In what could be the biggest move of the week, the Chicago Bulls will send guard Kirk Hinrich and the No. 17 pick in tonight's 2010 NBA Draft to the Washington Wizards, reports ESPN's Ric Bucher. The deal relies on Washington's cap space this summer, and as such couldn't be completed until July.For the Bulls, the move frees up the $1.3 million that would have been owed to the 17th pick and the $9 million owed to Hinrich next season. Chicago is a major player in free agency, and with this deal has nearly enough cap space to sign two max-level free agents outright. LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Amar'e Stoudemire, Joe Johnson and Carlos Boozer -- basically the entire top of the free agent class -- have all been mentioned as Bulls targets.
Hinrich is also on the books for $8 million in 2011-12, and this deal effectively ends any chance at a big-name free agent the Wizards would have had this summer. Hinrich is traditionally a point guard, but showed an ability to play off the ball next to Derrick Rose in Chicago. One would assume he'll split minutes with incumbent Wiz guard Gilbert Arenas and presumptive top pick John Wall. It's expected Arenas will be the team's starter at shooting guard this season.
This deal also effectively ends the rumor Bulls forward Luol Deng will be dealt to the Clippers for the No. 8 pick. Brian Windhorst of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported Thursday the Bulls are talking with the Magic about swapping Deng for center Marcin Gortat and wing Mickael Pietrus. This move would not seem to preclude such a deal.
Bucher reports that if the Wizards blink on this deal, the Kings are also interested.
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