We’re looking for elite talent. We could’ve gone the cap-room route or we could’ve gone the route of picking up players who can help us in the next season and also potentially set us up for acquiring a top guy going that route.
I think 8 teams are now under the cap where they can have max room, but I think there are only 4-5 guys to chase, and some teams are chasing two. We felt with going the other route, picking up a guy like Kevin Martin, and other assets in terms of draft picks for the future. That was the route we wanted to go.
Everyone was sort of zigging toward creating max contract room, and that’s why we decided to sort of zag a little bit and go this route.
With the Bulls being one of the “zigging” teams, does that raise any concerns for you guys? If Cleveland/Miami/Toronto/Phoenix/Utah know they are losing Lebron/Wade/Bosh/Amare/Boozer, obviously they would love to receive something in return. Also, the free agents would prefer a sign and trade because it would ensure them a higher maximum contract level.
Are the Bulls in a worse position than a team like Houston or Dallas? Note, Dampier’s contract in Dallas can be voided in August 2010. It’s a little wrinkle that might turn out to be an incredibly sign & trade asset.
Would the Bulls be in a better position to score a major free agent if they kept Gordon, Tyrus and Salmons on the team? Also, considering you have 10 teams (counting double max teams as separate) chasing 3-5 top guys, isn’t it a poor basketball decision to pursue the cap-room route with that much competition for the same players (most of whom are not even rumored to come to Chicago).