Exploring the Rumor Mill

Ainge looking at sign-and-trade options.Insight: Ah HA! Posey back in green looking more likely than ever.Rumor: Boozer to Bulls in three-way deal. Insight: If they had managed to retain Ben Gordon, this trade would have made Chicago contenders for sure. Unfortunately for those in Windy City, I don't see this swap transforming the Bulls into a contender. At best, the Bulls would be the fourth or fifth seed. Don't forget, they'd lose a key defender in Kirk Hinrich and a still-growing forward in Tyrus Thomas if the deal went down. I know most Bulls fans reading this are saying that Thomas needs to go and that Chicago has spent too much time or money on him. However, last year seemed to be a big leap for him in terms of production, especially in the playoff series against Boston. He averaged a full block more (2.9 per game) when playing against the Celtics, and also put up numbers of 9.6 points and 6.3 rebounds. In the regular season, TT's numbers consisted of 10.8 ppg and 6.4 rpg. Here's the latest on the deal.Bass heading to Orlando.Insight: A good move by the Magic. Although it doesn't fill the void Marcin Gortat left after going to the Mavericks (coincidence), it does help cover the role Battie had played before going to New Jersey in the Carter trade.Millsap, Portland, talking contract.Insight: The outcome would be exactly the same if Portland swapped for David Lee. They're both undersized, both hard workers, both still have potential, and both currently have a small contract. The deal which involves Boozer heading to Chicago has better chances of happening if this went down. Rip City would be getting a guard in Kirk Hinrich, and could also be dumping Bayless as Chicago seems to have interest in him. They'd also have already acquired their desired big man in Millsap.Hill back with Phoenix.Insight: Wasn't that high on him anyway. Rather have Posey.