One is the Loneliest Number

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

According to Fansided’s Josh Hill who has been on top of  all events concerning the trade status of  Luol Deng, reported the worst secret other than the cold weather that is hitting Chicago right now. Luol Deng was traded last night to the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was traded for Andrew Bynum and three future draft picks. You see Pippen Peoples, Andrew Bynum is not on a flight to Chicago. Andrew Bynum will never have a number because as soon as the NBA approves this trade, Bynum will be waived to save 15 million on the salary cap. That’s the good news. Andrew Bynum is the NBA’s equivalent of a 1954 Dodge De Soto. A classic seven foot scrub who has no desire to play basketball anymore. A few nights ago I went on a serious rant about Carmelo Anthony coming to the Bulls. Now I’m going to rant again. This time for the power of good. This is directed at the franchise player, the face of the Chicago Bulls and all around good person. His name is Derrick Rose.

I have never been known for bedside manner, especially talking about basketball, so here goes. Now that Deng has been traded, the Bulls probably will  not make the playoffs. Sorry. I may be wrong, but I doubt it. The Bulls couldn’t score with him, how  do you replace 19 points a game? When I wrote that Luol Deng needed to be traded about a week ago, I meant for assets that could be used, like NOW! The Bulls just wanted to do a cost cutting move. That was it. Game over. Now word around the campfire is that they are real close to amnestying Carlos Boozer and getting rid of him as well. This is called TANKING.

I know what some of you are thinking. Ronald, the Bulls get under the salary cap plus they get three future picks right. Well let’s take a look at that shall we. The Bulls get a first round pick which is top 10 protected. HELLO! It’s the Cleveland Cavaliers! They stink! Remember them, they are the guys who sent Dion Waiters away for a few days after bringing the Royal Rumble to the locker room. Kyrie Irving and Mike Brown has had issues. Then to top it all off, Andrew Bynum stole money for three months. Since LeBron left well, do I really need to elaborate? Really? That pick will be stay in Cleveland. The other two picks are second round picks. Plus the Bulls have the right to swap first round picks in 2015 as long as Cleveland’s pick is outside the lottery. HELLO! It’s the….oh I already said that. Oops.

D-Rose, you are in rehab for a  season ending knee injury for the second time in two years. Take my advice, Stay out until next year. I know you stated that if the Bulls made the playoffs, you would try and be ready. Well you don’t have to worry about that anymore because your chances of seeing the playoffs in the near future is about as slim as Chicago opening up all the outdoor pools for pool parties tomorrow. With that long term contract that you are in, get ready for a rebuilding period. Oh, I know you are going to say the right things in the media. But let’s be realistic, if Deng is gone for a sack of potatoes and gym socks, don’t you think that Boozer is gone too? Especially when Boozer hasn’t been NEARLY as consistent as Luol AND he makes more money? Come on PLAYA!

For all you Bulls fans that think that the defense will continue to carry the team needs to stop. I’m trying to warn you early. Not only was Luol Deng the leading scorer on the team, but he was the best wing defender on the team. You know he guarded guys like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant. Who do you have that is going to pick up the slack. Taj Gibson? Not quick enough. Jimmy Butler? Not with  that turf toe. Mike Dunleavy? Starting to sound ridiculous? That’s because it is. Coach Thibodeau, who might be a little peeved himself because he watched one of his favorite players walk away without a short-term solution will be stuck (that is if they amnesty Boozer) without two players that know his defensive schemes and more importantly worked hard for him and earned his trust.

A friend of mine asked me if the term “Being thrown under the bus” is an overused term. So, in honor of my friend,  To eloquently say what the Chicago Bulls are doing to Derrick Rose, I will not use the term because there are so many like..

Sold down the river

Sent up the creek with a paddle

Thrown out in the ocean with no boat (My favorite)

Left out in the desert with no shade or lemonade.

Yes D-Rose take a look at your squad. Remember the Bench Mob? Gone. Kyle Korver? Gone. Nate Robinson, Marco Bellinelli? Gone. Now Deng is gone and Boozer will be like all the presidents before Mr. Obama…History. If money is an issue, Noah might be next in a couple of years. Good Luck! You’ll need it.