ESPN: Chicago Wants PG Jerryd Bayless Part Of Boozer/Hinrich Trade

As many avid NBA fans have learned throughout the last 24 hours, a possible three-team trade involving the Bulls, Jazz, and Blazers has been thrown in and out of the possibility realm.

The projected trade would send Utah power forward Carlos Boozer to Chicago, Bulls' power forward Tyrus Thomas to the Jazz, and Bulls' point guard Kirk Hinrich to the Blazers.

Many throughout the league have been wondering, "What is Portland giving up in this deal?"

We may have just found out what it will take for such a deal to happen.

According to ESPN.com, a source close to the situation says the Bulls will ask for Portland guard Jerryd Bayless in return for Hinrich, and it does not appear the Blazers are ready to part with the second year guard.

Another possible wrinkle was thrown into the possible trade today when the Blazers offered a four-year contract to Utah restricted free agent Paul Millsap. 

The Utah Jazz have made it clear that their number one priority this offseason was to retain Millsap, and it seems likely that they will match the Blazers offer.

If the Jazz do decide to re-sign Millsap, it seems even more likely they will deal Boozer to another team, whether it is the Bulls or not.

While it is known that the Blazers have strong interest in bringing in Bulls guard Kirk Hinrich as a running mate for star shooting guard Brandon Roy, they may not want to eat his cap number over the next three years, and could be willing to wait it out with Bayless, who they are very high on as well.

As I stated earlier, a three-way deal involving these three teams would ultimately result in the Blazers sending a guard Chicago's way, and while I was initially incorrect about the Bulls coveting Rudy Fernandez, it seems clear that this three-way deal may not get done if Portland is unwilling to part with Bayless.

This move would undoubtedly be a cap-saver for the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, but a lot of salary (Hinrich) would be dumped on Portland who are hopeful to sign LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy next offseason. 

Either way, the Bulls need to find a way to bring in Carlos Boozer.  Whether they are able to retain Hinrich or not, Boozer would greatly help this team for 2009 if he can stay healthy.

Many reports have shot down this rumor as one that has no truth to it in the least, but it just seems to make so much sense for all parties involved, if the Blazers are serious about Hinrich, to not have any chance of happening.

With Shaquille O'Neal going to the Cavs, Vince Carter to the Magic, Hedo Turkoglu to the Raptors, Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics, and Jamal Crawford to the Hawks, it is evident that the Bulls need to make a move to join the Eastern Conferences elite.

The clock is ticking for Gar Foreman.  Will the Bulls miss out on yet another opportunity to snag an elite post player?