By K.C. JohnsonThe Bulls and Knicks didn't just play a game Tuesday night. They're also competing for Tracy McGrady's expiring $22 million contract.
League sources said the Bulls have offered Brad Miller, Tyrus Thomas and either Kirk Hinrich or John Salmons to Houston for McGrady, who has been granted a leave and is training in Chicago.
Houston has shown little interest in either Hinrich or Salmons and thus, sources said, the Bulls have tried to recruit a third team to get involved. It's also possible the Bulls have made another unknown offer with a player replacing Hinrich or Salmons to the Rockets.
Some league sources believe the Bulls' offer is emerging as the front-runner.
Photo: Tracy McGrady drives on Vince Carter during a game in December. (John Raoux/AP)
Separately, as previously reported, the Knicks, Spurs and Nuggets also have made bids for Thomas.
Since trading Thomas alone does nothing to this summer's salary-cap situation, the Bulls are seeking at least a draft pick along with expiring contracts in return for the fourth-year forward in those smaller deals. That's why, at least for now, they're sitting on the Knicks' offer of Al Harrington for Thomas and Jerome James.
Sources indicated the Bulls and Lakers also have discussed Hinrich, although the Lakers are insisting Sasha Vujacic be included in any deal. Since the Bulls are seeking draft picks and expiring salaries, they won't take Vujacic and the $5.5 million he is owed next season. That, too, would likely need a third team to happen.
League sources also said the Bulls are trying to accommodate Jannero Pargo by finding him a team where he will receive playing time. Pargo's $2 million contract expires after this season.
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http://sportsblog.projo.com/2010/02/tracy-mcgrady-i.html
For serious Ken? I wouldn't be surprised if Mcgrady never even sees the court in Chicago. They are getting him for one reason only, his giant expiring contract.
McGrady is a ball hog!! Bulls would be better to keep what they got.
How exciting.I can't wait til Thursday!!