NBA Rumors: James Johnson Trade Part of the Chicago Bulls' Championship Plans?
Yesterday, the talent-laden Chicago Bulls made an interesting trade. In a move that left many scratching their heads, small forward James Johnson was traded to the Toronto Raptors for the latter team's pick in this year's NBA Draft.
The Bulls drafted Johnson in 2009 out of Wake Forest with the 16th pick in the first round with the hopes that he would be a tough rebounder and decent offensive player who could be paired with Derrick Rose. That plan never panned out, as in only one and a half seasons with Chicago, Johnson has only averaged 3.8 points and 1.9 rebounds for his career. With veteran Carlos Boozer in the middle and working well with Rose, Johnson became expendable.
However, do the Bulls plan on using that draft pick? Fans are already saying "the Bulls are back," but there seems to be something missing. In fact, this newly acquired draft pick could be what the team uses to find the last missing piece to the puzzle. If used wisely, the Chicago Bulls could be back on the road to greatness sooner rather than later.
Currently, the Chicago Bulls' starting lineup looks something like this:
C: Joakim Noah
PF: Carlos Boozer
SF: Luol Deng
SG: Keith Bogans
PG: Derrick Rose
That's a pretty solid lineup. There are four guys who produce consistently. The only odd man out is Bogans, who only averages about 18 minutes and four points a game. Not exactly what one would expect from a shooting guard. Hence, this is why the Bulls could be using this draft pick for a bigger trade.
It's no secret that all season the Bulls have been in the market for a shooting guard. They have shown much interest in Anthony Parker of the Cleveland Cavaliers, as well as Courtney Lee of the Houston Rockets.
Parker would be a solid fit in the lineup. He only averages about eight points a game, but is a solid contributor and a great locker room presence.
Lee would be an even greater addition. His salary is low at $1.4 million, so the salary cap would not be a factor. He averaged 12.5 points a game last year with the New Jersey Nets, but has been stuck behind Kevin Martin all season in Houston and is only averaging seven points a game in 18 minutes, compared to when he was playing 33.5 a game in 2009-2010.
In a salary cap-less world, the Bulls would ideally trade for O.J. Mayo of the Memphis Grizzlies, but this is reality and his $4.5 million salary is just too much for the team to take on without giving up a key player.
Thus fans, do not be shocked to see the Bulls make another move before tomorrow's deadline. It could be Parker, it could be Lee. If a move is made, either player (or another not mentioned here) could prove to be the missing piece to an already epic puzzle.
Just imagine how deadly the Chicago Bulls would be with another top guard in the starting lineup. It may not be Michael and Scottie 2.0, but the Bulls will still be an extremely talented team. At that point, the sky will be the limit for them and the NBA Championship trophy will hopefully soon make its long overdue return to the Windy City.
