Kobe Trade Updated

Kobe

This Kobe thing is going to go on as long as the Garnett thing did, isn't it? Shoot me now...

Seriously, I don't want a Kobe trade AT ALL. That said, in response to your post, part of the reason Kobe's demanding a trade is Bynum. Lakers supposedly wouldn't give Bynum up for Jason Kidd. So there's no way they're trading Kobe and Bynum together. Not going to happen. On that note, Kobe's not going to be so excited about coming to a Bulls team without Wallace either.

Again, I'm more excited about seeing this team really gel together this year with so few new players, way more excited than I am/would be about Kobe joining the team.

by nas on Oct 13, 2007 9:43 PM CDT reply actions

I don't think he's thinking about Wallace

I think the one player he would want to stay is Deng.

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

Disagree

I disagree. Wallace is still the only one on the team with championship experience and is still known as an elite defensive center around the league. Center's a tough position to fill. If not Wallace, who plays then? Definitely not Bynum.

by nas on Oct 14, 2007 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm not saying I agree

According to sources, Kobe would really want Deng to stay over anybody else. I love Ben Wallace. But, I see why Kobe would want Deng to still be. He would be a great second banana.

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 15, 2007 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions

I don't disagree about Deng,

I think Kobe would look for Deng, Wallace AND Hinrich to still be on the team. The rest he wouldn't care about.

by nas on Oct 15, 2007 7:53 PM CDT up reply actions

Not possible

A Kobe trade is almost impossible. The reasons are simply salaries. The only way salaries match is to include Hinrich or Wallace. The first would make Ben our PG which isn't very appetizing. And the second wouldn't be considered by LA. They aren't taking an on his way out vet for Kobe.

The first way I see Kobe coming to Chicago is if A) Gordon doesn't reach an extension AND B) Noc and Gordon go to LA at the trade deadline (amongst others probably including Noah or Thomas, Sefalosha and picks.)

The second is A)Gordon does reach an extension AND B) The Bulls don't make it to the ECF. Then maybe in the offseason or at next season's trade deadline Gordon is traded amongst others for Kobe.

by CubFan81 on Oct 13, 2007 10:21 PM CDT reply actions

No way Jose

This trade would gut the team. Even if (really huge if here) you can get the salaries to match, any Kobe trade would gut the team into tiny pieces.

Guys, I agree with nas. Pax has set up a huge team play idea. In fact, except for Ben Wallace, we've been very quiet on the trade block and only added small pieces here and there.

Add something here about team chemistry. I'm not good with the talkies now.

Oh and Bynum is way overrated.

醉生梦死

by blackmage71 on Oct 14, 2007 12:11 AM CDT reply actions

I think the trade could work and not totally...

gut the team since we have crazy depth!

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah, Bynum is OVERRATED!

He has a little Kwame Brown in him. He's not a hard worker. He doesn't have that fire in his belly.

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions

Here is the thing....

I was going to say forget Kobe. But then I think to myself after reading Sam Smith article http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/cs-071013smith,1,2246910.column?coll=cs-bulls-headlines I would try to hang on to Thomas and Noah in any trade. I think they can be our bigs for years to come. Kobe is clearly the best player in the league. I just might offer Kirk, Wallace, Nocioni and maybe Joe Smith and Chris Duhon. I have no idea if that works but that would leave you with......

Gordon
Kobe
Deng
Thomas
Noah........hmmmm wait no Im retarded! Lets just forget Kobe.

Noah for President

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 14, 2007 1:41 AM CDT reply actions

Not a chance.

It's going to take Nocioni, Hinrich or Gordon, a pick between Thomas/Noah (they would want an exciting player in return), a draft pick or two tever else it would take to match salaries. I don't think they would want Ben Wallace because of size of contract/age.

Gordon
Kobe
Thomas or Noah
Deng
Wallace

**Bench**

Thabo
Gray
whatever else is left or we receive

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions

Actually Thabo would probably also go

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:49 AM CDT up reply actions

Oh

I find it odd that Sefo, Gordon and Joe Smith have been out this long. Gordon rolled his ankle? Sefo's hammy? Joe Smith has bad knees? hmmmmmmmmmm fishy.

Noah for President

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 14, 2007 2:00 AM CDT reply actions

I see where you're going with this, but......

