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Wallace signs with Bulls

Chad Ford:

A league source told ESPN.com Monday night that Wallace has told the Pistons he has accepted an offer from the Chicago Bulls.

While exact details are unavailable, the offer is thought to be a four-year, $52 million dollar deal.


Wow. Pax gets his man.

My first impressions are this:

1) This cripples Detroit. They've been clearing cap space for years letting guys like Okur, Milicic, and Arroyo go in Free Agency to sign Wallace, and not only do they lose him they are are capped out and need their exemptions to get his replacement.

2)Considering Nene just got 6/$60m, 4/$52 for Wallace is not all bad. I'd rather have 3 years instead of 4, but  at least it's not a 5 year deal that caused Ben to jump. Methinks he really wanted out of Detroit more than we thought, this is not substantially more than they were offering him to stay.

3)Let the Tyson Chandler trade rumors begin. I think it's a bad move to just do a salary dump. I'd rather keep him for a year and see if this season re-invigorates his career. I'm thankful he was not sent back to Detroit in a sign/trade, that would've been a mistake.

4)Just once, throw out a Thomas, Chandler, Wallace frontcourt. Maybe give the first few rows helmets to protect themselves for all the blocked shots headed into the stands. :)  

5)Thank god tommorow is a holiday. I'll have more on this then.

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YESSSSSSS
Thank you Pax!  Now if we can trade Chandler for a low-post scorer, we're contenders in the East.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 8:10 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gasol
With the signing of Wallace, do you think the Bulls would try to trade Chandler? If they do, do you think they can get Gasol?

by vtown754 on Jul 3, 2006 8:26 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Gasol
is the only untouchable in Memphis.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 8:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yes they will trade chandler
No Gasol. P.J. Brown seems logical. They can sign key players once browns contract is up.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jul 3, 2006 8:29 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Yeah
I agree. I guess I was wanting to much. Gasol would probably be too much to as for especially with just Chandler. Not to mention that would kill our minimal cap space.

by vtown754 on Jul 3, 2006 8:33 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I just read this
on a Cubs blog. Not sure how I feel about this.

by sue369 on Jul 3, 2006 8:42 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Ty1 vs. Big Ben
Who gets uni #3?

by chiguyinjapan on Jul 3, 2006 9:08 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallace bc
Chandler is going to be a Hornet soon :)

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 9:20 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

If Tyson is traded
then everyone on the roster will have been acquired by Pax. Do you think this is Pax's plan to get rid of the old regime?

by vtown754 on Jul 3, 2006 9:19 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Not really
It's just that pretty much everyone from the old regime sucked.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 10:28 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

New Orleans
What would it take to get Armstrong from them too?

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 9:22 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chandler
Okay. I can live with Wallace. Finally, we have a bonafide all star. But I hope the Bulls don't dump Chandler right off the bat unless it's a good deal. Maybe hang onto him until the trade deadline to see if he can re-establish some value?

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 3, 2006 9:38 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

How about
(dare I say and I'm swallowing hard) Jalen Rose?????  $50 million for five years verses $13 million (?) for one year.

by hlac on Jul 3, 2006 9:42 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big Ben gets #3....
if he doesn't, he could beat up Chandler for it and probably will. Most likely, Chandler is gone. Pax has probably seen enough of Chandler to know at this point of the Bulls progress, he is detrimental to the team's growth. He makes mistakes that high schoolers don't even make.

As far as this move signing Wallace, I wasn't on board with it at first. But seeing in the corner, "Ben Wallace to sign w/ Bulls," I couldn't help but rejoice. This is huge for the Bulls. Wallace is just not an ordinary free agent. He is like Nash going to the Suns or like in football when Reggie White signed with the Packers. This makes the Bulls a hot spot for free agents in the future. Basically, once again, Pax did what Krause never could in the summer of 2000. Remember Benny the Bull visiting T-mac? Wallace can now mentor guys like Thomas, Deng, Noce and all the rest of our frontcourt players. I'm starting to believe with Chandler possibly gone, there are more positives than negatives in this deal.

by RingItUp26 on Jul 3, 2006 10:03 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

