[Scott42444Participant]

I am a Bulls fan and have for years been under the impression that Carlos Boozer has an immovable contract.  Recently, there was a rumor that Phoenix would be interested (maybe) in acquiring him for the expiring contract of the injured Emeka Okafor and possibly a late 1st (of which the Suns have possibly 4 in the 2014 draft), probably Indiana’s.  Which would be 29 or 30.  Now, for the Bulls that would make sense because they are still CLOSE to the luxury tax and they are definitely trying to stay under that and Okafor’s deal is nearly $900,000 less than Boozer’s.  Also, it’s insured since he hasn’t played, and Bulls ownership hates wasting money.  Using the amnesty frees up cap space but the Bulls still have to pay him.  Anyway, the problem is that people have considered Boozer to be a liability because of his contract.  But, a team that has the room to absorb his contract and is probably not in the running for the bigs available in 2014 free agency like the Suns would then have an $18 million expiring contract for a player that can contribute in the post better than any of their current options.

My real question is, would it be smart to use the amnesty on Boozer or use him in a trade during the 2014-2015 season to free up space for the loaded 2015 free agent class?  If Okafor is considered an asset because he is a large expiring contract, wouldn’t Boozer be an asset since he still can contribute fairly well in the post 15ppg 8rpg AND he is an expiring contract?  When does that albatross of a contract become an asset that is valued around the league?  Will the Knicks be shipping off Amare and Tyson Chandler next season and aquiring assets from teams looking to make a run at Kevin Love, LaMarcus Aldridge, etc. in 2015?  Is it basically the final season of the contract or do teams start anticipating a good free agent class like 2015 and start aquiring players the previous season?  Is Boozer 100% an amnesty candidate or will he suddenly become an asset because of his contract?  I know the city of Chicago would basically explode that Reinsdorf didn’t allow the Bulls to amnesty Boozer and the team’s "cheap" reputation would take an even further hit (which I personally think is unjustified, but I understand why the reputation exists).  But, does that contract become an asset?

  

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I think the Bulls would be OK is they make this deal. Boozer is a solid player offensively. Defensively he’s terrible but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value. Remember, he’s still on contract next season, so they could be saving the amnesty clause to be used on another player, though I think they’re going to deal Taj as well.

[King CaluchaParticipant]

I think the Bulls would be OK is they make this deal. Boozer is a solid player offensively. Defensively he’s terrible but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have value. Remember, he’s still on contract next season, so they could be saving the amnesty clause to be used on another player, though I think they’re going to deal Taj as well.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Suns are sitting at picks 17, 22, 30, and 52 right now. 

The Bulls are sitting at 15, 19, and 49.

If I were the Bulls I would try to trade Boozer and Kirk Hinrich to the Suns for Emeka Okafor’s expiring contract and the Suns picks at 30 and 52.  I would also swap the Bulls pick at 19 for the Suns pick at 17.

The Bulls shed a bunch of salary and some draft picks.  The Bulls would have these picks: 15, 17, 30, 49, and 52.

The Suns get a legit power forward who can score and rebound plus an extra veteran guard.  And they would still have first round picks at 19 and 22.

The Bulls would be better in the future with the Suns being able to make a run for the playoffs THIS SEASON as well as having a veteran big in Boozer going into an expiring contract season.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The Suns are sitting at picks 17, 22, 30, and 52 right now. 

The Bulls are sitting at 15, 19, and 49.

If I were the Bulls I would try to trade Boozer and Kirk Hinrich to the Suns for Emeka Okafor’s expiring contract and the Suns picks at 30 and 52.  I would also swap the Bulls pick at 19 for the Suns pick at 17.

The Bulls shed a bunch of salary and some draft picks.  The Bulls would have these picks: 15, 17, 30, 49, and 52.

The Suns get a legit power forward who can score and rebound plus an extra veteran guard.  And they would still have first round picks at 19 and 22.

The Bulls would be better in the future with the Suns being able to make a run for the playoffs THIS SEASON as well as having a veteran big in Boozer going into an expiring contract season.

[tuck243Participant]

Honestly I wouldn’t go into swapping picks right now because we are still in the middle of the season. LOL. You don’t know where either team is going to end up. Bulls could be in the lottery while the Suns could be an eighth seed and you basically gave them a #1 pick or something.

