NBA trade deadline hits Thursday
This the final full day of discussions before the NBA trade deadline arrives at 2 p.m. Central time on Thursday.
Most of the trade rumors have settled around several players who are set to become free agents this summer. Atlanta forward Josh Smith has been linked to several new destinations. Another likely scenario is Utah moving one of its two impending free-agent forwards, Al Jefferson or Paul Millsap.
Lakers center Dwight Howard appears less likely to be traded, but his future is unclear with an expiring contract and lack of team success.
Some reports suggest Boston is still talking with the Clippers about a deal sending Kevin Garnett to L.A. for Eric Bledsoe and DeAndre Jordan. Garnett doesn't seem enthused about a change of scenery, which makes such a move less likely.
Orlando shooting guard J.J. Redick is another future free agent who may be traded now before he jumps ship in the summer. The Bulls signed him to an offer sheet in 2010 and probably remain interested, though it's tough to see what they could offer beyond Richard Hamilton and a future first round pick. The Bulls probably would not part with the pick they have coming from Charlotte.
In general, the Bulls are very open to any move that would lighten the payroll, specifically Carlos Boozer's $31 million over the next two seasons. That large salary makes him a tough sell for any team, even though he's still playing reasonably well.
