The Los Angeles Times reports that the Bulls have interest in Raja Bell, a free agent shooting guardwho was waived by Golden State at the end of last season.
Bryant once said he had "bigger fish to fry" than Bell after a squabble with the former Phoenix Suns guard, but now Bryant is hoping the Lakers can reel him in with what's left of their midlevel exception: $1.77 million next season.
Bell, who will be 34 in September, played only six games with Charlotte and Golden State last season because of a torn ligament in his left wrist, but he is a career 41.1% three-point shooter and still capable of solid on-ball defense.
Bell to the Lakers is not a sure thing. He is having discussions with five other teams -- Miami, Chicago, San Antonio, Portland and Utah -- and will not make up his mind until next week, said his agent, Herb Rudoy
In terms of his profile as a player, Bell ticks every box. The Bulls need a defender at the two guard spot, someone athletic enough to keep up with a high tempo game while also being a good shooter from outside; Raja Bell is all of these things. He is aging and declining, and as mentioned above is coming off a serious injury - nevertheless, before he was injured, he was still good.
It might all be academic, though.
At his age, Bell is only going to want to join good teams. With his track record, good teams are going to want him back. This is evident in that list of teams after him - while Bell fits a need on this team, he fits a need on every team. This is particularly true of the Lakers, who have only Sasha Vujacic as a backup guard right now. Kobe Bryant hated playing against Bell during their playoff battles a few years ago, and it's for that very reason that he'll love to play alongside him. And if you're a 34 year old looking to win a championship, you can't do much better than to join on to the two time defending champions.
The Bulls have more money to sign him than the Lakers do. The Lakers have no cap space, used their Bi Annual Exception last year to re-sign Shannon Brown, and used the majority of their MLE to sign Steve Blake. If it comes down to money, the Bulls are firmly ahead of the Lakers. (NB: It is automatic and justified to assume that the Lakers are the biggest rival in this bidding war, in spite of the multitude of other teams also competing.)
However, it probably won't. If a player wants to win, the Bulls are a good option, but the Lakers are a far better one. We can offer him twice the money L.A. can, but we can't have Kobe Bryant talk to him. And that might count for a lit.
Better a better option than Ronnie Brewer, and a much much much much much better option than Adam Morrison. But that's why he's less likely.
Filed under: Free Agency
Tags: chicago bulls, free agency, raja bell, Rumours
First off, if Kobe comes calling he's probably going to the Lakers.
Secondly, I don't know if he's a better option than Ronnie Brewer.
Brewer is 10 years younger than him and more athletic, assuming he's healthy.
Futhermore, the Bulls' brass should be trying to trade Dickey Johnson to Memphis.
That's a good way to acquire Ronnie Brewer and possibly Sam Young, who isn't getting paid.
With all due respect, if Johnson is as bad as you think, why would any team trade anything of value for him?
Shamsports was just mentioned on the frontpage of ESPN NBA....yay!
It was?
Honestly, I think Korver can start at SG for us. Even though his defense is lacking it can't be much worse than Ray Allen's and he got away with it for two years! Korver is a deadly shooter and that is nice to have starting out the game. Or if we land Reddick he can start and Korver can come off the bench. Let's not underestimate Thibs ability to coach these guys into playing D before he even gets a chance. If we get Brewer he can come off the bench and be a defensive stopper and add a spark with his speed athleticism.
I love all these bones were being thrown. The eternally dreaming Chicago fans. Let's see. Bulls interested in Nate Robinson. Bulls interested in Ray Allen. Bulls interested in Mike Miller. Bulls interested in Scientology.
Really, aside from players wanting to play for the new powerhouse in Miami or the defending two time champion Lakers, they also want to play for a team that's going to spend for the best. Now there's talk of the Bulls not spending all of their cap, and signing shorter term deals they can dump sooner rather then later so that they will not go into the luxury tax.
That's not exactly a glamour spot for the more alluring FA's. Plus you've got botched P.R. Gar/Pax who honestly look frightening on a bad day and offputting on a good one.
Throw in the fact that as much as I think Derrick Rose is likely going to become a superstar, and is a terrific young man, he is very intorverted i.e doesn't say much or show much charisma/personality. Now I have seen personality from him, and balls as well against the tough teams, fourth quarters, and in the playoffs. Plus he's only 21. But I'm just trying to be honest about it he's not the most magnetic personality at this point.
