Speaking of which, Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD says the Phoenix Suns are interested in Atlanta’s Josh Smith, with a potential trade package centering on Marcin Gortat. Because, when you have one underperforming, possibly malcontented, left-handed combo forward (Michael Beasley) on your roster, you can best fix the problem by acquiring another.

It’s hard to say what else Phoenix gives up — Wes Johnson’s expiring contract seems like a good bet — but we’ll see. Gortat would fit well next to Al Horford, allowing Horford to play at the four, which is his more natural position. But with Atlanta still potentially in the mix to compete for Chris Paul and/or Dwight Howard this summer, a deal seems unlikely.

Jan 28, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls shooting guard Richard Hamilton (32) is defended by Charlotte Bobcats shooting guard Gerald Henderson (9) during the second half at the United Center. The Bulls beat the Bobcats 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

In other NBA news, Rip Hamilton is still on the Chicago Bulls and is rapidly losing minutes to Jimmy Butler and Marco Belinelli. It’s getting harder and harder to justify keeping Rip around past the trade deadline — especially when the Bulls would avoid paying the luxury tax this year if they can shed about $4 million from their payroll (Rip makes $5 million this season).

I have maintained that the most likely destination for Rip is Phoenix — they have world-class trainers to keep him healthy, a dearth of wings and enough cap space to absorb his deal outright — but a potential Josh Smith deal might mess with that. Phoenix has about $6.5 million in cap room at the moment, so the Suns couldn’t absorb more than about $1.5 million in salary in another trade and then take Rip for nothing.

Other options would be Houston — about the same amount of cap space as the Suns, but no real use for Hamilton — and Cleveland. Cleveland makes the most sense, if we’re assuming Phoenix isn’t an option, but their recent acquisitions of Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby makes that seem unlikely. Orlando and Denver have trade exceptions big enough to fit Hamilton’s salary, but neither team has any reason to take on more money without getting something significant out of it.

Gortat basically quadrupled his per game points and rebounds averages, getting 13 & 15 against a hard-to-watch, thankfully-I-have-a-DVR, Bulls team. Really, Gortat was the most enjoyable part of the game for me. He actually played more minutes than Dwight Howard.

Another enjoyable moment? Watching Tyrus Thomas trying to take Dwight Howard one-on-one off the dribble. He tried some little stutter-step move and Howard basically stood there. When Thomas got close Howard simply poked the ball away. Turnover, easy Magic basket on the other end. There was a lot of that. The Bulls had 16 turnovers and just 13 assists.

Howard also provided another really enjoyable moment. He had obviously lost a bit of interest in the game due to the score. So on one play Noah received a pass in the paint and Howard left Miller to double-team Joakim. That is likely the first and only time that will ever happen.

Bulls announcer Neil Funk and Stacey King got a big kick out of it. King said with a laugh, “Why is Dwight Howard double-teaming Joakim Noah?” Funk countered, “Must not have seen the scouting report.”

Everything that is wrong with the Bulls was on full display in this game. Bad shots, horrendous defense, that crazy look on Vinny Del Negro’s face. Gordon and Rose shot a combined 3-22. Thomas has officially taken over for Drew Gooden as host of “When Bigs Shoot Bad Jumpers”. Thomas and Noah got into foul trouble. And Noah was continually overpowered under the basket.

Bulls fans have got to be feeling a low today, and it likely will get worse. They have lost 2 in a row and go to Philly next, then get New Orleans and the Celtics at home. It’s tough, but I just need more Gortat.