Newswire, July 2006
After a dissapointing '05-'06 season, which saw the bulls swept out of the playoffs by the New Jersey Nets, John Paxson seeks to make the Bulls a contender once again. With plenty of cap room and a talented young core the Bulls are ready to move forward.
Offseason moves
Resigned Songalia to a 2-year deal
Resigned Duhon to a 1-year deal.
Signed C Ben Wallace to a 3-year 39 million dollar deal
Signed G Fred Hoiberg to a 1-year 3 million dollar deal
Signed F Mark Madsen to a 2-year 1.5 million dollar deal
Drafted C LeMarcus Aldridge from Texas with the 3rd pick (From NY)
Traded Luol Deng, Darius Songalia, and 1st round pick (18) to the LA Clippers for Corey Maggette
Wallace to Chicago
Big Ben Wallace is staying in the Midwest, but heading 5 hours west ffrom the motor city to the windy city. Skiles and his team are excited about the arrival of a legitamite center who will instantly be a leader on this team. "Ben plays the kind of ball that I am looking for, he's a tough guy... I think he'll give this team an edge it needs." says Skiles.
Maggette returns to Chicago
Chicagoland native Corey Maggette is returning to the area to play for the Bulls. The 6'6 SF from Melrose Park, IL will give the Bulls an all-around scoring threat to compliment Ben Gordon. The Bulls part ways with former 7th overall pick Luol Deng and PF Darius Songalia. "Luol is a good player and he's only going to get better... but we needed a guy who could score some points, and when a player like Maggette is available I can't pass him up." GM John Paxson said of the trade. The bulls also sent the Clippters their first round draft pick which was the 18th pick.
