Tyrus Thomas for Al Harrington?: Bulls-Knicks Trade Rumors Swirl

With a little more than a month of the current season in the books, teams have had time to review their group and begin to tweak their engines for the long season ahead.

As the injuries pile up and underachievement becomes detectable, trade rumors start coming from every direction. It seems since Tyrus Thomas injured his arm in a freak weight training accident, which required surgery, the Bulls have been making and taking more offers than eBay.

Since the injury, Taj Gibson has had his minutes increased and is proving he was well worth the 26th overall pick. Also with Joakim Noah playing like a barbarian on the boards, trailing league-leader Dwight Howard by only one rebound per 48 minutes, the Bulls can spare to lose Thomas. Not to mention the savvy vet Brad Miller has been playing inspired basketball, and is taking and making big shots.

It was even rumored that Thomas’ agent, Brian Elfus, tried to negotiate a contract extension with Chicago, but talks never got serious. So it sounds like the next time Thomas hits the weight room, it wont be in a Bulls facility.

Rumors have swirled; opinions flood the blogs and talk radio airwaves. But one possible destination I find appealing is Thomas to the New York Knicks.

This trade is perfect for both parties not only on the floor, but in their wallets also. The rumored package includes Thomas, as well as Jerome James, to New York for Al Harrington and his large expiring contract.

The Bulls organization has long admired Harrington's versatility and offensive game, and Thomas is almost a perfect candidate to play the Amar'e Stoudemire role in Mike D'Antoni's run-and-gun offense.

Harrington would give Chicago a veteran scorer to complement Derek Rose's abilities. Being as versatile as he is, he could cause many mismatches, and this would open up the floor for Rose to score and Noah to rebound.

New York, on the other hand, gets a defensive presence and an above-the-rim player who runs the floor and finishes. New York City would embrace his style of play. With their record where it is and the former dunk champ collecting dust on the bench, the hometown crowd needs something the cheer about. Thomas is also another fresh pair of lungs that, if they choose, could be a wonderful piece to add with their free agency winnings following the season.

Though this trades may be for mostly financial reasons for each team, it may very well provide important pieces for the direction these teams are taking.