Even if this trade helps Chicago, the improvement isn't worth giving up 5 years of their best player's career.

Bingo...and giving up our best all-around big man thus far this year (Smith, wow that's sad) sure doesn't help the short-term.

This is a lateral move for the Bulls in the short-term, negative for the long-term. There's absolutely no reason to make this deal.