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Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 4:31 pm**

Just a simple Q&A by the fans to Sam Smith. What would you give up if Atlanta could acquire Deng right now? I take into account that both Deng and Josh Smith are due extensions after the season.

Q: I say the Bulls trade Deng (and maybe Smith, Duhon, Khryapa to make the deal work). The Lakers would be an ideal situation for Deng: playing with three other guys that command a double team would allow him to be the mid-range and cutting type of player he's suited to be. Granted, this move doesn't turn us into a contender, yet but with Deng the Bulls may find themselves having to over-pay for a third or fourth option on a good team. --Ryan Gustafson, Chicago

A: I don't think Deng is untouchable anymore, not that he really ever was for a big time star. The problem is Deng's value is down now with injuries and the Bulls' poor season. It's a bad time to move him and I think in the end the Bulls make an extension deal with him after the season, though it could be an ugly negotiation as I doubt he will be offered as much. Deng's problem is no one is going to make him the huge offer anymore assuming they were before. It's like the guy staying in school and falling in the draft. Your game gets picked apart more when your team performs poorly and teams are wondering about his athleticism now and mental strength. I've liked Odom, but he's been a huge disappointment playing with Kobe. He seems to defer too much. He takes way too many games off and has injury issues. He'd be too much a risk. Remember, the Bulls almost drafted him when they took Elton Brand in 1999. The Lakers would love that deal.

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Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 5:01 pm**

I personally wouldn't give up anything. His role in the offense would be a more a slightly more consitant shooting Marvin with slightly better defense. What would you give up for a guy that gives you the same thing as a player you already have, only slightly better? Marvin? No, I think he has more upside honestly. Josh? No, Josh is the much better players.

I don't think chicago gives him up for a bunch of exprings and Childress. Its not like there are going to be many teams that can pay him in the offseason. Pretty much just Atlanta (if they lose Josh somehow) Memphis (that is a legit danger) and Philly(if they decide to let Iggy go).

There is plenty i would WANT to give up for him, but to realistically get the deal done, I wouldn't want to give up any of those guys.

Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 5:11 pm**

I don't do it at all. In my eyes, if healthy right now, I have Josh Smith > Luol Deng > Marvin Williams. However, Marvin is closing that gap and could be passing Luol Deng soon if he stays healthy and continues to progress. Deng has more buzz in the league because people have seen him on a playoff stage. Unlike the SF/SG's that I have advocated picking up Deng doesn't add a skill set that we're missing. He does penetrate off the dribble more than Marvin and Chill, but not consistently like Maggette. He doesn't shoot the 3, which is what I really what I want to upgrade.

He doesn't do enough defensively to replace Josh Smith. He can't play the 2 well enough to replace Joe Johnson. He wants too much money to replace Josh Childress. That's why I compare him to Marvin Williams.

BTW, if he is now touchable, I think Chicago waited too long to make that decision. The best prize for Chicago in terms of fit already moved. I wonder what they would hope to get by making him available now. Or is it less what he can bring and more a thought of he can help them move their worst contract elsewhere?

Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 5:28 pm**

I love Deng's game. He's as solid as anyone in the league. I just do not understand why he turned down the Bulls offer this past summer. I'm not sure if he'll be offered that kind of money after the season, but then, I don't know why Iguodala did the same. I think the only way the Bulls would consider trading Deng is if they find themselves in a "Curry" type of situation. He's their best/most consistent player, but as I've stated before, Marvin is not a problem here at all.

Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 5:29 pm**

I actually think that while he may be a better player than Marv, he is a worse fit here. Marv gets to the line over 6 times a game and Deng gets to the line just under 4 times a game. Thats over 2 FTAs more a game which means that Marv is getting inside significantly more. Deng also doesn't hit the 3 so its not like he puts more pressure on the D in that way. He is a better rebounder and comparable defender but the only move that would make sense would be Marv straight up and I just don't see the reason for it.

Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 5:31 pm**

He doesn't penetrate more than Marvin. Marvin is shooting almost 3 more FT's per game than him.

He does finish in traffic better than Marvin though. I think marvin has a bit of that "draw-the-foul-instead-of-finish-the-playitus" that Zaza has.

And I dont think he was ever untouchable. Kobe vetoed the trade that would have sent him to Chicago because Deng was included. If you don't trade Deng for Kobe, you should never be allowed to trade him ever. EVER.

Posted: **Tue Feb 5, 2008 6:44 pm**

I don't know anyone who would have ever thought Deng was a player who was untouchable.

He is a rock solid player, probably a borderline allstar at his best, but not worth throwing a big contract at.

At this point, Marvin Williams is a better option than Deng, as he comes at a cheaper price, and is younger.

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Sam Smith: I don't think Deng is untouchable anymore

Sam Smith: I don't think Deng is untouchable anymore