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The Better Trade

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Who got the better trade: The Knicks or the Bulls?

March 20, 2009

Who got the better trade:

The Knicks or the Bulls?

In February 2009, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls made a three-player deal. The Bulls were in the playoff race, while the Knicks were hopelessly out of it. The Knicks acquired guard Larry Hughes from the Bulls in exchange for guard Anthony Roberson and forwards Jerome James and Tim Thomas.

The Knicks may have made a better trade

since Hughes is a solid player when his attitude is right, which can be problematic. Hughes had been in the doghouse with the Bulls for some time and the two sides had agreed to part ways earlier in the season. Hughes hadn't played in a month when he was traded and was averaging only 12 points in 30 games. The Bulls traded for Hughes a year ago.

Hughes gives the Knicks a true shooting guard for the first time since they traded Jamal Crawford. The question about Hughes has always been attitude. Considered a selfish player, Hughes has a big salary and a limited upside: he isn't a good shooter and can't really pass the ball with much effectiveness.

"I think Chicago was very honest with Hughes and made him aware that when [Kirk] Hinrich came back, he wasn't going to play," Knicks president Donnie Walsh said. "I'm not saying he was happy or unhappy, I think he was looking to go somewhere because he knew he wasn't going to play once Hinrich got back."

The Bulls, who believe they made the better trade

expect some productivity from James and Thomas, who will be making his second tour of duty with the Chicago team. The trade gave Chicago some space under the salary cap and allowed it to dump a grumbler.

Thomas is a 6-10 power forward from Villanova, who should get plenty of playing time. He fits a role that was left vacant when the Bulls traded Andres Nocioni. Thomas is averaging 8.9 points and 3.2 rebounds. The Bulls are also hopeful that James, a 7-foot-1 center from Florida A&M, can be healthy for next year; he's been slow to recover for an Achilles' heel injury. James played in two games this season and averaged 3.0 points.

So, who got the better trade? On the surface it appears the Bulls got the better trade, since they dumped a high-priced player with a bad attitude and limited upside. It Thomas helps the Bulls get into the playoff, the verdict will be certain.