I got a text from my nephew on late Monday night to call him right away. We usually talk about sports so I checked Twitter and there it was - a post about Deng getting traded. We were both in shock. We knew Deng was rumored to be traded but surprised that the Bulls actually pulled the trigger.
Number 9 was one of most consistent faces of the Bulls franchise and is the 4th leading Bulls' scorer of all time, joining Jordan, Pippen, and Bob Love. I had no idea...9 years goes by quickly. And he is a class act who Thibs would refer to as his "glue" guy. He is also a humanitarian and a model athlete (great article by Sam Smith: http://blogs.bulls.com/
The Bleacher Reports does a great job of summing up Deng's career as a Bull and video highlights:
http://bleacherreport.com/
I always felt that the smart move was to trade Deng. He is a free agent at the end of this year and and if they can't get a deal done, the savvy move is to trade him. Particularly when the Bulls need some depth with Rose out. But what the Bulls got back in return was not much, at least for now. They got a player (Bynum) that they immediately waived and the potential for draft picks (complicated deal, protected picks)
Financially, the Bulls saved about $20M so I get it from a business standpoint. It's a no-brainer. Couldn't the Bulls have gotten more, in regards to players that can help them now? Which makes me wonder...this has to be a piece in a master plan or at least I hope so. I believe that the Bulls are stockpiling assets so they can find a way to get rid of Boozer via trade, not amnesty, But for now, here is an analysis on how the Deng trade affects both teams:
The Bulls
Pros:
-They clear cap space for now.
-They get value for a player instead of letting him walk away for nothing.
-They get to give Snell more playing time.
-Forces other players like Butler , Gibson and even Noah to take more of a leadership role in the Bulls offense.
-Lottery pick if the Bulls don't win and potential picks coming from Cleveland via Sacramento Kings.
* I really don't like the idea of tanking for next season. You can't guarantee that a lottery pick will be your savior and make you better right away. I prefer to make the playoffs and give the fans who paid money something to be excited about. Even though last season was rough the Bulls/Nets series was fun to watch!
Cons:
-Leadership; Deng was the head of the Bulls.
-Weakens the bench with Dunleavy now being a starter.
-Versatility: Bulls are going to be more offensively challenged. Bulls also have to make up for Deng's impressive stats this season (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists).
-Makes it easier for other teams to put a game plan together against the Bulls. Who is going to put fear in an opponent?
Predictions: Assuming the Bulls don't trade any of their core players like Hinrich, I predict this team becomes a 7th or 8th seed and makes the playoffs. They have too much pride and are too well coached. The Bulls just won 3 in a row as they are in the soft part of their schedule now. Expect this to drop and the Bulls to get on an ugly losing streak. But this is a tight core with guys who have a lot of heart and they will find a way to rely on their defense and hustle to wear down other teams.
G-Standard Prescription: Find either a combo guard like a Jarrett Jack type or another wing player that can contribute off the bench. If Hinrich gets injured, the Bulls are in trouble. Who is going to back up Augustin? The Bulls could really use another guard and someone that can put the ball in the hole. They signed Cartier Martin to a 10-day contract and he contributed last night. He could stick if he consistently gives them a spark off the bench.
The Cavs
Pros:
-Leadership. Deng can mentor the young guys and be the calming force that is much needed in what has been talked about as a dysfunctional locker room.
-A 2 way player who will help the Cavs on both ends of the court.
-Someone Mike Brown can lean on; a coach on the floor.
-Gives the Cavs much needed stability for the 3 spot and a player who can put up points but won't force shots.
Cons:
-Deng can leave after next season; he is a rental for this season.
-Even less playing time for 1st round pick in the draft Anthony Bennett as the Cavs got deeper.
-Gives the Cavs much needed stability for the 3 spot and a player who can put up points but won't force shots.
Cons:
-Deng can leave after next season; he is a rental for this season.
-Even less playing time for 1st round pick in the draft Anthony Bennett as the Cavs got deeper.
Prediction: Cavs win more but don't make the playoffs. The Nets are starting to win, Knicks are getting healthy, and the Celtics are getting Rondo back. Who are the Cavs going to displace? Also, Mike Brown could not win with Kobe in LA and LeBron in Cleveland; how can we with Deng? And if the players don't buy into the coaching, it's hard to win. At this point in his career, I believe Deng would prefer to play for a team that has championship potential. I could see him end up with the Lakers, San Antonio, Houston, or Portland next season.
Final Analysis:
Trades are fun but this one is not a great one for the Bulls, at least for the present moment. It would have been great for the Bulls to get back some players that can help them win now. The Bulls traded their leader and have nothing to show for it. Draft picks are nice but most players take time to develop and this trade could turn out to be a huge win in the future.
Thanks and wishing everyone a prosperous, blessed, and all around amazing 2014.
G-Standard