William Jackson
just reported on the Wallace verbal agreement and said it was between $52 - $60 million.

by sue369 on Jul 3, 2006 10:33 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

initial thoughts...
  1. Pax is going to be executive of the year in 06-07... we've all felt it for a while now, but lately the media has been bringing up his ability as well. I feel like this summer may have solidified it.
  2. I absolutely love that we took the number 1 free agent prize of the summer and even more so that we took him from the Pistons. I have a deep hatred for that club (as I'm sure many of you do) more so than any other team in the league. For me the moment that I can never get out of my head is when that ass Isiah and his crew walked off the court early after getting swept by the Bulls in the 91 conference finals in a complete showing disrespect and plainly no class whatsoever. As a side note: I have taken a little extra pleasure in knowing that it has been Isiah that Pax has completely trounced as a GM... twice... one move of which is a two year long source of satisfaction (can't wait to use NY's pick next year... in the Garden... with a new NY GM in place).
  3. I have been against trading Chandler all along. From the lowest points of the rebuilding era he has been one of, if not my single favorite Bull. He had passion for the game and the team when no one else did. But... I think I am starting to agree with some of you that it may be time. I didn't think a player like Wilcox or Gooden would work next to Chandler because I don't think Wilcox, Gooden, or even Chandler should be guarding 5's. But Wallace can and does guard true centers (and presently the truest NBA center) better than anyone else in the entire league. I'm still not entirely sold on trading Ty1... because this move clearly puts him back at the 4 and may light something within him as he won't be the only true low post guy on our team anymore... and maybe Ben can bring something out of him... and more importantly reduce the pressure on him. But... in reference back to initial thought #1... if Pax thinks it's the right move to make... it is... and I can't believe other wise till it happens... period.
  4. I think this clearly raises next season's goal. I think any one of us would have said next season's goal was to win a playoff series. I just don't think that's the case any more... at this albeit far too early point... I have to imagine that next season's realistic goal has to be to make it to the conference finals. We'll see... but this is why Pax has stressed getting mentally strong players all along right... because they don't crumble under expectations... well both our front line and our expectations just got a lot stronger... will they?

by micah on Jul 3, 2006 10:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

#2
Pax out-did Isiah and now Joe Dumars. How sweet it that? lol

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 3, 2006 11:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Numbers
ESPN is reporting 4 years, $60 million.  Seems like an awful lot.  I wonder if it is front loaded.

by bullshooter on Jul 3, 2006 10:36 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It better be....
it can only decrease by like 16.5% a year, right?

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 10:41 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Quick Question about cap room...
If Chandler is traded, does that free up cap space for THIS summer? I hope so, so we can sign another big like Przybilla or Nazr.

I can see why some of you might want to keep Chandler for another 1/2 year 'til the trading deadline or a full year so he can learn from Wallace and/or just prove he's worth his contract and to improve his trade stock.
But I don't think Paxson wants to wait at all since he'd be paying 23 mil+ to 2 players who are just there for defense and minimal offense. You saw how Chandler folded up like a blanket in the playoffs last year. With Wallace on the team, playoffs are going to be expected and even conference finals. We can't have any more of Chandler not expecting passes. You can't be encouraged how he continues to work out in California by himself and not at the Berto Center like Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng do. I think he is just useless in a Bulls uniform anymore.

by RingItUp26 on Jul 3, 2006 10:39 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Chandler
leaving would take like $10m off the books.  Wallace, if he does get 4 at $60m, will most likely make about 18m in the first year (assuming it's front loaded and decreases by the max each year).  So we'd come out $8m+ on that one.  We'd also be getting $9m from New Orleans, so that'd be:

+18
+9
-10
------
+17m we'd have on our books this season from the Wallace and New Orleans deals.

I hope that answered your question.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 10:45 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also
We still have the mid-level exception and possibly the smaller veteran's exception (formerly the $1M exception), which can be used every other year. Not sure when the last time we used that was.

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 3, 2006 11:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Mid-Level Exception
I think we used the MLE on Pip. No way Pip would have signed for $1-1.5M per.

