By: David Kay
The Bucks and Bulls each swing a pair of deals at the trade deadline. David Kay is here to break it all down.
Bucks Get: SG John Salmons, 2011 and 2012 2nd round picks, option to swap first round pick with Bulls in 2010 (top ten protected)
Bulls Get: PF Hakim Warrick, F Joe Alexander
Why this makes sense for the Bucks:
Because Michael Redd is out for the year and the ligaments in his knees are as strong as John Daly’s breath after an all night binger. Remember, this is the same Bucks team that signed Jerry Stackhouse last month to help fill the void of Redd so getting Salmons for two expiring contracts makes sense in their push to make the post-season. Plus, this trade doesn’t really have a negative effect on Milwuakee’s cap situation. The Bucks were going to be right around the salary cap for next season anyway so it is not like taking on Salmons’ reasonable $5.8 million ruins any chance they would have of making a splash in free agency. Milwaukee is still in a solid position to be well under the cap in the summer of 2011 so the one-plus year rental of Salmons is another nice move from GM John Hammond. Plus, the draft picks are a nice throw-in.
Why this makes sense for the Bulls:
Chicago is obviously more worried about clearing cap space to hopefully land a marquee free agent this summer than making any real noise in the playoffs. That is why we have heard the past couple weeks the Bulls shopping players like Salmons, Kirk Hinrich, and Tyrus Thomas rather than trying to acquire a player with a lengthy contract. Alexander will likely never see the floor in the Chi while Warrick will likely replace the minutes left behind by the traded Tyrus Thomas.
Winner: Bucks
Bulls Get: G Flip Murray, PG Acie Law, Protected future 1st round pick
Bobcats Get: PF Tyrus Thomas
Why this makes sense for the Bulls:
I like this trade for Chicago for three reasons: It clears up more cap space, gets rid of an over-hyped player who I just don’t think is that good, and gives the Bulls a future first round pick. In acquiring Murray, the Bulls also find someone to temporarily fill in at the two to help replace the minutes left behind by the trade of Salmons.
Why this makes sense for the Bobcats:
Charlotte lacks a lot of athleticism up-front and Thomas is an interesting match with Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson on the wing. The ‘Cats are not going to be under the cap next season so dealing expiring contracts to gain Thomas, who is a free agent in 2011, is an up-grade in talent. I don’t like the fact that they had to throw-in a first round pick even if it is protected.
Winner: Bulls
Bucks Get: G Royal Ivey, C Primoz Brezec, 2010 2nd Round Pick
76ers Get: SG Jodie Meeks, C Francisco Elson
Why this makes sense for Milwaukee:
Since they just acquired Salmons, that makes Meeks expendable. Replacing Brezec with Elson is a wash while it can never hurt to have an extra second round pick. I am not sure where Ivey fits since you already have Jennings, Ridnour, Salmons, and Bell at the guard spot.
Why this makes sense for Philadelphia:
Philly must like Meeks’ potential and pretty much turn him into their 2010 second round pick.
Winner: Ummm… Push?