BULLS TRADE FOR LUOL DENG
The Chicago Bulls acquired the rights to Luol Deng from the Phoenix Suns for the rights to Jackson Vroman and cash considerations.
What does it give the Chicago Bulls
A true small forward who may actually be the team's best player this season. The Bulls weren't sure they'd get Deng with the earlier trade of draft picks, but he was definitely a guy they were targeting. He's a very versatile, all-around player who will bring a certain
professionalism to the 'Baby Bulls' (ironic, since he's a rookie). Deng
also fills the team's most glaring need, which was clearly at small
forward. Expect him to start in '04-05.
What does it give the Phoenix Suns
Some financial flexibility for free agency and a big body down low. The
Suns made this move so they wouldn't be forced to pay for a high first-rounder, and they actually needed that cash to woo free agents Steve Nash and Quentin Richardson. Vroman is by no means a star, and he's likely a character guy who will come off the bench and grab
some rebounds. The key here was the salary-cap space, and the Suns made a statement that they plan to win now.
Fantasy impact