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 4, 2006 7:24 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

In Pax
We Trust!...helluva deal...I don't mind if scrawny Chandler and his fat contract are dealt for a fossil like Brown.  This isn't like we would be getting rid of Brand, who was pretty damn good as a Bull and is only now getting respect.  This is Tyny Hands Chandler.  
I cannot wait for the Big Ben Era. Hell yeah!

by mminicilli on Jul 3, 2006 10:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Detroit News: Chandler-P.J. Brown trade likely
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060703/UPDATE/607030394

"One option the Pistons were hoping for didn't materialize. They had hoped to maybe get Tyson Chandler back from Chicago as part of a sign-and-trade. However, it appears the Bulls are going to trade Chandler to the New Orleans-Oklahoma City Hornets in exchange for P.J. Brown. While Chandler has five years and $54 million left on his contract, Brown's $8 million will come off the books after next season.

It was that deal that helped pave the way for Wallace's signing."

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 10:46 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Thank You
Way to keep your eyes open for me.  You have just made my night.  I'm gonna pour one for my boy Ben tonight...

These deals make so much sense its absurd.  Brown will hopefully take on a Tim Thomas role (Bulls bench Thomas, not clutch Suns Thomas), while Ben is  a huggggggggggggggggggge upgrade at almost the exact same price.  I can't stop being happy about this turn of events.

by mminicilli on Jul 3, 2006 10:53 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallace & Chandler
Wasn't to happy at first with the idea of signing Big Ben, but now I'm starting to get excited.  I have enjoyed watching the Bulls play D-fense under Scott.  Dont trade T1 yet give this team a chance to play together.  

Wallace will be a great mentor with his work ethic and championship experience.  I cannot believe the Bulls could get any tougher or hardworking. Man I wish I could go watch them practice it is going to be a battle.

Anybody have the top teams odds to win it all next year?

by Jesse07 on Jul 3, 2006 10:55 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

sweets
With the recent news of the Bulls getting Wallace, do you think my man sweets will have a break out season? We have all seen what he is capable of, and now he has Wallace on his side.

by hokiefan0705 on Jul 3, 2006 10:55 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Maybe if
he loses 30lbs.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 11:00 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweets
Well, next year is the last year of his contract.  If he doesn't get in better shape next season, we can pretty much assume that he never will.  Playing with Wallace should definitely help him, though.  He won't have to guard centers nearly as often, and if we make the deal with the Hornets, Sweetney and PJ Brown can split time at the 4.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 11:03 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My bad
I forgot that we've got Tyrus Thomas now; he'll obviously split time at power forward as well.  That's not a bad problem to have, though.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 11:05 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

ESPN just updated
It is 4 yr/60 mil  To me, that is overpaying.  I had a tough time swallowing 52 mil.  Can Big Ben stay productive when he is 35-36 years old?

by KDesai on Jul 3, 2006 11:04 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

$60m is only
$6m more than Chandler was due.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 11:09 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's the
four years vs. six that makes the difference though.  

by CookDing on Jul 5, 2006 9:31 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Oops
Just saw that last post.  Anyway bottom line Wallace does make are team better

by Jesse07 on Jul 3, 2006 11:05 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Wallace
Wallace is actually supposed to make $14M in the first year according to Chad Ford so I believe it is likely to allow some more flexibility in re-signing some of their players.  I heard tonight that it will count about 13.4M against the roughly 16.5M cap room they had.  I love this deal but I do have some reservations.  His numbers have decreased (Rebounds, Blocks, Points) for the last few years.  Still, he is definitely a great sign (even if we overpayed for him a bit and it may be more of an issue in a couple of years).  

Anyway, I do love the signing and figure that dealing TC would definitely be a must, just to dump his salary and make up for Wallace's.  Hinrich and Nocioni are FA's in 07 (Sweetney too, though less of a priority right now) and need to be re-signed so this team is quickly rounding into shape based on cap limitations.  Still, the Bulls could have some money left next year if they trade TC for PJ Brown since Brown's contract is up in 07 too.  Also, the Bulls can (and will) swap picks with NY next draft which helps even more.  