It's just the preseason. There's no need to play players that need to get healthy. I agree with Sam Smith for the first time in my life. If the trade does happen it's going to be during this coming summer. I think Pax wants to see what this group can do. If the Bulls don't go to the Eastern Conference Finals this year, the Kobe trade will happen. However, only if it doesn't gut the team. I only do the trade if Deng is not included. I just hope the Bulls can at least get to the Conference Finals and go at least 6/7 games. I really want to watch this team grow. If healthy, the Bulls have a long run in them.

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 14, 2007 10:34 AM CDT up reply actions

Are you kidding?

The Lakers value Bynum way too much for this deal to work. There is no way they would include him in any trade. If they refused to let go of him for J Kidd or J Oneal, why would they throw him in on a trade Gordon and Wallace?

Keep Dreaming.

by onlythebulls on Oct 14, 2007 9:22 AM CDT reply actions

disappointed

we don't need him! And we especially don't want any of the Laker big guys either.

Why would we (aka the bulls org and fans) build this great young team just to trade away 1/3 or 2/3s of our nucleus?

I'm going to go ape-sh*t if we trade away Hinrich or Deng. ape-sh*t. Now, Kobe for B.Gordan+Noc, i see making [more] sense, only because we're much deeper than last year, and a tall, slashing SG would be a red dream.

Whatever happens, please let it happen quick. The bulls are going to need more adjustment time with all these new, young players.

only about 16 more days.

by chicago-homesick-blues on Oct 14, 2007 10:57 AM CDT reply actions

Only way I would do it

Gordon, Noc, Wallace, Duhon and a few future first round picks

by Option27 on Oct 14, 2007 11:05 AM CDT reply actions

why would

the bulls trade for Kobe and make a point of also acquiring the player Kobe threw under the bus?
and there's no way Paxson trades a big man that's under contract longer for another whose effort has been questioned. Not to mention, Paxson has made a college experience a major point of emphasis.

"...Keeping 'SlowHand' alive since aught-five"

by CookDing on Oct 14, 2007 1:43 PM CDT reply actions

optimistic

If you think Gordon's overrated, what makes you think the Lakers would trade Kobe, the single best talent in the league, for him? Any trade involving Kobe to the Bulls would have to start with Deng. I love Deng, he's already awesome and his upside is off the charts. And the Lakers know this obviously, as everyone else in the league has found out. As much as we all want a starting 5 of Hinrich, Kobe, Deng, Thomas, and Wallace, that's a pipe dream. Getting Kobe will require Pax asking himself what is more important: Depth and continuing building with youth, or cashing in his chips for Kobe and a chance right away?

I think to get Kobe it will take Deng, Noch, Thomas/Noah, Duhon (expiring contract) and draft picks. And I, like everyone else, don't know if that's a good move.

by kobebull on Oct 14, 2007 7:33 PM CDT reply actions

If the trade includes Deng

than I don't want it, period. The Bulls already have a chance right away. They're as good as anybody in the East, and I think it would be at least a competitive series against whoever came out of the West. If we trade Deng along with other important pieces, I don't see how that will be an overall improvement.

by rexisourqb on Oct 15, 2007 11:43 AM CDT up reply actions

Dont think we need him but

I don't think it would be a problem having Kobe and Gordon in the back court together. Kobe can bring up the ball and initiate the offense. we would have to switch our offensive scheme around. Less motion/ drive and kick and more of kobe operating one on one, gordon as a spot up shooter and second fiddle, and running some triangle offense with Noah out of the high post utilizing his passing ability.

by haze on Oct 15, 2007 9:11 AM CDT reply actions

Ty Thomas is being showcased

Look, the LA fans will revolt unless something spectacular comes back to them in any Kobe trade. Yes, the franchise wants solid role players, stand-up guys, hard workers and youg players on the verge of being all-stars (think Luol Deng), but they also need to be able to trot out a guy with the potential for crowd-pleasing showmanship.

This is why I believe that Ty Thomas is an automatic shoo-in for any possible Kobe trade. Not to make salaries work, but because the LA crowd will demand a flashy performer. His numbers per minute are solid, too, and despite Skiles' sarcasm, he has been hitting that 15-18 foot jumper with consistency.

by bullhockey on Oct 15, 2007 9:47 AM CDT reply actions

it's Hollywood!

