Will Bulls Make Post-Lottery Moves?

By Marcus Gilmer in Miscellaneous on May 20, 2009 9:20PM

The Los Angeles Clippers came away the big winner after last night's NBA Draft lottery. It was only the second time in 11 years that the Bulls didn't have a ping pong ball in play, but that doesn't mean they might not profit. According to the Trib's K.C. Johnson:

Oklahoma forward Blake Griffin is the presumptive No. 1 pick, which would make the Clippers' glut of big men even more of an issue. While Zach Randolph's contract is virtually impossible to move, the Bulls have had past interest in both Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby.

Camby has only one year remaining on a contract that will pay him $7.65 million next season. The Clippers' reportedly have shown interest in Bulls point guard Kirk Hinrich in the past. That straight-up trade works under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.

Sure, Hinrich was hurt this year and played off the bench and, yes, Camby would be good for a double-double, but we balk at Camby's age: he's 35. While he does have a veteran presence, one the Baby Bulls could have used in that first round playoff series against the Celtics this year, it's not unreasonable to question his durability. One potential upside of the trade, we admit, would be getting an additional $2 million under the cap by dealing Hinrich who is due $9.5 million next season. The trade for Kaman would make more sense, though he's due $10.4 million next season.

It's actually a question Bill Simmons addressed today in a chat on ESPN:

Brad (Chicago): you mentioned the clips may want to trade Kaman. What about to the Bulls for Hinrich?

SportsNation Bill Simmons: In a heartbeat for the Clips. For the Bulls... I don't know. I'd rather see them let Gordon go, keep Hinrich and make a run at Wade or Bosh in summer 2010 if I'm a Bulls fan.

Well, when you put it like that...then, yes. And we've learned that, though he may be a huge Boston homer, Simmons knows his NBA more than most anyone else we read on a regular basis.