To be honest, the Bulls just need to wait. They don’t need extra picks and truth be told I wouldn’t move Boozer yet. You can amnesty him and that contract whenever you need to. He’s still a low post scorer and looking at the FA’s this summer you might not get someone to replace him. Think of it this way, the Bulls deplete their roster of Deng and Boozer, then swing and miss in FA. What happens when D. Rose come back? At least Deng and Boozer gives them that extra scoring power that’s needed in the playoffs. Without them you asking your star to LITERALLY carry that team by himself as you are practically rebuilding.

Unless, unless… The Bulls feel they might amnesty D. Rose instead. Then forget everything I said.

And to answer your question, normally teams will trade decent players for expiring contracts to get rid of the “dead weight”. It’s more lucrative to do that because that player can still give you something and after that year the contract is off your books next year. That’s why the Bulls was able to get rid of Deng’s contract for Bynum to stay underneath the luxury tax this year. Remember they only need to match the current year contract. Knowing that he will be a free agent (and likely leave) they felt it was no point to pay extra for a player and they won’t compete in the playoffs.

I kind of get what they are doing in Chi-town, but they better get a superstar in FA this year because they basically blew that team up.

[tuck243Participant]

Honestly I wouldn’t go into swapping picks right now because we are still in the middle of the season. LOL. You don’t know where either team is going to end up. Bulls could be in the lottery while the Suns could be an eighth seed and you basically gave them a #1 pick or something.

To be honest, the Bulls just need to wait. They don’t need extra picks and truth be told I wouldn’t move Boozer yet. You can amnesty him and that contract whenever you need to. He’s still a low post scorer and looking at the FA’s this summer you might not get someone to replace him. Think of it this way, the Bulls deplete their roster of Deng and Boozer, then swing and miss in FA. What happens when D. Rose come back? At least Deng and Boozer gives them that extra scoring power that’s needed in the playoffs. Without them you asking your star to LITERALLY carry that team by himself as you are practically rebuilding.

Unless, unless… The Bulls feel they might amnesty D. Rose instead. Then forget everything I said.

And to answer your question, normally teams will trade decent players for expiring contracts to get rid of the “dead weight”. It’s more lucrative to do that because that player can still give you something and after that year the contract is off your books next year. That’s why the Bulls was able to get rid of Deng’s contract for Bynum to stay underneath the luxury tax this year. Remember they only need to match the current year contract. Knowing that he will be a free agent (and likely leave) they felt it was no point to pay extra for a player and they won’t compete in the playoffs.

I kind of get what they are doing in Chi-town, but they better get a superstar in FA this year because they basically blew that team up.

[ChewyParticipant]

" You can amnesty him and that contract whenever you need to. He’s still a low post scorer and looking at the FA’s this summer you might not get someone to replace him." 

How about the player who has already replaced Boozer in the 4th quarter? Taj should be a starter for us, with hopefully Mirotic off the bench.

Jimmy Butler has stepped up as a starter. Snell is giving us shooting. Dunleavy, IDK if he is in the long term plans, but he gives us shooting. This is the first time in years where I can say "The Bulls are horrendous at shooting. Just mildly below average."

 

 

 

[ChewyParticipant]

" You can amnesty him and that contract whenever you need to. He’s still a low post scorer and looking at the FA’s this summer you might not get someone to replace him." 

How about the player who has already replaced Boozer in the 4th quarter? Taj should be a starter for us, with hopefully Mirotic off the bench.

Jimmy Butler has stepped up as a starter. Snell is giving us shooting. Dunleavy, IDK if he is in the long term plans, but he gives us shooting. This is the first time in years where I can say "The Bulls are horrendous at shooting. Just mildly below average."

 

 

 

[Scott42444Participant]

…that Taj is going to be the starting PF for now and the forseeable future, unless Carmelo comes to Chicago.  If the Bulls are bringing in Melo (which is their Plan A, which means they will be agressive in trying to make this happen) they will have to move Taj for salary cap concerns.  Boozer is 95% gone, whether it’s through trade or amnesty.  I guess I was thinking of Boozer the contract (with playing ability) versus Boozer the contributor.  Seriously, Taj does what Boozer does offensively now (if you have seen recent Bulls games, especially the last 25 it’s been on display) but also gives you All-NBA Defense as well.  

[Scott42444Participant]

…that Taj is going to be the starting PF for now and the forseeable future, unless Carmelo comes to Chicago.  If the Bulls are bringing in Melo (which is their Plan A, which means they will be agressive in trying to make this happen) they will have to move Taj for salary cap concerns.  Boozer is 95% gone, whether it’s through trade or amnesty.  I guess I was thinking of Boozer the contract (with playing ability) versus Boozer the contributor.  Seriously, Taj does what Boozer does offensively now (if you have seen recent Bulls games, especially the last 25 it’s been on display) but also gives you All-NBA Defense as well.  