Seriously, the Rockets didn't trade for Scola and Butler because of their extensive rodeo clown experience.

by hscs on Oct 15, 2007 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm with you 100%!

Is it me or does Lebron walk like a duck?!

by GranvilleWaiters on Oct 15, 2007 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions

Having said all that...

I still would be really reluctant to see the Bulls trade for Kobe. They've literally got a roster full of guys with championship/final four/international gold experience. All of them are young except for Ben Wallace, and even Joe Smith is not that old. All of them can flat out play. Do you guys realize how much better they're going to get, individually and collectively?

The one problem in long term continuity would be the salary cap. At some point the franchise is going to have to keep Ty Thomas OR No-J Noah. (You like that? I'm going to start promoting that as of right now: "No-J Noah". You heard it here first.) They may even have to choose between Gordon and Deng.

Ok, so if they're going to trade any of their youngsters for talent, you may as well go for top shelf talent. Which brings us back to Kobe.

I guess I would be in favor of letting the season play out with no trade and seeing how it goes. That way the Bulls will surely advance deep into the playoffs, and if they don't win it all, they'll always have the ace up their sleeve in the Kobe trade.

by bullhockey on Oct 15, 2007 12:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Some

more "Kobe to Bulls" talk on ESPN.COM

by Option27 on Oct 15, 2007 2:03 PM CDT reply actions

Mariotti craps his journalistic pants once again.

This time, he's demanding that Pax trade for Kobe Bryant.

"Go get him, boy."

Among other gems, Mariotti once again mocks the team as being nothing more than a "cute" experiment. He also unequivocally predicts that the Bulls will not make the Finals this year (because Garnett is in Boston?) and that they are not incrementally advancing towards a Finals appearance this decade.

For good measure, he calls Wallace a $60MM "disappointment."

Listen, there is nothing wrong with arguing that the Bulls should trade for Kobe. It's a defensible position. However, the manner that Mariotti makes the argument is indefensible. It's nothing more than his typical fatuous, arrogant, absolutist bluster. He doesn't even address whether the team would actually be able to compete for a championship once it surrenders assets for Kobe.

Instead, he concludes his column by appealing to "sizzle" and "show business." What?

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/mariottiweb/599960,mariotti101107.article

by 1958ChiTown on Oct 15, 2007 2:32 PM CDT reply actions

Show busines?

it's that sizzle that wins championships, you know.

Geesh.

by KT on Oct 15, 2007 8:12 PM CDT up reply actions

As I look at trade scenarios

the one thing that strikes me is that Chicago undoubtedly has the pieces to make this trade happen and still field a decent team. Maybe not a championship team, but one that would be very competitive regardless.

Pax has done a great job.

by rexisourqb on Oct 15, 2007 5:59 PM CDT reply actions

That's kind of the point, though

I think the Bulls are already fielding a better than decent team. Everybody and their dog has already said that Chicago will compete for the East, but (in the opinion of most) is a step below Western championship contenders. The only real argument in favor of trading for Kobe is that he makes the Bulls a championship team now - Chicago isn't like LA supposedly is, with wanting the star power but not caring about winning.

For the record, I'm against trading for Kobe regardless. I just don't see how anyone can make the argument to trade what the Bulls have now unless they believe Kobe puts the team over the top in spite of what would have to be given up to get him.

"They had me do a psychology test and I asked Coach Skiles if that affected his coaching. He laughed and said, `No way.'" (Joakim Noah)

by wjb1492 on Oct 15, 2007 9:22 PM CDT up reply actions

That would be the jist of it...

It was stated in that ESPN article about how Kobe wouldn't want to be traded to a team that would be decimated by the trade. (At least he understands that part). The best case scenario for him would be to be traded to the Bulls without the Lakers taking Hinrich, Deng, Wallace or Sefalosha. That means the team UPGRADES at SG from Gordon to Kobe while not having to downgrade at any other key position. The problem with the young talent is they are all on their rookie contracts or will be on the extensions and count as BYC. It makes the salary matching that much harder.