GREAT JOB PAX!!!!!!!!

by ericpratt13 on Jul 3, 2006 11:07 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweets
I just got his jersey in the mail today, and it would piss me off to only wear it for a year. Ow well......

by hokiefan0705 on Jul 3, 2006 11:09 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Holy crap
you actually bought a Sweetney jersey?  Wow.  You're probably the only person to have one.

Sweets won't be back after next season.  Sorry.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 11:11 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Damn, you beat me . . .
To the Sweetney jersey size joke by about 30 seconds.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 11:13 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

The Sweetney jersey
Was it a XXXL?

Sorry, that was too easy to pass up.

by Big D on Jul 3, 2006 11:12 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

hahahaha
A sweets Jersey?!?! Thats wicked!!!

by rquinsee on Jul 3, 2006 11:29 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Best Bulls Jersey
This is not a lie, I promise. I have season tickets, and I regularly wear my Dalibor Bagaric, Red number 11 jersey to games.

by hongydraw on Jul 4, 2006 12:24 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why
would you wear his jersey?

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:27 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Haha
I watch as many Duke games as possible bc my school, Loyola Univ Chicago, doesn't have a good team.  I want U of I to do really well, but I also don't want them to win the Tourney bc I want LUC to remain the only team in the state to win hte Tourney.

Redick was great at Duke and he'll end up being great in the NBA, so I want him on the Bulls for that reason.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:35 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Also
in case you want to know why Duke, it's bc of Coach K.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:36 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

His free throw shooting has to change!
He really can't be shooting airballs in huge games. I hope he makes a 60 million dollar effort to be a better free throw shooter. I hope he cleans up also. Loose the bad boy look. Loose the head-band. Shave.

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Jul 3, 2006 11:09 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Stay Bad
Let's face it, outside of Noc this team was softer than a bag of mallows...

by mminicilli on Jul 3, 2006 11:12 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

soft?
hinrich isnt soft, neither is duhon. they are both just short.  Deng/gordon neutral.  We just looked soft cause we had songaila/malik allen on the floor.  

by Sambossanova on Jul 3, 2006 11:46 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sweets
Ya I know, hes my favorite player and every Bulls game I go to I make a sign that says "Sweets MVP #50"  I am a little upsessed.

by hokiefan0705 on Jul 3, 2006 11:15 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Crap
From Insider column by Chris Broussard:
"It's my understanding that this was Jerry Reinsdorf's call, not John Paxson's. Pax was going to look at Joel Pryzbilla, who's much younger and would have come much cheaper."
Now I have my doubts...

by mminicilli on Jul 3, 2006 11:35 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Although...
Pryzy is no Wallace, and all the centers are gonna be getting overpaid this summer.

by mminicilli on Jul 3, 2006 11:40 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

this doesn't bother me because...
  1. I don't think Reinsdorf would go against Pax and Skiles... I just think that all three of them were on board and that Reinsdorf likely said do what it takes... also apparently he's good friends with Ben's agent? I can't remember where I read that... but it was likely on EPSN some place...
  2. This may be the first non-verbal indication that Reinsdorf will stand by his word to pay for a contending team (well at least in this millennium)... because in all likelihood with this contract and the contracts of the core in the upcoming years he will be.

by micah on Jul 3, 2006 11:42 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I have no doubts
this will help take the team to the next level.

Now, let's just get JJ Redick :)

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 11:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Have you seen him play?
I'd watch every game just to see him shoot from downtown.  Plus, he played with Deng and Duhon at Duke and the results weren't too shabby.

by Colossus on Jul 3, 2006 11:56 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I did watch
him play a couple of times. Doesn't mean we need him.

by sue369 on Jul 3, 2006 11:59 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

It's the threat though
people would have to put more defense on him and then we'd be open somewhere else.  He needs to work on assisting more and once he gets that down, he'll be great.