[tuck243Participant]

But I don’t think Taj is a legit starter at the 4 position.   You can’t really go to him in the low post and him playing over Boozer in the 4th is strictly because of his defense.  What he gives you is something a lot of 6-8 thru 6-10 dudes can… Jordan Hill can give you something similar in that system and with that coach…   

The issue is none of those players currently are All-Stars.  Honestly none of them are potential All-Stars either.  They are excellent role players though.   Chicago need a legit All-Star to go along side D. Rose or else.  

 

[tuck243Participant]

But I don’t think Taj is a legit starter at the 4 position.   You can’t really go to him in the low post and him playing over Boozer in the 4th is strictly because of his defense.  What he gives you is something a lot of 6-8 thru 6-10 dudes can… Jordan Hill can give you something similar in that system and with that coach…   

The issue is none of those players currently are All-Stars.  Honestly none of them are potential All-Stars either.  They are excellent role players though.   Chicago need a legit All-Star to go along side D. Rose or else.  

 

[jonus grumbyParticipant]

the Bulls can not amnesty Rose.

The Bulls (imo) will not amnesty Boozer. There is no point to doing that this off season. (no the Bulls can not amnesty Boozer “whenever you need to”) They will need to amnesty him this off season. Either trade his contract for a pick to a team that could use his talent this year and who would want the expiring contract next year or just keep him so you have his expiring contract next year.

The only reason to amnesty Boozer this off season would be to sign a max free agent and imo that is not happening. If they want melo they will trade for him. LeBron is not going to sign in Chicago. There is no other free agent I would give a long term max contract to. Bosh?? Maybe but is he that much better then Gibson? Unless you trade Gibson to get a high pick or a #2 then amnesty Boozer and sign Bosh but that is a lot of moving parts.

[jonus grumbyParticipant]

the Bulls can not amnesty Rose.

The Bulls (imo) will not amnesty Boozer. There is no point to doing that this off season. (no the Bulls can not amnesty Boozer “whenever you need to”) They will need to amnesty him this off season. Either trade his contract for a pick to a team that could use his talent this year and who would want the expiring contract next year or just keep him so you have his expiring contract next year.

The only reason to amnesty Boozer this off season would be to sign a max free agent and imo that is not happening. If they want melo they will trade for him. LeBron is not going to sign in Chicago. There is no other free agent I would give a long term max contract to. Bosh?? Maybe but is he that much better then Gibson? Unless you trade Gibson to get a high pick or a #2 then amnesty Boozer and sign Bosh but that is a lot of moving parts.

[Scott42444Participant]

…although it would be preferable.  They could actually keep Taj if they were to make the trade that has been "rumored" in the press (who knows if that’s even real?).  I don’t think that the Knicks will trade him.  Unless he opts out and it’s a sign and trade with the Knicks, they will probably (from what I have heard) keep Melo in NY even if he tells them he is going to 100% opt out.  They believe that they hold the cards with his Bird rights and the Knicks have shown that having a superstar is more important than winning a championship.  That’s not a knock on them, it’s just what has happened in the past (Marbury, McGrady, Carmelo, etc.).  Also, history has shown that having a superstar is integral to winning a championship, so maybe they aren’t wrong in hanging onto the big name player.  The Bulls, if I will rip on my favorite team, has shown that they cannot sign marquee free agents.  Since Jordan retired, they have swung and missed on McGrady, Grant Hill, Lebron, Wade, Bosh, etc.  The combination of those two franchises histories makes me think the Bulls would be better served trading for Carmelo, I just don’t think they will have the option.

Yes, just to agree with you, Rose is not an amnesty candidate.  It cannot happen.  His extenion was signed after the new CBA went into effect (hence the Rose Rule applying to his contract).  The amnesty clause only applies to contracts that were signed before the new CBA was signed.

