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Despite all of the trade rumors that have been floating around, one rumor that has somewhat flown under the radar is the possibility of the Chicago Bulls dealing center Ben Wallace.? To recap the Wallace rumor, the Bulls have been involved in some exploratory talks in recent weeks, most notably with the Lakers before they acquired Pau Gasol.? There have also been some talks with the New York Knicks and as of late, the Utah Jazz. As we reported Saturday at Slam Dunk Central, The Chicago Sun Times printed that Wallace said that reports of him being sent to the New York Knicks for a package of Quentin Richardson, Fred Jones, and Malik Rose had absolutely no credence.

The gist of the Utah rumor is basically a Wallace-for-Andrei Kirilenko swap; at first look, it sounds unlikely.? Kirilenko is more productive offensively and younger (AK-47 is 27); but as with most NBA trades, it goes beyond just mere talent.? A big stickler with the Jazz is the length of Kirilenko’s current contract – it is one year longer than Wallace’s and is valued at $17.8 million for the final year.? Basically what trading Kirilenko does is save the Jazz about $21 million (Kirilenko is paid more a season than Wallace).?

It would be interesting to envision Kirilenko in a Bulls’ uniform, most likely starting alongside Joakim Noah at center, either Tyrus Thomas or Luol?Deng at forward and the probable backcourt of Thabo Sefolosha and Kirk Hinrich.? Financials aside, that would be a pretty decent Bulls team as opposed to what they have right now. ?

If the Bulls can’t get something better, then the 3-for-1 that the Knicks propose?may make sense.? But there’s some issues that would have to be resolved to make that work: Rose has a season left after this and Richardson two years afer this season.? Also the fact that on a personnel basis, they don’t exactly fit the Bulls’ needs and if anything would complicate things as the Bulls are just fine at the guard position.? As for myself, I expect that Wallace will get traded; the $64,000 question as of right now is where will he go?