Bulls Rumors: Chicago Pulls Keith Bogans from Practice, Crawford Trade in Works?

KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that the Bulls may be moving on their shooting guard front. According to Johnson, "Minutes before the Chicago Bulls were to stage their first practice of training camp, Keith Bogans was pulled off the practice floor, according to a league source."

There have been talks that Jamal Crawford might come to the Bulls via a sign-and-trade involving Ronnie Brewer but those talks didn't seem to go anywhere. It could be possible that the Bulls are sending Bogans and Korver in exchange for Crawford in a sign-and-trade. 

Bill Ingram of Hoopsworld tweets, 

"Looks like the Jamal Crawford sign-and-trade could be imminent...Bogans going to Atlanta?"

It could be just down to the specifics and who is going to Atlanta but it's beginning to look like there will be a deal done, and Crawford will come back where he started his career. The question is who, other than Bogans might be involved in the deal?

Crawford has build up a reputation as a bad defender over his career, but with Tom Thibodeau, that could change. Ray Allen had a similar reputation before coming to Celtics and being coached by Thibs. 

Crawford has the ability to play defense, he's just lacked the discipline and effort in the past. Certainly that's something Thibodeau could fix. 

One other thing worth noting is that by doing a sign and trade the Bulls retain their MLE that they could potentially use on another player.

Update: One emerging possibility is that they are planning on not extending Bogans, but rather signing Rip Hamilton en lieu of extending Bogans. KC Johnson tweets, 

"

#Bulls quiet for now, but lots of chatter on Rip Hamilton signing after Pistons buy him out. Was told they want ball-handler/scorer.

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Hamilton average 18.7 points per 36 minutes last year as a starter with the Pistons and would fill that bill well. Hamilton is also an outstanding three point shooter, hitting .382 form behind the arc last year.

Update 2: Alex Kennedy confirms the Bulls have been in touch with Crawford today.  

"

The Chicago Bulls remain very interested in Jamal Crawford. They've been in touch with him today and are still looking into sign-and-trade.

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