He'd provide great offense and could put up big numbers on any given day.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:04 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Whose place
is he taking on this Bulls team?

by sue369 on Jul 4, 2006 12:07 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Depends
I'm not sure who/what it would take to get him.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:11 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wouldn't
bet the farm on it happening. It's nice you can dream about it though.

by sue369 on Jul 4, 2006 12:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't expect it to happen
I just really want it to.  I'll just have to deal with watching as many Orlando games as possible.  Watching college ball won't be the same with him gone, I'll just have to watch McRoberts now.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:14 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yikes...
seriously... JJ is the second coming of Piatkowski... Little Ben will prove to be a consistently better shooter in the NBA than JJ because he can make space and get his shot off against bigger players and JJ can't.

by micah on Jul 4, 2006 12:06 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Watch
Redick come out and be a star.  He should get decent minutes since Orlando is in the process of not being able to resign their starting SG from last year.  He'd have Nelson dealing assists and Howard drawing the double team.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:13 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Reinsdorf
just cant win. When they let a superstar go he's cheap and when they sign one its because he bullied his GM into doing it. Its been his mo to let his management team run the team. I think Reinsdorf went to Pax and said if you want Wallace go for it. I cant see him forcing somebody on Pax and I cant see Pax going after Wallace this aggresively because he was told to. He has had a vision on how to run this team and I dont think he would be bullied out of it.

by LD9 on Jul 4, 2006 12:18 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Keep the cornrows/fro...
we need the fro on the Bulls. It wouldn't be the same. Wallace's fro and cornrows bring the attitude/swagger to the Bulls.

by RingItUp26 on Jul 3, 2006 11:41 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Sportscenter
I am watching Sportscenter and they said that the trade with the Hornets is "close" and we will also get JR Smith who imagine will be used to recoup some of the 2nd round picks that Pax traded on draft night.

by LD9 on Jul 4, 2006 12:09 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Bulls.com
has this headline -

Report: Big Ben on his way to Chicago?

They pretty much say what has already been said.

by sue369 on Jul 4, 2006 12:23 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

My two cents
This is a gamble by Paxson.  But I trust him implicitly.  I'm concerned about Ben's age and also about his volatile personality.  That said, the Bulls become one of the toughest teams in the league (between him, Noce, Hinrich, and Skiles).

As the reports have said, you CLEARLY have to deal Tyson.  Had he played better last year, then maybe they could have kept him, but we can't have two big salaries up front that can't score.  I'm a Tyson defender, and I believe he'll be much better this year.  Don't forget that he was key in many of our victories over the last two seasons (including game-winning blocks against Carmello Anthony and Paul Pierce this season).  But oh well - we've upgraded and need to dump his salary.  Not to mention the fact that he is no mentor for Ty2.

My Piston fan friends are upset for the most part.  They didn't see this coming (neither did I).  Maybe now everyone can stop kissing Joe Dumars' arse.  I think it was his fault for the Pistons playoff failure.  They had no bench and had to play their starters way too many minutes in the regular season.  The only starter that played even moderately well in the playoffs was Tayshaun (the youngest of the bunch).

People who said they hate the Pistons - I've moved on since the early 90s.  I actually like eveyrone on the current Pistons except for Rip Hamilton (he is a b*tch).  Joe Dumars never walked off the court, and he stuck around to congratulate the Bulls.  Besides, if you cheered for Rodman in the late 90s, you must have forgiven him bolting the court as well as shoving Scottie into the basket support late in the third quarter of a Game 4 sweeo blowout.  (By the way, I still hold a grudge against Rodman for that and always thought he was overrated on the Bulls, anyway - but yes, I've moved on.  What I'm trying to say is I'm a hypocrite...)

In any event, this is certainly an exciting day.  Bulls are contenders right now, and that was the goal.  The division is now wide open.  We'll see if Flip can really coach.  Plus, Piston fans will never, ever forgive us for this, even if Ben ends up stinking it up (the renewal of a rivalry is more than likely).  So that's fun, too.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Jul 4, 2006 1:22 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

yeah...
I always had a tough time really accepting Rodman as a Bull actually... both for his participation on the late 80's - early 90's Pistons and for his general pompous dick routine he would pull... the main example that comes to mind is the supposed mind games he played with Malone in the finals that were really Rodman just being an ass and knowing that Malone wouldn't just knock him out because he would get tossed out of the finals... although that being said I didn't mind him getting 20 boards on occasion either... so there's probably a little hypocrite in all of us. But right... I don't dislike any of the current Pistons (although I'm tepid on Sheed and Rip)... just the franchise.