I suspect will be lucky to get J.J. Reddick or Ronnie Brewer. And then will see if as Doug has said Jerry pulls the plug on the luxury tax by trading some of these deep roster/complimentary pieces so he can resign Derrrick and Joakim, and stay under the cap/not have to pay luxury tax. Whic is what will likely happen.
Mark/Doug-
Can you guys guesstimate the potential difference in cash that the Bulls can offer v. the Lakers...best guesses?
I think Raja Bell might be able to slow down Kobe(dreaming)/Wade/Joe Johnson/Ray Allen/Vince Carter if we meet them in the playoffs. The problem with JJ Redick and these other guys is they would need defensive help during crucial times in the playoffs.
If we get Raja Bell for a 2 year deal with 4 mil in the first year and team option for the second year, that would be great. All we need is somebody to play good defense and shoot consistent 3s and layups. Hinrich could do the defense part but struggled with his offense. We can then get a young SG for emergency. Ideally, Raja Bell and JJ Redick as the two options at SG would be the best.
Also, I think James Johnson would be fine but the problem might be if they are try to play him in different positions as a super utility guy...it might be trouble..This guy seems confused on both defensive/offensive rotations and would be better off if there is a simple game plan in the beginning...looks like Tyrus Thomas 2.0...
RW-
How can you say this isnt a glamour spot for the more alluring FA's...
Its Chicago. We've got a ton of cash. We are going to have one of the more competitive teams in the East.
For a guy, like Bell, who has never really gotten a HUGE money deal, this makes all the sense in the world.
What exactly did Gar Pax botch, PR wise? As far as I can tell, you're pretty much the only person in the city ragging on them right now...lol..
Try Vinny on for size.
If you think Chicago is or has ever been the attracting place for FA's when they know other teams will spend to win, and Doug has just predicted if not advocated that some of these shorter temr deals will be cast off to sign Derrick and Joakim i.e we will not be spending luxury tax/going balls to the wall as it looked like we we're going to do. If that's the case we are second class citizens when it comes to FA's. Just look at who were getting for guards: not Mike Miller, not Ray Allen, not Nate Robinson ,and most likely not Raja Bell. None fo the glamour guys. We're getting J.J. Reddick or Ronnie Brewer. You're telling me these are the upper tier guys we are signing/attracting?
If I knew the Bulls were going after the best, and were committed to spending over the cap/luxury tax for the next two or three years to give us a chance to compete instead of holllowly proclaiming we're better then Miami, and then pull back the purse strings.
We'll see. You guys, and your good wil tour just because we had our nuts kicked in by LeBum and D-Bag. If Reinsdorf spends over the cap I'll be happy to be wrong. But if he is going to pay the luxury tax then why not say so in the aftermath of being jilted by the big two.
See teams that want to win will change perceptions of being cheap/that we are now serious about competing which it takes spending over the cap to do so, but proclaiming it loud and clear. And they will have at least a non-pariah looking mouthpiece not bug eyes Gar Forman.
Dmband if you really think the Bulls are going to spend to contend, then yes I'm ragging. Otherwise I'm rightfully pissed. Doug himself has said he sees Jerry likely pulling back the pursestrings once again. Maybe I'm the only one around here who sees the handwriting on the wall, and is rightfully saying this is B.S. if that's what's going to happen. Hopefully Doug and I are wrong.
I like Raja Bell but he is old an declining. OUr team is young and i think we should stick to that trend. Go after Ronnie Brewer. 6'8 SG that can play defense and he a great athlete to boot. Matt Barnes and Nick Young are also out there. The Bulls have Morris Almond on the summer league team...that dude averaged 28ppg in the D League and hes a 6'7 SG with 3 pt range. He also holds the record for most points in the dleague with 53! SIGN HIM UP! Give him a shot...all he has to do is nail 3's for us!
Bulls needs- Starting SG, Length and size in backcourt, size an weight in front court
James Johnson dropped 25 pounds by the way...not sure if you guys knew that or not. He is in shape now. He could be looking at a solid season from him if he gets some playing time. Summer league is nice but like another poster said, it doesnt mean that much. Rose didnt do that great in the summer but Beasley dominated.
Except for the Vinny's punching fiasco, most of their issues are perception than reality.
1. Getting played by Wade
2. Reinsdorf will not spend on luxury tax
3. They didn't treat Scottie/MJ well.
These have been discussed ad nauseam...
