Talking Trades

As the trading deadlines for both the NBA and the NHL quickly approach we have to talk about some of the rumors in town. Both the Bulls and the Blackhawks are playoff-bound, and as a result the normal shake up of contenders trading to cement their rosters is about to occur. For the Hawks, they haven't been playing their usual game (explosive offense, effective defense) they've been vulnerable defensively and stagnant offensively. I am confident the offense will return soon. However, the ineffective defense is a bigger problem, players are hurt and tired but the next month is an important stretch of the season. Since the Kovalchuk trade-scare has ended with his trade to New Jersey, the latest Hawk trade rumors are aimed at James Wisniewski, the former Blackhawk. The sure-handed defender was traded to Anaheim midway through last season for center Sammie Pahlsson. Now with some defensive issues needing to be resolved, the Hawks have the prospects/roster to make a move to bring American James Wisniewski back to Madison Ave. (The only specific name involved in the trade rumor for the Hawks was Cam Barker, who hasn't been having a good season)

The Bulls have more pressing issues because they have recently jumped from the 8th and final playoff spot in the East to the 6th playoff spot, which could potentially bring another first-round playoff match-up with the Celtics. Ironically, the biggest trade rumors for the Bulls involve Boston. The Bulls need to make some moves for players that will come off the books at the end of this season so that they can make cap room for free agents. The T-Mac trade I liked is still on the table, but now it appears there is a new trade rumor about Ray Allen and Eddie House coming to the Bulls for Tyrus Thomas and Kirk Hinrich plus potentially one more expiring contract. I like this idea, get rid of the maligned, underachieving Thomas and bring in a pure shooter. Allen and House are on the last years of their contracts so this makes fiscal sense. House would be a good backup for Rose just like he was for Rondo, better ball-handling skills than Hinrich. This gives the Bulls more guard depth, something they haven't had in years. The NBA and NHL All-Star Breaks are both in the next two weeks and they have potential for some significant changes as these seasons head for the home stretch.