Extending Gordon and Deng, and working a trade this off-season (barring a Finals appearance minimum) is the most likely scenario if any. My best guess? Gordon, Thomas, Khryapa, 2008 and 2009 1st round picks, and 2008 2nd round pick. If anything happens closer to the trade deadline then you could try and sneak in Duhon, JamesOn, and an extra pick or two to try and keep Thomas out but that would be very, very unlikely.

by CubFan81 on Oct 15, 2007 10:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Gordon and Thomas

wouldn't be enough to be be the key parts of the trade. You would have to throw in another big name player

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 10:12 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm with

you on being against trading for Kobe. Let's see how this team is playing six months from now.

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 16, 2007 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions

No argument here

I don't see a trade that the Lakers would accept that would make us clearly better than we are now. That's why i'm not getting excited about this trade.

Maybe next summer the Lakers will be desperate enough to take Gordon, Nocioni, Tyrus or Noah, and a draft pick. They certainly won't accept that now.

by rexisourqb on Oct 16, 2007 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Apparently

Deng ain't gonna be involved in any trade

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 11:12 AM CDT reply actions

Um

like Matt would say . . .

"This may have some legs"

Some may or may not know, but I'm from Los Angeles and I was just listening to 570 XTRA AM sports radio....

I'd give you a link but unfortunately there are not any links to something I just heard.

They just broke news that a Kobe trade may very well happen much sooner than expected and that Kobe may have worn a Laker jersey for the last time. According to multiple sources, Dallas and Chicago are the two most logical places they are saying he would go to and usually their sources are people in the Lakers organization. So they are a very reliable station.

I wouldn't write this unless I thought there was something to it. This is very genuine.

I'm not saying this is goin to happen any moment BUT they way they are talking about it over here in Los Angeles, I just needed to post this somewhere

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 2:35 PM CDT reply actions

The sources also said

Dallas have offered Howard, Terry and 2 future 1st round picks

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 2:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Sorry to keep adding on

but I'm just posting as I hear this . . .

They're saying Kobe is really done with the Lakers and he's pissed off at management and according to the sources, has already cleared out his locker!

This is hilarious.

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions

Any idea...

what the Bulls might be offering, reports are from Chicago that Deng is not included. I would mind Gordon, Thomas or Noah, picks?

by tyrus4prez on Oct 16, 2007 2:59 PM CDT up reply actions

Yeah!

This hurts to even write this . . .

But they know Deng wouldn NOT be included so according to them, they're saying Gordon, Nocioni, Thomas AND Noah . . which makes me wonder how Noc is included in any trade prior to Dec?

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:03 PM CDT reply actions

So no one think I'm crazy

You can listen live here to this madness

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:06 PM CDT reply actions

I might...

Just have to change my name to Kobe 4 prez.... I told myself after nothing happend last year at the trading deadline that I wouldn't buy into the possibility of a major deal happening. I need to listen to myself because I'm starting to....

by tyrus4prez on Oct 16, 2007 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions

How can this not be HUGE news by now?!

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:15 PM CDT up reply actions

because

Never thought it would happen, always seemed like a pipe dream. In fact I will never believe anything ever written about trades involving the Bulls because they just dont happen. Not that I'm mad becuase I love the make-up of this team. Sometimes the best trades are the ones you dont make. I just dont see the Lakers giving Kobe to a Western Conference team like the Mavs.

by tyrus4prez on Oct 16, 2007 3:24 PM CDT up reply actions

it's only news if Ric Bucher says so.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 16, 2007 3:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Apparently

Jeez...before you know it . . . .

Ric Bucher Reports "____"

I'm just hoping y'all are listening so you guys don't think I'm just rambling a bunch of nonsense

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:27 PM CDT up reply actions

I've seen it elsewhere

Namely here.

The fact that (as you've pointed out) Nocioni can't be dealt until December makes me even more skeptical than usual.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 16, 2007 3:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Bucher

I would love to read that!!

by tyrus4prez on Oct 16, 2007 3:31 PM CDT up reply actions

I was kidding

Bucher frequently jumps the gun.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 16, 2007 3:33 PM CDT up reply actions

Fuck that Noah and Tyrus?