  

[Scott42444Participant]

…although it would be preferable.  They could actually keep Taj if they were to make the trade that has been "rumored" in the press (who knows if that’s even real?).  I don’t think that the Knicks will trade him.  Unless he opts out and it’s a sign and trade with the Knicks, they will probably (from what I have heard) keep Melo in NY even if he tells them he is going to 100% opt out.  They believe that they hold the cards with his Bird rights and the Knicks have shown that having a superstar is more important than winning a championship.  That’s not a knock on them, it’s just what has happened in the past (Marbury, McGrady, Carmelo, etc.).  Also, history has shown that having a superstar is integral to winning a championship, so maybe they aren’t wrong in hanging onto the big name player.  The Bulls, if I will rip on my favorite team, has shown that they cannot sign marquee free agents.  Since Jordan retired, they have swung and missed on McGrady, Grant Hill, Lebron, Wade, Bosh, etc.  The combination of those two franchises histories makes me think the Bulls would be better served trading for Carmelo, I just don’t think they will have the option.

Yes, just to agree with you, Rose is not an amnesty candidate.  It cannot happen.  His extenion was signed after the new CBA went into effect (hence the Rose Rule applying to his contract).  The amnesty clause only applies to contracts that were signed before the new CBA was signed.

  

[Scott42444Participant]

that Boozer’s deal expiring after next season has already (as of this trade deadline) become an asset?  You said, "Either trade his contract for a pick to a teamthat could use his talent this year and who would want the expiring contract next year…".  It seems in that scenario that in your opinion his expiring deal NEXT season has already reached "asset status".  I tend to agree, but most people I talk to say that there is almost no value to Boozer and his large contract.  I feel like i’m insane (maybe I am?) by thinking that it’s an asset already because of how good the 2015 Free Agent Class is going to be.  I don’t think Lebron, Wade, etc. are going to opt out this year, I believe that Carmelo is the only big name that will be available UFA.  That makes the 2015 class just loaded with talent young and old. 

[Scott42444Participant]

that Boozer’s deal expiring after next season has already (as of this trade deadline) become an asset?  You said, "Either trade his contract for a pick to a teamthat could use his talent this year and who would want the expiring contract next year…".  It seems in that scenario that in your opinion his expiring deal NEXT season has already reached "asset status".  I tend to agree, but most people I talk to say that there is almost no value to Boozer and his large contract.  I feel like i’m insane (maybe I am?) by thinking that it’s an asset already because of how good the 2015 Free Agent Class is going to be.  I don’t think Lebron, Wade, etc. are going to opt out this year, I believe that Carmelo is the only big name that will be available UFA.  That makes the 2015 class just loaded with talent young and old. 

[ChewyParticipant]

 you just know that Boozer is going to play hard all season long in a contract year next year. When money is on the line, Boozer produces. 

[ChewyParticipant]

 you just know that Boozer is going to play hard all season long in a contract year next year. When money is on the line, Boozer produces. 

[juves4783Participant]

i think the bulls should move boozer for the mere fact that gibson is making $8M (starter type money) and outplaying him.  if any of the big 3 (lebron, melo, wade) opt out, chicago has the legacy to maybe entice one to jump ship.  and with jimmy butlers’ size and versatility he can play the other wing position.  i’d call up the bobcats and see if they would do a boozer for gordon, tolliver and their latter 1st rounder.   

worst case scenario 2014-2015, you got noah, gibson, mirotic, snell, butler, dunleavy, rose, 3 draft picks (let’s say a big, wing and guard) plus a few 1-year fill-ins (to set up for a run at 2015 free agency).  that’s a team that can easily make the playoffs in the horrible eastern conference.

 

 

[Scott42444Participant]

…should move Boozer.  He’s gone, I don’t think it’s even a question.  Unless they can move him before THIS trade deadline for an expiring contract and another asset (like the Phoenix trade I mentioned above) he will be amnestied.  But, after ALWAYS discussing the future of the Bulls with other fans and always saying, "We are going to amnesty Boozer and then we will move Taj over to the starting PF, then we have $17 million to use to do…blah, blah, blah"  I started wondering if his contract becomes an actual asset.  It has been discussed by most Bulls beat writers to be an immovable contract because of the size of the deal and his production.  But, when the Bulls trade away an All-Star, 2-way guy who is still in his prime like Deng for an expiring contract and I read about how much of an asset the Okafor contract is I started to second guess whether just using the amnesty provision on Boozer is the smart play.  He will undoubtedly be able to contribute on another roster, unlike other amnesty casualties like Tyrus Thomas in Charlotte who is out of the league.  Unless the Bulls feel that his contract is better served as an asset for an extra pick next season AND (the most important aspect) the Bulls feel the team cannot be in title contention in 2014-2015.  Basically, from what I have heard, Bulls management feel that they can make a few shrewd moves and be right back in contention next season if Rose is back to his old self, which he SHOULD be since his surgery was completed 100%, but he will be a constant injury risk.   I think that is where the interest in Carmelo lies.  Most fans feel he doesn’t "fit" with the Bulls, but that’s stupid.  The Bulls lockerroom is strong, led by veterans and a coaching staff that has completely bought in.  Carmelo would fit perfectly with a team that is 30th in the NBA in scoring and they would be bringing in one of the league’s Top 3 scorers.  It would be a good fit.

