Chicago doesn’t do the trade with just Tyrus Thomas leaving and not Deng. The idea from Chicago’s perspective is they can sign two max players if they move Deng and Heinrich. Mostly because there are rumors abound that James/Bosh are essentially a package deal and interest in the Bulls. Because Rose and Noah are on rookie contracts, that enables them to assemble a core of Rose, James, Bosh, and Noah – which gives James the best chance to win. Also, they could grab Bosh and Joe Johnson (who would fit great next to Rose.)
The Bulls are letting Tyrus Thomas walk at the end of the year. So you aren’t doing the Bulls any favors by including him in a deal. One, their goal is to clear cap space – so the relevant players are Deng, Henrich, and Salmons (that’s the list). Second, Thomas has proven to be a selfish player with a low basketball IQ. Thomas is not a top 3 guy on a good team. He’s a much much better young Stro Swift – with no ability to be coached or sacrifice himself for the team. Therefore, this deal won’t happen for just Thomas. The Bulls won’t do that. For the same reason, they won’t do Noah. Moreover, Deng is a better player than Thomas – he just is.
In addition, Boston doesn’t make the deal if they aren’t getting Martin. Between KG’s extension and Rasheed’s crappy deal – Boston isn’t taking on bad salary unless it’s got a lot up upside. Noc and/or Heinrich have been on the table for Boston for at least 5 months. Odd favor, they continue to pass. Taking on Martin’s deal to replace Allen would be very expensive – but is somewhat plausible.
Deng is almost as good as Martin and he fits well between Tyreke and Thompson – all three are talented and physical. It makes some sense.
The major objection here seems to be that the Kings aren’t getting a high quality big man for Kevin Martin in this deal. Frankly, no team is trading a high quality big man for an oft injured shooting guard that misses 15-20 games – where the money/length of contract is no better than a wash for other team. We know what’s out there – it’s the Delambert, Oakafor, ect bargain bin. You can get an overpaid so/so big man for Martin. Nobody is giving you a quality big man for Martin. Thus, I think the major objection here fails to acknowledge Martins’’ value, teams reluctance to trade big for small, and the money involved.
I would do this deal. Your core is Evans, Deng, Thompson – you draft the best big man on the board this year and move forward. With Caspi, Green, Garcia – you’ve got a bench / platoon at SG.
Finally, if you can get a decent PF/C in the draft – I envision a Thompson; PF/Center; and Hawes three headed monster that worked a lot like Davis; Davis; and Smits in Indy in the late 90s. All 3 guys can play/work together. With Thomson playing the role of Dale Davis and Hawes looking more and more like a more athletic Smits - but you need the third guy that plays both spots and offense and defense. As opposed to waiting for some team to gift wrap us a quality center for Martin, I think that’s how you move forward inside.