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 16, 2007 11:36 PM CDT up reply actions

They said their

most reliable source has definetly said Kobe cleared his locker

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:09 PM CDT reply actions

this reliable source?

the kid across the street who goes to Lakers games

real newspaper too, and I'm not sure how firmly the tongue is pressed to the cheek.

by hscs on Oct 16, 2007 3:44 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm soooooo not lying

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 3:45 PM CDT up reply actions

i trust ya'

Kobe could be jumping the gun too though.

by hscs on Oct 16, 2007 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions

it's mass hsysteria

or Kobe hysteria.

I think they need some real news to report.

by KT on Oct 16, 2007 4:16 PM CDT reply actions

Apparently

something big is brewing, they just don't know what

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions

Where can I

listen to this 'hysteria'? I wen to that link but cant find the live broadcast.

The Future is bright!

by Goostafer on Oct 16, 2007 4:21 PM CDT up reply actions

If you want to listen to 'hysteria'

go here.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 16, 2007 4:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Ahhhh...

Thanks...

The Future is bright!

by Goostafer on Oct 16, 2007 4:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I will believe

it when it makes the front page of this -

http://www.nba.com/

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 16, 2007 4:29 PM CDT reply actions

To get Kobe

Give up deng. WHAAAA?!??! well why not, deng is our star player on the verge of becoming an allstar. Kobe is a superstar on the verge of becoming a legend (if he isnt one yet). I think if skiles can tame kobe into falling in line to the coach (thats a big if by the way) then i think kobe gives you what deng will hopefully give u, plus more. LA would bite im sure, for this:

Deng
Thomas (no need for two badasses)
Duhon
A few picks
and maybe griffen (for capspace if needed)

THat leaves us with

Hinrich
Gordon
Kobe
Smith
Wallace

and a bench of
Curry
Thabo
Noch
Noah
Gray
and probably Gardner to fill in any blank spots due to injuries or what not.

I think here we still have a fair bench, a superstar who is closest thing to jordan in the nba, we dont really lose that much talent. Oh no!!! were losing a future special guy in deng!!!

Well, i dont think deng can be a kobe level player, and if he can be, it wont happen for several seasons (my guess is when kobe is at the near of his career, deng might then turn into a kobe like player....Emphasize might).

Kobe can score from anywhere, is a good passer (the argument is usually, he has no one to pass too) is a great defender, and can come through in the clutch. Deng is a reasonably good scorer, hasnt shown any abilities of clutch, a great defender, and an average ball handler. Plus kobe gets you experience beyond belief.

The biggest issue might be taming kobe to fall in line, that seems impossible. But i think this trade would be fair to all parties...

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Oct 16, 2007 4:31 PM CDT reply actions

OK seriously...

It takes all of 2 minutes to check if a trade will work on the ESPN trade machine. This one does not.

by micah on Oct 16, 2007 5:43 PM CDT up reply actions

The closest thing to Jordan?

That may be true, but to be clear. The distance between MJ and Kobe in terms of impact on winning is roughly the same the difference between Kobe and Ben Gordon. Kobe=Wade=LeBron in terms of impact. He would still need alot of really good help. The trade you proposed actually doesn't make the Bulls that much better if Tyrus is capable of playing 20+ min/g this year. And actually might make the team worse.

by Scotter on Oct 16, 2007 6:12 PM CDT up reply actions

James has a shot at

making a consistently bigger impact than Kobe.

by hscs on Oct 16, 2007 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Very true

His last two years are pretty close to being better than anything Kobe has ever done. I was being generous to Kobe because I wasn't interested in provoking the Kobe lovers anymore than necessary.

by Scotter on Oct 16, 2007 6:33 PM CDT up reply actions

I am not a Witness

Lebron is over hyped (yes i said it)
Sorry, i didnt check the trade, but teh comment was more of a "why not trade deng for kobe" rather than a "this is what we definetly should do".

im trying hard to become the next kirk hinrich, therefore im doing nothing more than being the next chris duhon.

by piccolomair on Oct 17, 2007 10:35 AM CDT up reply actions

it's not about hype (i never said that)

lebron has been playing at nearly the same or better level than kobe's best seasons in his last 3 seasons using PER and dean oliver's stats.

by hscs on Oct 17, 2007 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

Has radio chatter died down?

I just checked in on the ESPN radio affiliates in LA and Chi and nobody seems be talking about this. Anybody have updates?

