[ From the Fanposts. I figure news will carry the day, but there was nothing too juicy this morning, beyond what was established in the JJ trade: Bulls have more assets, looking to acquire someone on a rookie deal with space+picks in favor of trading a rotation player (or Omer Asik, heh). A report out of Memphis is that a Korver-for-Mayo swap was discussed.

Other NBA trade rumors can go here, and if there's a confirmed deal feel free to create a new post. Until there's a juicier Bulls rumor, we'll use this for all our Bulls trade dreams. Sports2 has his dream below. -ed.]

How the Griz will get us C. Lee...

The Memphis Commercial Appeal reports this morning that

The Grizzlies had serious discussions Wednesday with the Houston Rockets regarding a proposed deal that would swap second-year center Hasheem Thabeet for forward Shane Battier.

A deal would hinge on Memphis' willingness to also include a future first-round draft pick in its bid to reunite with Battier. The Griz failed in their initial attempt to acquire Battier earlier this year and may try to enlist a third team to avoid sending the Rockets a pick.

Battier, who was Memphis' first draft pick in 2001, played five seasons for the Griz, averaging 10.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. He was traded to the Rockets in July 2006 in the deal that brought Rudy Gay to the Grizzlies.

That could make it easier for the Rockets to also trade with us without us giving up a big. The finances are important to look at. The Rockets are $3.6M over the tax line at $73.7M. Battier ~ $7.4M for Thabeet ~ $4.8M sheds $2.6M off the Rockets cap number. Close, but not quite under.

However, if we came along and took Lee's ~ $1.4M for picks, that would seem bring their cap number down to $69.7M - under the luxury tax. It saves them a good $7-10M dollars in luxury tax payments and so forth.

Rockets send Battier to Memphis and Lee to Chicago. Memphis sends Thabeet to Houston and the Bulls send two picks to the Rockets. Everyone is satisfied. Bulls get Lee. Rockets get a young big, two picks, and lots of savings. Memphis gets a Rudy Gay replacement for their playoff run.

This makes lots of sense for all involved