CHICAGO – Even though the Chicago Bulls were shocked by the Luol Deng trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, they still found a way to beat the Phoenix Suns. Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau appeared to be dejected when he spoke to reporters before the game. Who wouldn't be he just lost a two-time All-Star and a great defender that gave problems to opposing teams.
Bulls had only 9 active players on the roster and they still defeated the Suns 92-87 to win their 3rd consecutive game.
Taj Gibson scored 19 points and pull 10 boards, Joakim Noah added 14 points and 16 rebounds, D.J. Augustin and Jimmy Butler scored 13 apiece. Tony Snell had 12 points, he also had a back-to-back 3-pointers during an 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter that gave them 13 points lead.
The Chicago Bulls announced early Tuesday that they have traded Luol Deng to Cleveland when he didn't agree with the proposed contract extension a 3 year, $30 million extension. The move though sad is beneficial for both parties since the Bulls saves money about $14.3 million in salary and gain spending flexibility. While for Deng he can get a bigger contract in free agency. The Bulls may also bag the lottery because of the trade.
In the trade the Chicago Bulls gave All-Star forward Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavalier in exchange for problematic center Andrew Bynum, three future draft picks and the right to swap 2015 first round picks with the Cavs (1-14 protected). Bulls waive Bynum immediately after the trade.
For the Phoenix Suns, Goran Dragic scored 21. The Suns is without guard Eric Bledsoe, who missed his third consecutive game because of a sprained right knee.