by micah on Jul 4, 2006 1:35 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Hilarious
I love this deal. I just think it is so funny how all of sudden, without this new team even playing on the floor together, they are instant contenders. I believe they will be at the top, but they have gained a tremendous amount of respect just in the last week with the drafting of Thomas and the word that the Bulls probably have a top 10 pick next year and now the Wallace signing. I was just starting to watch the Bulls during the mid 90s and they were expected win every game back then. But I really began to focus on sports (teams' players, stats, etc)during their breakup and that eternal drought. So it's funny and nice to feel that "expected to win" swagger again. Just without MJ this time.

by RingItUp26 on Jul 4, 2006 1:55 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Pax
Thank you, belatedly.  Its nice to care again.  Please start working on the cubs.

by mike bornemann on Jul 4, 2006 2:54 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Last Summer
If Tyson gets traded, I hope it makes him realize that he should've worked harder last year.  Probably not because he stills getting paid.

Also, four years from now when Big Ben gets off the books - maybe it will be time to pay another superstar Tyrus or (Ogden)?

Josh McRoberts in 07

by Jesse07 on Jul 4, 2006 8:13 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

weird symptoms
Is anyone else skipping around their house, breaking out in cheers...basically acting like a teenage girl who got a date....i'm soooo ridicilously happy....and people are forgetting  we have thabo and tyrus,..AND THE KNICKS PICK.......i can feel the banner in the rafters.

a sweetney jersey? wow.....im somewhat pissed...i gotta ditch the chandler jersey....

by milesgmsu on Jul 4, 2006 8:30 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Same here...
I am so excited about this Bulls team. I stayed up last night writing posts on this site, and I couldn't sleep at all because I could only think about the Bulls.

by RingItUp26 on Jul 4, 2006 11:02 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

wow!
Just saw all these headlines...  When was the last time the Bulls were the main destination for FAs?  Let alone the top prize!  1996?

I guess we could have gotten Boozer, Camby or Murphy as well but decided on the expiring contract of PJ Brown (and perhaps JR Smith thrown in).  Not bad.  PJ is probably the most reliable.

Somewhere in a Detroit gutter lies Joe Dumar's heart...

by CRG on Jul 4, 2006 9:02 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Shrewd
The deal isn't as bad as it looks stand alone because of the other things Pax has done.  Although you're probably only going to get 2 great years out of the four Wallace is signed for, the Bulls have positioned themselves with enough yonng talent that they aren't hamstrung by huge deals.  Trading Chandler for PJ Brown would free up enough cap room to resign Noc and Hinrich next year and if in 2 years it appears that the Bulls are heading in a direction that doesn't include Wallace he will only have 2 years left on his deal and, with salaries inflating, there will still unquestionably be a market for him. You needed this move to take the Bulls to the next level.

by ericpratt13 on Jul 4, 2006 9:13 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Brown/Smith
If the deal does include JR Smith don't be suprised if he doesn't stick around long.  He has had a history of being a "lazy" player and we all know that doesn't fly very far with Pax or Skiles.  Still, If they do get him I think they'll keep him around long enough to let Skiles get on him a bit and check out his work ethic and toughness before looking to get rid of him because of his huge ceiling.  

by ericpratt13 on Jul 4, 2006 9:16 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Smith
If ever there were an opportunity for a lazy player to get his head screwed on right, this would be it.  I could see how a supremely talented kid might have delusions of grandeur, especially on a bad team.  But in this environment, unless he's a complete fool, that "anointed one" mentality should be stripped to the bone.  I'll be interested to see how it plays out.  If I had to bet, though, I'd say he'll either be shipped or end up in Skiles' dog house.    

by jamestkirk on Jul 4, 2006 9:34 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

post scoring
We need to come up with a list of post scorers.

by CRG on Jul 4, 2006 9:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

post scoring
Do you mean, as in who else can we target?  I don't see it happening, but there's no reason not to ponder it.  I don't have the FA list in front of me, but the only guys I remember seeing this year who do a fair amount of their work in the post are Al Harrington and Bonzi Wells (a post up 2).

