Bulls Trade Rumors: Shipping Kyle Korver to Minnesota Is No-Brainer for Chicago
Kyle Korver has one job and one job only in the NBA: knock down three-point shots. He shoots higher than 40 percent for his career, and he maintains his reputation as one of the league's most dangerous marksmen.
According to Atlanta Hawks beat reporter Michael Cunningham, the Bulls are on the verge of shipping Korver out.
"Source says #Hawks had interest in #Bulls F Kyle Korver but he's likely headed to Minnesota in trade
— Michael Cunningham (@ajchawks) July 11, 2012"
Korver only averaged six points per game last year. That production isn't worth the value of his player option last year. According to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson, that's part of Chicago's reasoning.
"If Bulls trade Korver, which is likely, they aren't on hook for $500,000 partial guarantee of his $5 million option.
— K.C Johnson (@KCJHoop) July 11, 2012"
For a Bulls team strapped for cash, this is ideal. They will miss his shooting stroke, but veteran shooters can be found. Several 2-guards remain on the market, but the Bulls won't have the money to make a move unless they lose Korver.
While it makes sense for Chicago, it makes no sense for Minnesota. They have plenty of presences on the wing. His outside shooting wouldn't hurt, but he will have trouble working into their young, athletic rotation.
The Timberwolves would be better off keeping their focus where it is now. Korver is a fine option, but he isn't worth next year's $5 million tag. Minnesota's young nucleus would be better served playing those minutes themselves as opposed to giving them to Korver.
Chicago would like to get in position for one of this year's best offensive guards, but they don't have the money necessary to sign one. Other dominoes must fall after Korver for them to get there, but shedding his contract is a step in the right direction.
The Bulls must sign him and ship him out to Minnesota. If they are willing to be the Bulls partner here, that's too good of an opportunity to pass up.
