Pax unsure if talks will lead to deal
Bulls general manager John Paxson said trade talk has ''been fairly quiet'' to this point. But with NBA executives getting together this weekend for meetings during All-Star festivities in Las Vegas, things might change.
''It's one of only two times all year when GMs are together,'' Paxson said Tuesday. ''This weekend, I'll get a chance to talk to a lot of guys. We're all trying to improve. I don't know if we will or won't [deal]. If there's something out there, something major to get a star and a team liked our really young guys, you've got to look at that. But that hasn't presented itself to this point. If there is something I can do to tweak our roster a little bit, I'll certainly look to do that. I don't know what will happen, but I'll just keep my eyes and ears open.''
Paxson is aware that fans have been buzzing about the trade talks between the Bulls and the Memphis Grizzlies involving Grizzlies forward/ center Pau Gasol.
''I know that whole scenario is out there, and it's popular for people to talk about,'' Paxson said. ''But I'm not going to go out and make a bad deal for the Bulls, and [Grizzlies general manager] Jerry West isn't going to make a bad deal for Memphis. That's not going to happen. I have a lot of respect for him, and our conversations have been terrific. I value the names you share in those discussions.''
Things have changed when it comes to Bulls players being attractive trade bait. Reporters remembered Paxson -- in his first season as the team's general manager -- calling the media into a Berto Center conference room on the eve of the trade deadline and saying: ''Guys, go home. Nobody wants any of my players.''
''Did I say it just like that?'' Paxson said, laughing. ''Our players are very valuable. It's just I think all of us have a different estimation of value. I try not to fall into the mind-set that I overvalue our guys. But I've said all along that I like our young guys; I think they are very good NBA players. Unless I felt we could go out and get a superstar, I'm not sure dealing any of them or tweaking the roster using them makes a whole lot of sense. And that's kind of where I'm at. I've been that way for a while.''
Paxson likes his players, but he knows a general manager can't get attached to talent.
''The reason it would be difficult [to trade any part of the young core] is that they've all been a part of helping to change our culture here. That's been a big thing. The reason we've been in the playoffs two years in a row is because we were able to change the mind-set of work and accountability and all those things. These are guys that did that. I worry about chemistry. If I'm taking out a player or players that have helped get us to this point, am I messing too much with just the little intangible things that are very important to a team?
''I'm not saying we're in position [to win an NBA title] yet. But I have a long-term view in mind as well, and hopefully I can stick with the plan of what we're trying to do and get better.''