[Scott42444Participant]

…should move Boozer.  He’s gone, I don’t think it’s even a question.  Unless they can move him before THIS trade deadline for an expiring contract and another asset (like the Phoenix trade I mentioned above) he will be amnestied.  But, after ALWAYS discussing the future of the Bulls with other fans and always saying, "We are going to amnesty Boozer and then we will move Taj over to the starting PF, then we have $17 million to use to do…blah, blah, blah"  I started wondering if his contract becomes an actual asset.  It has been discussed by most Bulls beat writers to be an immovable contract because of the size of the deal and his production.  But, when the Bulls trade away an All-Star, 2-way guy who is still in his prime like Deng for an expiring contract and I read about how much of an asset the Okafor contract is I started to second guess whether just using the amnesty provision on Boozer is the smart play.  He will undoubtedly be able to contribute on another roster, unlike other amnesty casualties like Tyrus Thomas in Charlotte who is out of the league.  Unless the Bulls feel that his contract is better served as an asset for an extra pick next season AND (the most important aspect) the Bulls feel the team cannot be in title contention in 2014-2015.  Basically, from what I have heard, Bulls management feel that they can make a few shrewd moves and be right back in contention next season if Rose is back to his old self, which he SHOULD be since his surgery was completed 100%, but he will be a constant injury risk.   I think that is where the interest in Carmelo lies.  Most fans feel he doesn’t "fit" with the Bulls, but that’s stupid.  The Bulls lockerroom is strong, led by veterans and a coaching staff that has completely bought in.  Carmelo would fit perfectly with a team that is 30th in the NBA in scoring and they would be bringing in one of the league’s Top 3 scorers.  It would be a good fit.

[juves4783Participant]

i think the bulls should move boozer for the mere fact that gibson is making $8M (starter type money) and outplaying him.  if any of the big 3 (lebron, melo, wade) opt out, chicago has the legacy to maybe entice one to jump ship.  and with jimmy butlers’ size and versatility he can play the other wing position.  i’d call up the bobcats and see if they would do a boozer for gordon, tolliver and their latter 1st rounder.   

worst case scenario 2014-2015, you got noah, gibson, mirotic, snell, butler, dunleavy, rose, 3 draft picks (let’s say a big, wing and guard) plus a few 1-year fill-ins (to set up for a run at 2015 free agency).  that’s a team that can easily make the playoffs in the horrible eastern conference.

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If the Bulls get rid of Boozer’s contract and also Captain Kirk they might be able to make a run at LeBron.

 

[juves4783Participant]

 kirk’s coming off the books at the end of this season regardless.

[Scott42444Participant]

Just thought I would post this, from HoopsHype:

2014/2015 Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose –    $18,862,876

Carlos Boozer –  $16,800,000

Joakim Noah –    $13,150,000  

Taj Gibson –         $8,000,000

Mike Dunleavy –   $3,000,000

Tony Snell –          $1,472,400

Jimmy Butler –      $2,119,214

Total: $63,404,490 (amnesty Boozer and it’s $46,604,490) = $15,495,510 under the cap.  This is why Taj Gibson is a candidate to be moved if the Bulls attempt to sign Carmelo (since he is a free agent, the Bulls can’t go into the tax area to sign him from another team).  That would give the Bulls $23,495,510 to play with after removing both PF’s from the roster.

Projected 2014/2015 Salary Cap: $62.1M

Projected 2014/2015 Luxury Tax: $75.7M

Also, just to clarify, this is how the amnesty works (from NYTimes, 2011):

According to a draft of the rule (amnesty), a team can use th provision in any off-season, subject to two restrictions: the player must have been signed before July 1, 2011, and must be on the team’s current roster.