Also, Ziller a the FanHouse reminds us that signing (or not signing) Gordon will indicate where Pax's head is on the chances of getting Kobe.

by paxson43 on Oct 16, 2007 4:54 PM CDT reply actions

Chatter died

about 45 minutes ago.

Last I heard, they had a brief interview with Kobe which isn't available to listen to. what I got out of the interview were these tidbits...

He denied the report that said he had cleaned out his locker
When asked if he played his last game as a Laker, he responded with "I don't know"
When asked if he'd like to be a Laker for life, he said yes . . .

He also said he's ready to get the season going, implying he wouldn't hold out

4) They also asked him why his agent was spotted talking to Jerry Buss and responded with, "You'll have to ask management" . . . which he said after a few other questions I can't recall at the moment.

by Option27 on Oct 16, 2007 5:58 PM CDT up reply actions

Pax....PLEASE, PLEASE

......bring Kobe to Chi-town.

It is very simple:

KOBE = Championship No 7

by Vangelis on Oct 16, 2007 6:42 PM CDT reply actions

OR

Kobe gets here and he and Skiles do not get along and Kobe alienates his team mates. How far do you think the Bulls go then?

Racecar spelled backwards is racecar.

by sue369 on Oct 16, 2007 6:52 PM CDT up reply actions

kobe wants to win now

kobe wants to win and he knows it's not happeining in LA anytime soon. have you seen him play on team USA? his defense was amazing

by tomcat on Oct 16, 2007 7:43 PM CDT reply actions

Yes

I'm really not into searching for my prior posts and linking to them, but I have previously shared my take that Kobe's defense was unbelievable with Team USA. He is an unbelievably gifted player. He is a tenacious defender, a deadly scorer, and he appears to have a win-now mindset.

If, and I understand this is a big if, the Lakers were willing to take Gordon, Thomas, and some less high profile pieces (among Duhon, Khryapa, Smith, Sefolosha, Gray, Griffin), plus maybe 2 #1s and 2 #2s for Kobe (no, I am not running this on the trade machine), a starting lineup of Hinrich, Bryant, Deng, Noah, Wallace, with Noc as 6th man, would compete for the NBA Championship this year, in my opinion.

That said, I am more than happy to watch the team as is this year. Just saying, a deal without Hinrich, Deng, Noah, or Noc that netted Kobe would, I think, work quite well.

Riding the Noah bus since March 2006

by preverbal on Oct 16, 2007 10:59 PM CDT up reply actions

dynasty

that lineup is a minimum 3-peat. kobe's trade value is decreasing and it looks like the bulls could steal kobe!

by tomcat on Oct 16, 2007 11:36 PM CDT reply actions

Waddle & Silvy

Both were pondering sending Nocioni straight up for Kobe.

Silverman: "It's very interesting, our takes on everything."

Indeed!

by hscs on Oct 17, 2007 9:19 AM CDT reply actions

If Im the Bulls.......

don't you think you should lowball the Lakers?

One the Bulls can go pretty deep with the current roster. So there isn't as much pressure to complete the trade. Also if the Lakers look to trade him to Dallas they would have to be nuts.

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 17, 2007 9:42 AM CDT reply actions

The more and more I listen to LA Radio

and read articles, if a Kobe trade were to happen soon, it would mean probably that he's going to Dallas.

If it were to happen later, it would most likely mean he's going to Chicago.

That has me thinking that the Bulls maybe did lowball their offer somewhat

by Option27 on Oct 17, 2007 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions

kobe

Is not the answer for all the bulls problems. It amazes me how the same offer memphis and probably minny turned down will be good enough to secure kobe. All the fans cry about not giving deng max money and gordon 10 mil per but kobe makes 22 million dollars for the next 4 years. I also believe that number goes up if he is traded. If we can get kobe for Gordon and TT then great lets do it but I doubt the lakers would even consider this type of deal. If I were LA I would be asking for hinrich, gordon and either noah or thomas for starters. If kobe walks away from 44 million next year then the lakers have enough cap space top pursue top flight free agents (hello lebron). I really think were reaching here with this one. In the off season when PAX and Skiles can fully evaluate there science experiment and include noc this deal is more logical considering past moves. Get off Kobes nuts Scottie Pippen won 55 games with about the same amount of talent that LA has when Mike retired. I think Mr. Bryant is consistantly overhyped when it comes to winning and losing in the league.

by Blacknight23 on Oct 17, 2007 12:02 PM CDT reply actions

This is a f'ing tease!

