To trade or not to trade Joe Smith

[dougthonus]

Smith seems like he'd be a perfect addition to a solid playoff team in need of a big man. He seems like a perfect fit as a 3rd option as a big man as he can be versatile to cover PF, C, and offer inside/outside play and is solid all around.

As someone else mentioned in a different thread, he'd have been perfect to have on our team last year. This year and in the future, I'm not so sure. Do we turn it around next year enough that we need Joe Smith or do we cut bait with Smith while we can get something in return (and put Smith in a situation where he can win which I'm sure he'd like).

The Lakers seem like a perfect team to trade him to IMO. I came up with Joe Smith for Chris Mihm + Javaras Crittenton as a possibility.

Any Joe Smith deals you would do? How much of a return would you need?

[tclg]

that would be awesome doug

[HeavyC]

I'd definitely trade him. He's just being wasted here in Chicago, and Tyrus and Noah need his minutes. Since I can't see Wallace being moved at this point, he's the logical guy to trade, plus he has a lot of value right now. Might as well sell high on him.

[Dieselbound&Down]

Doug, I would do that trade. Ideally, I would rather have a pf/c rotation of Noah, TT with Smith and Gray getting the other minutes. However, with Wallace still here, moving Smith would have a similar effect minutes wise.

In addition to helping the long term future of the team, it is a nice bonus to move him to a team that can really utilize a 20 mpg player of his caliber off the bench. Every team can use a guy like that and Joe is a good guy. It's unfortunate things fell apart around him this year.

[kyrv]

I would like to see the Bulls trade Joe Smith and I believe his value is as high as it will ever be.

[musiqsoulchild]

I 'll take that deal Doug.

[#1TKfan]

thats a tough call. i like joe smith, but youre right he doesnt belong here. UNLESS we get some type of player that compliments hims. IMO, first priority is to dump ben wallace. in that case we may need joe smith for the time being, until we find someone who can fill his shoes. someone younger. who? thats the question.

[theanimal23]

I'd definitely trade him. He's just being wasted here in Chicago, and Tyrus and Noah need his minutes. Since I can't see Wallace being moved at this point, he's the logical guy to trade, plus he has a lot of value right now. Might as well sell high on him.

Exactly how I feel. I would do any move that can either land us a young player on a rookie deal from a contending team (otherwise why would they trade for him) or an expiring (i.e. Garrity) and a 1st

Let Ty and JoNo develop.

[bullzman23]

As someone else mentioned in a different thread, he'd have been perfect to have on our team last year. This year and in the future, I'm not so sure. Do we turn it around next year enough that we need Joe Smith or do we cut bait with Smith while we can get something in return (and put Smith in a situation where he can win which I'm sure he'd like).

That was me who was saying this, and personally I still expect us to return to a potential contender next season. If health permits it, I could see Smith being productive and valuable for another three seasons. He brings a skill that none of our other bigs bring.

That being said, if we decide that Gordon or Deng are to be traded (for bigs or younger players) then Smith should go.

I'm still at the point that I want to hold on to him, but obviously that depends completely on the trade. I would trade Smith for JC, but I probably wouldn't trade him for a late 1st round pick.

[Tommy Udo 6]

Best deal is Joe Smith & Ben Wallace for Jermaine O'Neal

We can test O'Neal this year & next - and then decline his option in 2009-10.

Ben W is guaranteed that year - so Bills save $14 million plus get a better player than Ben W

[TheStig]

Doug, I am opposed to trading Joe Smith. I don't see the lakers giving us a good prospect like Jarvis. And I know we will make the playoffs. Joe Smith is a big part of the front court and gives us something we didn't have last year. I think between Noah and Smith we have a legitamate front court with size and rebounding. As long as we get healthy and get at least a 7th seed, I think there is a wide open shot for anyone to go to the ecf. We are only about 2 games out and if we get Gordon and Deng back in a reasonable time there is no reason we won't make it. Indy is falling, NJ is falling apart, ATL is nothing to be scared of. I just don't see a reason we won't make the playoffs and make some noise.

[HeavyC]

Best deal is Joe Smith & Ben Wallace for Jermaine O'Neal

We can test O'Neal this year & next - and then decline his option in 2009-10.

Ben W is guaranteed that year - so Bills save $14 million plus get a better player than Ben W

I would jump all over that. O'Neal, Tyrus, Noah, and Gray would be a nice rotation up front. Maybe the Bulls get lucky and O'Neal has a resurgence, if not, they are at least free of Wallace without totally killing themselves financially.

[Tommy Udo 6]

-= original quote snipped =-



I would jump all over that. O'Neal, Tyrus, Noah, and Gray would be a nice rotation up front. Maybe the Bulls get lucky and O'Neal has a resurgence, if not, they are at least free of Wallace without totally killing themselves financially.

Right - even knowing that we may not get a full year from JON, he's better than Ben W when he does play - and worth trading Smith rather than a younger talent

[TheStig]

Best deal is Joe Smith & Ben Wallace for Jermaine O'Neal

We can test O'Neal this year & next - and then decline his option in 2009-10.

Ben W is guaranteed that year - so Bills save $14 million plus get a better player than Ben W

I'd definetly do that, but thats not really a step back imo. If JO can come back healthy next year, we would be contenders.

[Ebo21]

I wouldn't trade him. He's playing some of his best basketball in years. If not for him we would be further in the hole than we are.