Bulls Make Big Trade Ahead of Deadline, Part II

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 19, 2009 8:40PM

Do the Bulls have a hotline that rings directly to Madison Square Garden? The New York Knicks remain the dumping grounds for the Bulls unwanted parts, even after they parted ways with Isiah Thomas -- the worst executive in the history of basketball. This afternoon, just before the NBA trading deadline, the Bulls shipped Larry Hughes to New York in return for three players: Tim Thomas, Jerome James and Anthony Roberson.

Ironically enough, the Knicks have stuck the Bulls with Thomas before. Previously sent to the Bulls as part of the 2005 Eddy Curry trade, he didn't last long with the team. He was sent home after just days and effectively mothballed until the Bulls released him late that year. Will Thomas make more of a positive impact this time? Perhaps coach Vinny del Negro is more willing to work with the power forward, ""I played with Tim for a couple years and had him in Phoenix[where del Negro was assistant GM]. I didn't have any problem with him. I enjoyed playing with him." Let's hope so, since he's locked up through next season.

As for James and Roberson? Both have played sparingly this season and can probably expect to spend most of their time on the inactive list in place of Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons.

To recap:
In the past 24 hours, the Bulls have traded away Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Larry Hughes, Michael Ruffin and Cedric Simmons. In return, they've added Brad Miller, John Salmons, Tim Thomas, Jerome James and Anthony Roberson.

That's about more than one-third of the roster turned over in less than a day. But does it make the Bulls a better team? Only time will tell if it helps this year, but it positions the team well for 2010...