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Is Gordon Available?

As a result of a reduced playing time, Ben Gordon?s future with Chicago has come into question these past few months. The combination of both Gordon and Hinrich at the same backcourt causes some match up problems at the defensive end. This is the main reason why Skills has decided to bring Gordon off the bench. Now we hear rumors that the Bulls are seriously contemplating trading Gordon by the deadline.

What are some of the possible trade scenarios in which Chicago might find itself involved in? Ray Allen, Nick Collison, and Danny Fortson to Chicago in exchange to Ben Gordon, Eric Piatkowksi, and Tim Thomas. Thirty year-old Ray Allen would be a nice addition, especially by way of veteran leadership, and Collison and Fortson would add some much-needed size. However, Paxson is finding that nobody wants to pay TT 14 million dollars, even if his contract does expire at the end of the year, and Ben Gordon should not be traded.

It appears that Chicago?s talks with Cleveland concerning Drew Gooden are all but dead, and John Paxson is trying diligently to unload Tim Thomas. However, there looks to be no takers, and it?s more likely than not that TT is bought out and waived shortly after the Feb. 23 deadline. Look for Thomas to latch on with either Indiana or New Jersey.