Bulls to free up cap space...Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick to the Washington Wizards

[goldengreek]

The Chicago Bulls have a deal in place that would move Kirk Hinrich and the 17th pick to the Washington Wizards, freeing up enough cap space to pursue two maximum-salary players in this summer's free-agent market, sources with knowledge of the Bulls' plans said Thursday.

The Bulls would receive a future second-round pick, the Associated Press reported citing a person familiar with the negotiations.

The deal can't be officially consummated until July 8, when the Wizards will have room under the salary cap to absorb Hinrich's $9 million contract without having to send back anything of similar value.

Since it's a good-faith deal for the time being, there remains a chance it could fall apart. But according to one source, the Sacramento Kings are prepared to make a similar deal with the Bulls in the Wizards' stead if that were to happen.

Either way, moving Hinrich and the pick would push Chicago's space under the cap from $20 million to more than $30 million. That puts the Bulls on equal footing with the Miami Heat in pursuing not just one but two members of a free-agent class that is expected to include LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Carlos Boozer, Amare Stoudemire and Joe Johnson.

[westcoastO]

Originally Posted by TheLink

that is because Chicago making moves to clear cap space so they can watch Lebron resign with Cleveland and Wade and Bosh with Miami.

sorry we're out of luck

[Seanie Mac]

all this for Joe Johnson and David Lee? swing and a miss

[TheLink]

Originally Posted by westcoastO

sorry we're out of luck

If Chicago doesn't get Wade or Lebron will be all for naught, no?

[goldengreek]

Originally Posted by Seanie Mac

all this for Joe Johnson and David Lee? swing and a miss

Or Amare, or Boozer

[Windy City Irish]

bulls cant sign two guys for the maxiumum....

they are going to either have to convince someone to take less cash and go after lebron for the max or do a sign and trade

[westcoastO]

david lee is one of the most underrated big men, or players period, in the nba.

ill take him in a heartbeat. fits right in with the noah mindset, works his ass off.