But if you see ESPN, they keep bringing these things up for whatever reason. I don't think they are biased but are overwhelmed with information and will not try to find out the truth unless it's a hot story for them.
I think honestly of all the FO's involved in the LeBron sweepstakes, they came out making the least amount of news for somebody who was considered a front runner. I am not sure if this is good or bad in terms of a PR move.
James Johnson has no where near the athletic ability of Tyrus Thomas, although I agree their bball IQs are pretty similiar. The fact that the Bulls are experimenting with him at different spots tells me they don't know what to do with him. I'll give him this year to prove himself (no other option, no value), but I did not see the promise from him last year that many of you had. He looked very lost and actually not that athletic to me besides maybe two dunks. Hopefully, he figures it out.
The Heat have talked to Matt Barnes, as well as the Knicks, Lakers, Mavs and Pistons. If Miami gets this guard-forward hybrid who plays shut down D against the best scorers and can spread the floor with his jumper, then I give up. The Bulls should be working on this guys, there's enough decent shooters left to worry about that later. Barnes plays both ends exceptionally well.
You guys are living in the past.
What happened with Vinny, was a PR disaster, but by all accounts, the Thibbs signing was a smart, calculated good basketball move. We move on.
The Lebron nonsense was regrettable, however I LOVE how hindsight is 20/20 and now everyone knew all along that was going to happen. Sorry, not buying it. The bulls did what they had to doa nd were largely applauded by there approach. We move on.
They signed Booz to a very reasonable deal, rather than overpaying for Amare or Joe Johnson. Good move...we move on.
Jerry wont pay the luxury tax IF ITS NOT NECESSARY. If bell decides to go to LA, its not because the Bulls f'd it up, its because he wants a ring. If Bell does go to LA, I HOPE the bulls DONT pay the luxury tax, because there are no remaining FA's worth spending that money on.
Im all for ownership bashing when its due, but far too often in this city we LOVE to call the owners of our teams, cheap and ineffective (see the Bears, although they spent 100 million dollars in one day and landed Cutler, fans still calling them cheap..its hilarious).
Stop living in the past. Get over it. The team has made good moves in the last 6 months and our team is substantially better that it was a year ago.
Deal with it. We're all pissed about not landing one of the big 3...but those losers planned this years ago. And dont tell me the Bulls should have known that. Thats ridiculous.
x2 Couldn't agree more! These are the same people that hit the PANIC button when it seem like the Bulls were moving slow to get anyone but Lebron, Wade, and Bosh. All along they knew they could get Boozer and they were patient and calculated. I like the fact that they seem to have a plan. It didn't seem that way in years passed.
+2 i agree with that...Bulls need a starting SG...an Barnes or Brewer could fit the bill. Both tall, both play d, both athletic, Barnes shoots better then Brewer. Sign 1 of them.
My opinion on priority list for 2 guard
1) Bell
2) Brewer
3) Barnes
tripple B. hahaha any of them at this point. but I hear. Ill call my boy jerry and get this done.
I think Brewer an Barnes are starter worthy...i like Bell, but hes 34 an declining. Im not sure what we are going to do...i know the Bobcats got a little worst though by trading Tyson Chandler away....maybe that pick can land us a SG in the draft next year!
Barnes does not soley play SF; he also plays the two. Shooting just short of 50% and averaging close to 10 points in the playoffs on a team where Vince Carter and Howard take the majority of the shots is not bad. He rebounds and shoots the 3 better than Brewer. I like Barnes more for his D and intangibles. He's long, gritty, relentless on D (see the fits he's given Kobe), and comes from a winning team. No thanks to Raja; I agree we need to stay young.
Of the 3 B's (Bell, Brewer, Barnes) give me Barnes any day of the week.
Johnson isn't exactly tradeable! Hello! If you were the Bulls brass you couldn't trade him for a sack of beans either!!
True, options at shooting guard are few and far between - especially if Redick gets matched. Raja Bell's age is a consideration since it would be nice if the team could stay young and grow into a contender together. But if Redick goes back to the Magic he is the 2nd best guy out there IMO after Roger Mason Jr.
Sam Smith mentioned on his blog the Bulls may consider experimenting with James Johnson as a back up 2. I love the idea, but doubt we'll actually see it happen. JJ at shooting guard allows the bulls to assert physical dominance at every position - except center when Noah is against true centers like Howard and Bogut. Johnson's skill set - ball handling, penetration, decent outside shot make him offensively suited to at least be adequate at SG, it's all about whether he can move his feet fast enough to play D.
