My Man Sam, Back Shootin' the Shit Well at least in Sam Smith's latest column he admits "here I go again". He's back pitching crazy suggestions to Bulls' management in the Trib. I like Sam alot, I think his columns are very entertaining and he definately knows the NBA, but he's one step below only Peter Vescey when it comes to outlandish rumours. Here's todays:

Finley, the veteran from Proviso East, has five years left on his contract averaging about $16 million. The Mavericks would like to get rid of that, and part of the Walker trade was to move LaFrentz's large contract. For all Mark Cuban says, he's cutting payroll as well. It would be hard to imagine Finley being worth $18.6 million in 2007-08 when his contract expires. But at 30, he should have several good years left. And he's the kind of rugged veteran defender the Bulls crave. And his salary happens to match up almost exactly with that of Jalen Rose, who has one fewer year on his contract than Finley. Though they're optimistic about Rose this season, the Bulls believe they have enough scoring with their young players. They've been looking for veteran defensive help. Hello, Pax. You listening? Jerry Krause never did.

Pax is probably hearin ya Sam...but hopefully not 'listening'. It's not that this trade wouldn't be a good idea for the Bulls. Finley would be a better fit for this team right now than Rose, he's a better defender and team player. My point is simply why would the Mavericks ever do this trade. Sam says the Mavericks would like to get rid of Finley's salary, yet their taking back a player who has a salary that's nearly equal both in cost and duration. And what else would the Mavericks need but another guy who won't guard anybody and needs the ball? Chad Ford agrees with this, referencing the column today and adding:

Rose is too selfish for what the Mavs are trying to do. Finley will put the team before his own shots. Rose has been unable to do that in Chicago. The one guy the Mavs would love to have is Eddy Curry of the Bulls. It's hard to believe that Chicago would give him up to Dallas for anything short of Nowitzki, however.

This quote is too hard on Jalen though, who has been unable to defer shots cause nobody else wants to take the tough shot. This year will be his test in that regard. And secondly, no crap the Mavs would love to have Eddy Curry. That's the problem here. The Mavs need size and while the Bulls have a lot of 4s, only Curry is a true center. And theres no way the Bulls ever trade Eddy Curry. well maybe for Dirk :) So thanks Sam for stirring the 'ole pot....but besides good conversation there wasn't much to offer.