Bulls engaged in Tyrus Thomas talks (for Al Harrington?)

The Bulls have held discussions about trading Tyrus Thomas to the Knicks, according to a league source.

Yahoo! Sports first reported the talks, which, for now, have centered upon Thomas and the expiring contract of Jerome James for the $10 million expiring contract of Al Harrington. The Knicks are trying to keep Harrington and make the deal work with other players, the league source said.

The Bulls long have admired Harrington's game. And trading Thomas would preclude the Bulls from making the decision of whether or not to place an approximately $13 million salary cap hold on his services at a time when they might be trying to optimize salary cap space for the 2010 free agent class.

Furthermore, the emergence of rookie Taj Gibson as at least a viable rotation player has allowed the Bulls to consider shopping Thomas, the league source said.

Thomas is currently recovering from a fractured radius in his left forearm. He is scheduled to return in the next two weeks.

Chicago Bulls exploring trade of Tyrus Thomas
New York Knicks and others are in the mix

December 5, 2009

CLEVELAND -- Tyrus Thomas' fractured radius in his left forearm likely will delay any conclusion to trade talks surrounding the fourth-year forward.

Thomas is one to two weeks away from returning, which is why nothing is imminent regarding talks between the Bulls and Knicks.

Two league sources told the Tribune the Bulls have had discussions with other teams regarding Thomas as well. There's no guarantee Thomas will be dealt, but the larger story is the Bulls' acknowledgment of their offensive struggles.

Al Harrington, involved in the Knicks' talks, is a much more accomplished scorer (19.9 points per game) than Thomas (8.3). The Bulls have languished near the bottom of many offensive categories all season.

"I did say something how I've always liked (Thomas)," Knicks coach Mike D'Antoni told New York reporters. "I think Tyrus is a good player, but I think Al's a good player."