I think most of the scoring in the paint this year will be the result of dunks, back door cuts (Lou), and general havock on the offensive glass.  

by jamestkirk on Jul 4, 2006 9:46 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

just curious
to see how many top team actually have a legit post scorer.  

i'm also curious to see what kind of pace we play.  we have the guys to run but at the same time it is easier to stop opponents by playing a slower pace.

Since we're also mainly a jumpshooting and cutting team, it will still be hard to maintain a lead.  

Time for Big Ben to unleash his hook!  Or throw a flailing pass that hits the rim for T2 to slam it home!

by CRG on Jul 4, 2006 9:53 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

another plus to the wallace signing
Wallace's leadership combined with the teams mentality would allow us to risk picking up a talented player with a bad rap for pennies on the dollar...

by CRG on Jul 4, 2006 10:12 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Collison!
Of Seattle.  Let's grab him!  He's got a good combo of low post scoring plus rebounding/passing/competitiveness.  Hinrich's boy at Kansas.  Offer JR Smith?  

by CRG on Jul 4, 2006 10:17 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Love Big Ben
I love the Big Ben signing. But now don't you agree that we need someone to score? Who is going to score on this team? I know Ben Gordon is a little inconsistant at times. Sometimes he drops 38 and other nights he drops 12. Don't you think we need a consistent scorer on the Bulls? We can't always rely on our defense. The daily southtown is reporting the Bulls are looking to trade Chandler, Deng and Ty Thomas to MIN for Kevin Garnett. Don't get me wrong, I absolutley love this signing, I just think we need a more consistent scorer. That's why I wanted them to draft Brandon Roy. He gives us our scoring threat and also he's a big #2 that can guard the LeBron's and Wade's for the world. Am i crazy or does anyone else agree with me?

by dkateeb on Jul 4, 2006 11:11 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's hard to say no to KG
But at first glance I think I'd rather see what this collection of talent can do.  Of course, I may change my mind.  

by jamestkirk on Jul 4, 2006 11:44 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Big BEN!!! (the trade and salary cap)
To all the people that say we are over-paying Big Ben, think about this.
Imagine if we would have kept Curry. He would have been paid around 10-12 million a year.... Trading him, freed up the salary cap to get Wallace. Which player and contract would you rather have right now?? Big Ben's hands down. Plus you might still get a high pick for the Curry trade. So, what would you rather have: Eddy Curry for 80+ mil for 6 years or Big Ben 60 mil for 4 years and NYK draft pick next year (and TY2).
And another aspect of Big Ben's contract is that it is for 4 years, but that doesnt mean he will be a Bulls for 4 years. How many players (vets) are traded in their last year for cap reasons? I am sure that 3 years from now, when Ben's contract has 1 year left at 15 million, he will be in HIGH demand once again.

by dazcorp on Jul 4, 2006 11:13 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt's been unusually quite
I'm wondering what he's thinking

by jamestkirk on Jul 4, 2006 11:41 AM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Matt
I mentioned this earlier, what do you think about trading for Redick?

/only half serious
//knows it will never happen

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 11:54 AM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I don't think about trading for reddick
I thought the pining for rookies would stop now that the draft is over. This team is ready for bigger contributors than him.

plus it won't happen anyway.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jul 4, 2006 12:10 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

We just need someone to draw a double team
and then Redick would be perfect.  Too bad he won't be here and will turn into a star in Orlando.

You still think we should go after Gansey as an undrafted FA?

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:16 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Like I said earlier....
you can't prove a thing, baby!!!

Just wait and watch Redick turn into a star.  He's in great place to do it.  Howard will draw the double team and Redick will be able to get open.  Nelson can dish assists well and will only get better, so they don't have to worry about not having a good PG.

by Colossus on Jul 4, 2006 12:22 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JJ
The Bulls are currently a "drive and kick" team.  Yeah, JJ can hit a shot, but so can Ben Gordon.  For the time being, it's best that JJ stay away from any mentions of "driving", dontcha think?

