Richard Hamilton might get bought out, if you believe the rumors which have been circulating. All along I've been steadfast against the notion that Richard Hamilton will be acquired by the Bulls. Namely, the notion of getting him was downright impossible. This could change things.
The speculation is that he would be going to the Celtics if he were bought out, but I think that the Bulls could make a better and more inviting case than the Celtics for his services. Certainly he would get a bigger role for the Bulls and could play key, if not starter minutes in the playoffs. That might be becoming to a man with a ring and bruised ego.
Offensively, he offers a lot that the Bulls have been missing from the two. He moves well without the ball; he's quick with a catch and shoot; he can create his own shot, and he's still knocking down 40 percent of his threes.
Defensively he's not great, but respectable. At 6'7" he's long enough, and athletically he's quick enough to fit in well with the "five men on a string" defense that Coach Tom Thibodeau so successfully employs. The system works so well you don't have to be a particularly outstanding defensive player to play in it.
The best part of all is that they wouldn't have to give up anyone to get him. While there's been talk about acquiring Anthony Parker from the Cavaliers they are asking for Omer Asik in return, and particularly of late his value is elevated well beyond a player who may end up retiring at the end of the season. I'm not even sure that Parker is worth the second-round pick that the Bulls might be offering instead.
The Houston Rockets have also shown interest in the big Turk. They have need of a center after they've lost Yao Ming for good, and Omer could develop into a quality starting center, particular if he continues to develop the way he has this season.
In general the rule is you don't trade "small for big" in the NBA, the notion being a shooting guard is easier to come by than a quality seven-footer. I'm inclined to agree. The Bulls are incredibly fortunate to have not one, but two seven-footers who can run the floor. Courtney Lees are easier to come by than Omer Asiks. Still if the Hamilton buyout doesn't happen, this might be the Bulls best route.
There are a few other rumors that seem to have died out concerning the likes of Stephen Jackson, OJ Mayo or JR Smith. All of them seem to be too expensive and would require too much player movement. In short, the Bulls management has made it clear if they make a move it will be small. The team is 21 games over .500. They aren't looking to overhaul a team two and a half games out of the top seed in the East.
If they can get a player with the skill set of Hamilton, and the playoff and finals experience that comes with him though, and without having to pay anything other than a contract for him, it would be ideal. This is certainly a rumor that the Bulls will want to keep their eye on.
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