Deal: Steve Blake, Chicago's 2010 second round pick back (that the Blazers own after Ömer Asik trade), maybe an additional first round pick, $2-3 million cash to compensate for the salary. No other players.

Cap calculation: $10 million salary Kirk – $4.25 million salary Blake = $5.75 million difference which the Blazers can absorb with cap space of ca. $7 million if Channing Frye doesn’t get the QO and assuming the cap stays around where it is now and doesn’t crash down. Or $9.5 million salary Kirk – $4 million salary Blake = $5.5 million if they want to do it later in the offseason after the moratorium ends. Don't know what the teams would prefer. It now fails on the ESPN trade machine, but if will work when it needs to be done.

Of note: Chicago thereby creates a traded player exception in the height of the difference in salary since they are giving up the player with the bigger salary (i.e. in the intention of the CBA the better player so they should be enabled to get a replacement) that they can use later (1 year) going forward and do another deal with a team that wants to get rid of a contract at the deadline. Which is very likely going into the free agent summer of 2010.

Why: Getting LESS back in salary is actually better for Chicago. I expect Bulls fans to laugh at that deal saying it’s not enough value in talent. And I might agree. But if you think further about it and the Bulls are willing to move Hinrich mainly for luxury tax and "we want to re-sign Ben Gordon" reasons exactly that will go down. In talent Blake is an adequate cheaper replacement for Hinrich who the Bulls can use as the backup and as an off-guard next to Rose which wouldn’t work e.g. with Jerryd Bayless' or Sergio Rodriguez’s shooting problems. Not getting any positional replacement back (read: any expiring or non-guaranteed contract) would make the point guard depth very shallow. And the exception becomes bigger. I'm not sure Kirk will be traded, but if the Bulls want to move him this makes more sense for the organization than including an additional player you don't need.

Adam (Oakland, CA): In February, Tyrus Thomas is averaging 18 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blocks, in just under 40 min. You've worked with him in the past. Can he really put it together to be this good, or do you think he'll always show flashes before once again regressing to the inconsistent 20 ft jump shooter he sometimes insists on being?

SportsNation David Thorpe: In reality, he's been playing at a high level since 12/1. Just getting more minutes now. Everyone misses jumpers-and at 22, he misses just a bit more. He'll get better.

Marty (Chicago, IL): Would getting Amare make the Bulls better in the long run, or is this outburst from Tyrus Thomas for real? Thomas is a better defender and rebouder and is younger. You figure that if he improves on not turning the ball over you could get better production from him if he keeps this up.

SportsNation David Thorpe: To me, if the Bulls want to make a run now and next year, it's a no-brainer. You have to get Amare. if instead they have a 3 year window to progress with Rose, Thomas, Noah, Deng-all 24 or younger, then that dictates standing pat.

Mike (Jersey): Dave, you are the Bulls GM, do you pull the trigger on Tyrus, Noah, Gooden, Sefolosha and draft pick for Amare? Yes or No?

SportsNation David Thorpe: It's never as simple as that, especially in this economy. Financial decisons will play a big part.

Kevin (Williamsburg, VA): David, on the basketball court and for the future, is giving up Tyrus Thomas for Amar'e Stoudemire a good idea? I know you mentioned financial considerations earlier, but if that wasn't an issue what would you do if you were Paxson?

SportsNation David Thorpe: I'd probably do the trade-using an asset to acquire Amare is wise. See the Jefferson for KG deal. But it's a tough call either way, as Tyrus brings tons of energy and defense to the equation.

Steve: Luol Deng looked back on form since returning from injury but the last couple of games he's struggled and reverted to his early season self. What do you make of this..?

SportsNation David Thorpe: When the Bulls don't move the ball, he gets shut out and ends up hunting shots too much. Hope it gets turned around. I think it will.

Chris (Chicago): Does John Paxson FINALLY pull the trigger and make a deal for a superstar?

SportsNation Chad Ford: (1:50 PM ET ) He better. I'm not sure he wants to be known as the guy who, while in desperate need of a big man, passed on everyone from KG, to Pau Gasol, to Amare. With that said, I'm not sure the Bulls have enough to do an Amare deal. Tyrus Thomas is a nice asset. So is Drew Gooden's expiring contract. They can offer more young players (like Noah or Sefalosha) or draft picks. But from the sounds of things, the Suns may have a better offer. Too bad. A combo of Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and Stoudemire would bring a lot of hope back to fans in Chicago.

Brendan (Pittsfield, MA): Thorpe, I know you're big on Ty Thomas and he seems to be "breaking out" (loosely used). Could we really be seeing his emergance, or is he just going to be an inconsistant player? second note. ..Would Spencer Hawes solve their problems? seems like a rebuild move to me, which might be the best idea ... your thoughts?

SportsNation David Thorpe: (12:14 PM ET ) Clearly I'm biased because I really love that young man, but I can easily slip on my analysts hat with TT. I still think his engine runs cold on occassion, but his numbers since December 2 are terrific, despite being on a roller coaster ride again. I think he's over 20 on PER since that date. And he's 13 months younger than LaMarcus Aldridge and 2 months younger than Al Horford.

2:41 [Comment From Jake] Any chance for a NBA TR site down the road? Shout out to John Paxson to please wake up and make a trade.

2:42 An idea I am kicking around but it is probably a few years off. I wouldnt write it, thats for sure.