He's better off on a team that just kicks it out of the double-team.

Can we please stop talking about him?  We already had a Duke point guard who was reckless on the road - and we all know how that turned out...

Sorry Jay.  I know I should go straight to hell for that one.

Deng 4 MVP, 2008!

by corey williams corey benjamin on Jul 4, 2006 12:49 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

JJ
At least he wasn't watching porn at the time. His back is probably going to go out in the preseason with Orlando's luck. Seriously, let's stop with the JJ talk. If a rook doesn't get traded on draft day, it's probably not going to happen until February at the earliest. Drop it already.

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 4, 2006 7:54 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Why 60 Million?
Has anyone heard an explanation of why it took 60 million?  If Detroit offered only 48 mill, why did it take 12 mill extra.  I could see maybe 6 mill, but out bidding the only competition by 12 mill seems crazy.  Especially crazy for the Bulls.

by Scotter on Jul 4, 2006 1:33 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Blogging the enemy
So I was checking the comments over at Need4Sheed.com, and I cam across this classic response:

"last night i was pissed off when i found out ben wallace signed with the bulls and as i look at all of this i was just thinking if darko was still here he could have started in big be place when the piston made the trade for calvin kato it could come bite the pistons in the ass because with that trade we really didnt get anything in return when darko played for the magic he was doing pretty well now that been is gone everything is screwed up this year free agents there arnt any good centers and why would u want to start mcdyess when hes one of r best bench players it is going to b hard to overcome this"

-- HOLY CRAP!  We take Ben away and the fans are reduced to "If only we still had DARKO!"

ROTFLMAO!

... hahahahahahahahahahahaha.

by Todd Lerner on Jul 4, 2006 1:57 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

it's a valid point
Like I said a few times, they let Okur and Darko walk b/c they needed money to resign Wallace. And now they have none of them with zero compensation

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Jul 4, 2006 2:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I guess...
They don't believe in punctuation in Detroit.

by Mike Aparicio on Jul 4, 2006 8:01 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

couple thoughts
First let me say, wow!
  1. I like Ben Wallace's game and how it fits the Bulls with defensive prowess, defensive backbone, and ferocious competitor.
  2. Paxson got his man, one of the few diamonds in the Free Agency market this off season. He targeted him, and unlike his predecessor, he landed him. If this blows up in Pax's face, at least he can't make excuses and say he was working with less-than top level talent.
  3. Did Chicago just become a valued destination again? Crumbs and the environment were so dismal, no one wnated to be anywhere near the Berto Center.
4)Here's what has me salivating...if Kirk, Ty1, Ty2, Big Ben, and maybe Thebo are running the court, who the hell is gonna score against that lineup? (Of course who is gonna score for us with that line up too.) But damn anyway!

These are really great days to be a Bulls fan and I can't wait for November to get here.
   

I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jul 4, 2006 6:21 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Doesn't preseason
start in Oct.? It can't start soon enough for me.

by sue369 on Jul 4, 2006 6:56 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I was talking about
preseason. It started on Oct. 11th, 2005 this past season.

by sue369 on Jul 4, 2006 8:37 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Tickets
So hard is it going to be to get tickets with this hype?  We aren't exactly in the Jordan era but I imagine the hype will make them hard to come by.

by bashuck on Jul 5, 2006 1:59 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

Go to
Bulls.com and sign up for their emails. When you do that you get a chance to order tickets before they go on sale to the public.

by sue369 on Jul 5, 2006 3:43 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

I wish....
I could go to a damn game for once in my life.  I'll have to settle for the WGN showings back here in San Diego.

Anyone know how much exactly Nazr signed for?  All the bigs this year will roughly be in Big Ben's salary range.  So yeah, it's okay that we spent 12 mil more than the Pistons offered at first.  Better than a bidding war later in free agency.

by mminicilli on Jul 5, 2006 4:26 PM CDT reply reply actions actions   0 recs

roughly $5 million per
I love Grant Park in June!! Been there six times!!!

by james@lifeinthecell on Jul 5, 2006 5:17 PM CDT to parent up reply reply actions actions   0 recs

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