Chicago and Tyson Chandler - Some realism from a Chicago area paper...

[kg_veteran]

Some pertinent quotes from the Arlington Heights Daily-Herald this morning:

"The Bulls will only trade Tyson Chandler if they draft Connecticut's Emeka Okafor. Trading Chandler might sound like a good idea. The problem is how to replace him. Assuming Marcus Fizer signs elsewhere, the numbers are getting thin at center and power forward. The Bulls have Chandler, Eddy Curry, Antonio Davis (who turns 36 in October) and Jerome Williams. It would be a stretch to expect significant contributions from Mario Austin or Paul Shirley next season."

"Paxson should think twice before packaging Chandler in any deal for Shareef Abdur-Raheem, Antawn Jamison or Antoine Walker.

Since none of those options is very appealing, expect the Bulls to keep Chandler and attempt to trade the draft pick if Okafor doesn't fall their way."

"The Bulls will not trade for a maximum-salaried player.

Too many teams right now regret signing or acquiring high-salaried players.

Paxson admires the examples set by Indiana and Detroit of collecting hard-working players while keeping the payroll at a reasonable level.

The frugal policy allowed the Pistons to steal Rasheed Wallace at the trading deadline, while the Pacers felt confident re-signing Jermaine O'Neal for the maximum last summer because he proved he could produce."

"As mentioned a few weeks ago, the ideal trade for the Bulls would be the first-round pick or Chandler (using the above ground rule) to Indiana for forward Al Harrington."

Link

This is just one columnist's opinion, but what he says makes a lot of sense. The only reason I think he might be wrong about Walker is that his contract expires, which gives him added value.

[Dirkenstien]

Assuming Chicago drafts Okafor and then sends a package of Chandler and someone else for Jamison I think it would be safe to say that they may just have the makings of a pretty durn good team.

[dalmations202]

It will surprise me if they keep all three of Crawford, Chandler, and Curry. Paxson has said that with Hinrich also, they have too much youth. So in this columnist opinion, if they don't get Okafor, then keep them. Although good, that is not ideal for them. I think Chandler goes, but that is just my opinion. Whether they move Davis, or any of the other players is debatable, but I really think that either Chandler or Curry is gone this offseason.

[kg_veteran]

Whether they move Davis, or any of the other players is debatable, but I really think that either Chandler or Curry is gone this offseason.

I tend to agree with you, but Paxson is going to take his time and weigh his options. And I think they'll end up with a better one than Walker.

[XERXES]

Please keep in mind that we are entering the "Season of BS"...believe nothing that you hear and half of what you see.

Right now teams are starting to position themselves through their local broadcast mediums (TV, radio, print, etc.)

It's all about leverage. If the Bulls come out claiming they want to dump Chandler (or Curry for that matter) it seriously hinders their leverage at the bargaining table.

[kg_veteran]

That's true, but even accepting all of that, a deal for Walker still doesn't make a ton of sense for the Bulls in my opinion.