Wed, Jun 28, 2006 at 8:05pm

BLAZERS LAND No. 2 OVERALL

The Chicago Bulls traded LaMarcus Aldridge and a 2007 2nd round draft pick to the Portland Trail Blazers for Viktor Khryapa and Tyrus Thomas.

What does it give the Portland Trail Blazers
The player they actually wanted more, plus a draft pick. With center Joel Przybilla expected to bolt and with Theo Ratliff headed out in a trade to the Celtics, the Blazers needed to land a franchise center for the next decade. They got their man in Aldridge, who is a very promising talent with star potential. He can be a solid contributor soon is also a very strong cornerstone on which to continue their rebuilding project. The future second-round pick isn't a bad consolation prize for getting the player they wanted and giving up Khryapa.

What does it give the Chicago Bulls
The player they actually wanted more, plus a draft pick. With center Joel Przybilla expected to bolt and with Theo Ratliff headed out in a trade to the Celtics, the Blazers needed to land a franchise center for the next decade. They got their man in Aldridge, who is a very promising talent with star potential. He can be a solid contributor soon is also a very strong cornerstone on which to continue their rebuilding project. The future second-round pick isn't a bad consolation prize for getting the player they wanted and giving up Khryapa.

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