DREAM-LAND:
People are dreaming if they think Dickey Johnson can play the SG position.
He can't even play the SF position.
TRADE:
The Bulls need to cut Dickey Johnson loose. Send him to Memphis.
Redick might not be coming and Korver is more of a SF than a SG.
Go get two of Memphis' SG's (Brewer and Young).
If it was that easy to get a two for one every team would do it.
Money could really be a factor here. His total career earnings are "only" $26 million. Ray Allen made twice that amount in the past three years...
MOVES TO MAKE:
This is what I would like to see.
PG - Rose/Law/McNeal?, Lucas? or Bouldin?
SG - Brewer/Young/Byars?
SF - Deng/Korver/Almond?
PF - Boozer/Gibson/C.Smith
C - Noah/Miller/Asik
I think the thought of re-signing Brad Miller and adding Craig Smith as well. That would give the Bulls a really deep and versatile front-line.
If they could trade Dickey Johnson for Ronnie Brewer and/or Sam Young that would bolster their SG position, assuming Redick is staying in Miami.
I also don't think it would be a bad idea to keep some of the Summer League guys around. Now, will the Bulls' brass go to a 15-man roster? That might be a stretch, but you never know. They should if some of these summer league guys can EARN their spots.
Why do you think Sam Young is a two guard? He isn't.
I've been trying to get that through his thick head for as long as he's been pushing to trade garbage(Johnson) for a soon to be superstar(Young).
Unfortunately for us, his thickheadedness and self delusion knows no bounds.
LOL, so true.
Happy,
Why are you hating on James Johnson and simultaneously preaching to keep "some of the Summer league guys around"..???
The objective is to compete for a championship at the NBA level, not the D League level!!!! Hahaha
What!! The Bulls want to resign Dickey Simpkins????
Corrections:
Line 1: I like the thought...
Line 4: Redick staying in Orlando.
OOPS.
JJ reminds me of Tyrus- pure athelitc ability when healthy. But no sense of direct in offense. At least Tyrus could grab a couple of points and a boat load of rebounds when he wants to play.
Seriously Raja Bell would be THE PERFECT FIT FOR THIS TEAM!!!!!!!!
I dont think its a foregone conclusion that he doesnt want substantially more money, Bell is not a guy who has had a ton of money in his career, he may realize this is his last contract.
Granted, hes still a millionaire, but when you staring at retirement at age 34-36 that extra 5 million or whatever is a big deal
after giving it 5 more minutes of thought (RoadWarrior this one's for you)
This Bell signing is Gar Pax's redemption for this summer. If we come out of this with a starting lineup:
Rose
Bell
Deng
Booz
Noah
Thats damn good. Ill fu**king play Miami right now with that lineup.
Offer him as much as we possibly can. Today. Gar Pax, this is your redemption song.
No, Ronnie Brewer is younger and more athletic. He can be a defensive stopper. Bell is too old.
Actually the roster will be looking more like this:
PG: Rose/Livingston/Bouldin
SG: Korver/Brewer/Byars
SF: Deng/Johnson
PF: Boozer/Gibson
C: Noah/Miller/Asik
I wish that Jack McClinton will make it but i don't he will cause of his size. I heard that Bouldin will already be on the team in training camp cause the Bulls were gonna draft him anyways and they aren't high on any other Pgs in FA. I think Magic will also match Reddicks offer.
Im surprised Happy isn't talking about Nick Young cause he's been lighting it up in summer league...
I wish we'd at least have gotten him back in the Hinrich trade. As stands, we still only have one guard on the roster (Rose, Korver is not an SG, quit lying to yourselves).
How about another go round with Larry Hughes? (joking) what about Flip Murray some kinda way?
There isn't anyone out there worth paying the luxury tax for!
RW wrote: "Just look at who were getting for guards: not Mike Miller, not Ray Allen, not Nate Robinson ,and most likely not Raja Bell. None fo the glamour guys." The only glamour guy there is Allen and he clearly was staying with his team. Bell, Robinson, and Miller played so little minutes last year they can be hardly thought of as glamour guys. It's a good thing to see that Reinsdorf isn't shelling out money wrecklessly to prove a point! Adding any of those guys won't make us contenders.
Good thing RW isn't running our team...we'd be cash strapped for years to come!