Win Now or Wade Later?

The Bulls would like to win now, sure, but is there a possibility that clearing cap space could be a better long-term strategy for the team?  The free agent class of 2010 has been much discussed as it will likely feature LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.  All Chicago basketball fans should recognize one of those names.  Dwyane Wade grew up in Chicago and could be tempted to plan a homecoming if the Bulls were able to offer him ample compensation.

With Luol Deng the only player making big money come 2010 and Derrick Rose on his rookie salary, the Bulls would only have to move Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich before the 2010 offseason to clear enough cap space.  Moving Gordon might be a non-issue as he and the Bulls appear to be at an impasse in contract negotiations.  Hinrich, with a bounce-back year, could be a really attractive player for some teams.  It’s difficult seeing the Heat as a more attractive destination than the Bulls as Chicago will have two young guns that would work well with Wade.  Rose is a pass-first point guard and Deng looks more like a sidekick than a superhero sometimes, though he is supremely talented.  This option is something the team should consider.

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