The media needs to just stop with all this crap. Talk about it when he's traded.

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 17, 2007 6:00 PM CDT reply actions

He's not comming to Chicago

they had Skiles talk about it he totally seemed like it was a joke.

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 18, 2007 12:20 AM CDT reply actions

honestly

when have you ever actually BELIEVED what Skiles was saying???

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 18, 2007 9:29 AM CDT up reply actions

Kobegate

I thought it would play out a bit more slowly but Dr. Buss (as superb poker player, coinicidentally) inexplicably accelerated the timeline.
I wouldn't mind seeing Kobe at the Bulls but rumors of Deng plus another core player sickened me the past few days. Say it couldn't be, I couldn't help be mutter.
Well, thankfully, we have a steady (read: slow) hand steering the ship.

Let's be clear here: There's a better chance Kobe and Shaq would share a room in "The Surreal Life 15" house than the Lakers doing the Kobe rhumba with Mavs owner Mark Cuban, even if Cuban agreed to toss Dirk Nowitzki into the trade.

And scrap all talk that Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Busse and GM Mitch Kupchak would send Bryant to a division rival such as the Phoenix Suns. Nope, it's the Eastern Conference only if Bryant is sent packing.

And with what are the Allan Houston-is-our-future New York Knicks (another team on Bryant's wish list) going to entice the Lakers?

Oh, and Kobe can veto any trade, the only NBA player to have such a contract clause.

This is exactly what I thought should happen: call the bluff. The Lakers absolutely will NOT trade Kobe inside the Western Conference. It's just not going to happen. That leaves the East and, frankly, not too many appetizing options. It's clear so far that Kobe holds the chips now (a trade will definitely happen and it looks to be sometime within the next year since Buss decided to play his last card). Out of the East, there are few options that Kobe seems favorable towards. Of those options, who can even field a deal. The Knicks can not beat an offer of one of our big three. Even if they could, I just don't see Kobe waiding into the Isiah situation despite how much he'd love to star in New York. After that, it's Chicago.
That seems to be the main point coming out of the Bulls camp: go ahead, trade to somebody else and take less. I love having Pax as GM even if means we have to now listen to another 8 months of "make the big trade or will vilify you" articles.

"...Keeping 'SlowHand' alive since aught-five"

by CookDing on Oct 18, 2007 8:15 AM CDT reply actions

Within the next year?

(a trade will definitely happen and it looks to be sometime within the next year)

If this goes on for more than two weeks I don't think I could take it.

''This whole parties out of control!''-Moose

by joejoeEnglish94bulls4ever on Oct 18, 2007 8:30 AM CDT reply actions

It's a done deal...

If not with the Bulls, then someone else. It's pretty clear thought that Kobe does not intend to stay with the Lakers. Not only that, but with the major turmoil in the Lakers organization, they have to get rid of him at this point. He also broke trust with his teammates when he threw them under the bus. How could you play with him after that? Having a team where the #1 is disgruntled is never a good thing for anyone.

The only way Kobe can stay in LA is if he does a complete 180 and publicly commits himself to riding out the year and apologizes to the fans and organization for the trouble. That's not going to happen.

by Hiryu on Oct 18, 2007 9:10 AM CDT reply actions

word is

that the Knicks are out of the running in the Kobe sweepstakes...though I don't know if they were ever really in it to begin with.

Kobe put out word through intermediaries last week that he's taken the Knicks off his wish list because of all the turmoil at the Garden. Isiah Thomas has suddenly clammed up about the Kobe situation, but you can bet he's working it hard behind the scenes.

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 18, 2007 9:32 AM CDT reply actions

forgot the link

go here

by ScottieCartwright on Oct 18, 2007 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions

lazely

lazenby attempts to ghost write for Jerry Buss..
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/0-28-193/Lazenby-s-Latest-from-Laker-Land.html

The quick and short:
-Kobe is a terrible person and the true villain
-Kobe never wanted a trade in the first but was just trying to motivate the team (at the wishes of Tex Winters? I must have misintepreted that suggestion)
-Jim Buss is no Dr. Buss and is also a Villain
-The triangle is the villain the Lakers were meant to be a running team
-Kobe needs to get the team winning
-Lazenby is delivering Dr. Buss's mail
-Did you know Dr. Buss is a canny gambler? ...neato!