This says that you can’t trade for someone, then amnesty them.  Also, Rose and Taj are not eligible for the amnesty.  I know quite a few people have proposed doing that with either player and it’s just not possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Scott42444Participant]

Just thought I would post this, from HoopsHype:

2014/2015 Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose –    $18,862,876

Carlos Boozer –  $16,800,000

Joakim Noah –    $13,150,000  

Taj Gibson –         $8,000,000

Mike Dunleavy –   $3,000,000

Tony Snell –          $1,472,400

Jimmy Butler –      $2,119,214

Total: $63,404,490 (amnesty Boozer and it’s $46,604,490) = $15,495,510 under the cap.  This is why Taj Gibson is a candidate to be moved if the Bulls attempt to sign Carmelo (since he is a free agent, the Bulls can’t go into the tax area to sign him from another team).  That would give the Bulls $23,495,510 to play with after removing both PF’s from the roster.

Projected 2014/2015 Salary Cap: $62.1M

Projected 2014/2015 Luxury Tax: $75.7M

Also, just to clarify, this is how the amnesty works (from NYTimes, 2011):

According to a draft of the rule (amnesty), a team can use th provision in any off-season, subject to two restrictions: the player must have been signed before July 1, 2011, and must be on the team’s current roster.

This says that you can’t trade for someone, then amnesty them.  Also, Rose and Taj are not eligible for the amnesty.  I know quite a few people have proposed doing that with either player and it’s just not possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[juves4783Participant]

 kirk’s coming off the books at the end of this season regardless.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If the Bulls get rid of Boozer’s contract and also Captain Kirk they might be able to make a run at LeBron.

 

[Scott42444Participant]

…cap holds for rookies.  As great as it is to have picks (and NBA GM’s are treating every pick like solid gold, lately) they also have guaranteed contracts.  Granted, they are some of the lowest in the NBA, but if you are taking someone who you view as a 3-point shooter is it better to have them on a rookie deal over the $3,000,000 a year you are giving Dunleavy?   Probably not, he is probably one of the Top 3 guys in the world at shooting the NBA 3 right now.

Also, if Taj gets his $250,000 bonus for 2nd team All-NBA defense, that becomes a likely bonus next year and that is factored into how much the Bulls can spend.  So, the above numbers are NOT 100% accurate as to what the Bulls can spend.  I believe they will try to keep Augustin in the fold if he is willing to sign for a team friendly contract.  From what I have heard, he probably will.  He likes the system and knows that going to another franchise (like a Charlotte or Toronto, which basically led him to be out of the league) could lead to another premature retirement for him.  I don’t know what the rules are on the timing of everything.  Can the Bulls front office tell Augustin (and his agent(s)) that they will give him a contract but have him wait until they figure out Carmelo?  Then, they are allowed to exceed the salary cap in order to sign him since he is a returning player?  I don’t think that the Bulls have his "Bird rights" after only 2/3 of a season playing for the team.  I am always a little fuzzy on the dynamics of all of this because they usually play games with bonuses and offset money and stuff in order to make it work and I don’t have the patience to break down the CBA.  I could, I have it downloaded to my laptop (at least the copy that is public) but I don’t have the patience for legalease sometimes.

  

[Scott42444Participant]

…cap holds for rookies.  As great as it is to have picks (and NBA GM’s are treating every pick like solid gold, lately) they also have guaranteed contracts.  Granted, they are some of the lowest in the NBA, but if you are taking someone who you view as a 3-point shooter is it better to have them on a rookie deal over the $3,000,000 a year you are giving Dunleavy?   Probably not, he is probably one of the Top 3 guys in the world at shooting the NBA 3 right now.

Also, if Taj gets his $250,000 bonus for 2nd team All-NBA defense, that becomes a likely bonus next year and that is factored into how much the Bulls can spend.  So, the above numbers are NOT 100% accurate as to what the Bulls can spend.  I believe they will try to keep Augustin in the fold if he is willing to sign for a team friendly contract.  From what I have heard, he probably will.  He likes the system and knows that going to another franchise (like a Charlotte or Toronto, which basically led him to be out of the league) could lead to another premature retirement for him.  I don’t know what the rules are on the timing of everything.  Can the Bulls front office tell Augustin (and his agent(s)) that they will give him a contract but have him wait until they figure out Carmelo?  Then, they are allowed to exceed the salary cap in order to sign him since he is a returning player?  I don’t think that the Bulls have his "Bird rights" after only 2/3 of a season playing for the team.  I am always a little fuzzy on the dynamics of all of this because they usually play games with bonuses and offset money and stuff in order to make it work and I don’t have the patience to break down the CBA.  I could, I have it downloaded to my laptop (at least the copy that is public) but I don’t have the patience for legalease sometimes.

  

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