The Chicago Bulls traded Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats in exchange for Ronald “Flip” Murray and Acie Law. Chicago also received a future first round draft pick from Charlotte.
Murray (6-3, 200) is currently in his eighth season out of Shaw University. He appeared in 46 games (one start) for the Bobcats this season, and averaged 9.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 1.8 apg and 21.6 mpg. Originally drafted by Milwaukee in the second round (42nd overall) in 2002, he has also played for Seattle, Cleveland, Detroit, Indiana and Atlanta. In 458 NBA games (91 starts), he has posted 9.9 ppg, 2.3 apg and 2.0 rpg in 22.7 mpg. The 30-year old Murray has been to the postseason four times, where he has averaged 6.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.7 apg and 23.4 mpg in 40 playoff games (five starts).
Law (6-3, 202), selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the 11th overall pick in 2007, is in his third season by way of Texas A&M. In 14 games this year, he has averaged 3.4 ppg in 7.0 mpg. For his career, he has played in 125 games (seven starts) and averaged 3.6 ppg, 1.7 apg and 0.9 rpg in 13.2 mpg. He has also appeared in 13 career playoff games, and averaged 2.2 ppg and 1.1 apg in 6.8 mpg. Law, 25, began this season with Golden State before he was traded to Charlotte in a four-player deal on Nov. 16.
Thomas (6-10, 225), in his fourth season in the NBA, was selected in the first round (fourth overall) by the Portland Trail Blazers in NBA Draft 2006 before being acquired, by Chicago on Draft night for the Bulls’ first round selection (second overall) LaMarcus Aldridge. This season, Thomas has played in 29 games (13 starts), and averaged 8.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.66 bpg and 1.1 apg in 23.4 mpg. During his time in a Bulls uniform, he played in 254 games (95 starts) and averaged 7.8 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.37 bpg and 0.89 spg in 20.3 mpg. Thomas, 24, also appeared in 17 playoff games (seven starts) as a Bull, and averaged 6.9 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.47 bpg in 18.6 mpg.
In a related move, the Bulls have released forward Chris Richard. Richard, signed to a second 10-day contact on Feb. 15, appeared in five games with Chicago and averaged 2.2 rpg, 4.6 rpg and 1.0 apg in 14.4 mpg.
Chicago’s roster now stands at 15.