As underwhelming as all the other articles but notable, nonetheless, for how ridiculously it tries to spin Kobe's clear desire for a trade into something else.

"...Keeping 'SlowHand' alive since aught-five"

by CookDing on Oct 18, 2007 3:07 PM CDT reply actions

fantasy trade?

Just to make this short...what do you guys think of this?

Bulls:
Get: G-Kobe Bryant
Lose: G-Ben Gordon; GF-Andres Nocioni; F-Tyrus Thomas, 1st Round Draft Pick

Lakers:
Get: G-Ben Gordon; F-Andrei Kirilenko
Lose: G-Kobe Bryant

Suns:
Get: F-Tyrus Thomas; GF-Andres Nocioni
Lose: FC-Shawn Marion

Jazz:
Get: FC-Shawn Marion, CHI-1st Round Draft Pick
Lose: F-Andrei Kirilenko

*Disclaimer: No credence or credibility to this trade...just a random thought, which requires a lot of things to fall into place to ACTUALLY work

by chicagosportslove23 @ Blog a Bull on Oct 19, 2007 12:50 PM CDT reply actions

Doubt the salaries match

well enough to be legal. Did you check it? And as much as I appreciate AK47, if I were the Lakers, I'd rather have TT and the late 1st. So no need for a 4-way trade.

IF the dreaded Kobe trade happens, it will be BG, TT and a couple picks. Plus a somewhat deceptive PJ Brown re-signing to make up the $$. Which still may not be legal, have the Bulls declined his rights? Do they have them til the opener, or Dec 15?

Noc can't be in a trade until Dec 15 (I believe), 'cause he was just re-signed. That or it's his old salary that counts for trade purposes. So, PJ or no go for now. And Noc goes in (PJ's stead) later on. These are just some of the sticking points everyone seems to ignore. The Bulls "have the pieces" but not the salaries...and if so many players leave, does it make the team significantly better, or even better at all?

Creative thinking, though. Kudos if the salaries are within 25%.

by marionette on Oct 19, 2007 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions

trade machine possibility

You're absolutely right about the Dec. 15th date, but hey we're all sports fan and this is what we do: speculate. I think this is a trade in which all involved parties will benefit.

I tried this possibility using the often troublesome ESPN Trade Machine with a few minor tweaks.

Instead of Noc in this machine (who can't be tried because of his Dec. 15th eligibility), I used Luol (just for experiments sake). The Bulls ended up short about 4.7M to be within 25%, but that was using Luol's 3.3M vs. Noc's 8.5M. Using Noc...it would be financially feasible.

I just threw in the first round pick, simply because a trade of this magnitude would not come that cheap for the Bulls. I'm not exactly aware of the implications or the financial impact of the trade by including the pick. As far as the salaries and figures are concerned, the trade DOES indeed work out. Maybe someone could shed light upon how a draft pick impacts the deal of a trade.

I highly doubt the inclusion of PJ in this deal given his apparent decision to retire.

And with all the red-tape and complications involved with NBA contracts (especially Kobe's) and Pax's unwillingness to gut our team...something tells me that this won't be a simple 2-team trade...

by chicagosportslove23 @ Blog a Bull on Oct 19, 2007 8:04 PM CDT up reply actions

What is consistently missed

by everyone (meaning the MSM) is that the idea that the Bulls have to give up a ton to make this happen. The Bulls don't have to do anything, because they aren't the ones that have to make this trade.

The Bulls can win with the team they currently have. The onus is upon the Lakers to move their disgruntled SuperStar (TM - How to Win NBA Championships, Inc.). Because all of the pressure is on LA, all of the leverage is with the Bulls. If the Bulls don't trade for Kobe, they will still be successful and their won't be grave disappoinment amongst the fan base (beside the hot air blown across sports radio). However, if the Lakers don't move Kobe, it could be a living hell for that franchise.

I'm pretty sure that Paxson knows this, given his hesitation to move for Gasol (or any big name "low post threat") last year. Despite making good print and radio banter, Pax should be in no rush to "get this done!"

by torch on Oct 20, 2007 1:21 PM CDT reply actions