The Houston Roundball Review is an online basketball publication
by: Kris Gardner, United States Basketball Writers Association member. Credentialed media member since 1997. USBWA approved online journalist. Voter of Katrina McClain, Naismith, USBWA, and Wooden awards.

The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Drew Dealt to Bulls

September 28, 2000

Rockets Deal Drew to Bulls”

The Houston Rockets traded G Bryce Drew to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for a conditional first round draft pick or 2 future second round picks.

Note:

  • Reportedly, the Rockets obtain the first round pick if the Bulls make the playoffs this season.
  • The Bulls hold the option on Drew’s contract. If they decline to exercise the option on the fourth year before October 31, 2000, Bryce becomes a free agent next summer.

2000 - 2001 Player Salary:

Bryce Drew, Chi: $1.183 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Neither team.

Why?

With their acquisition of Steve Francis via trade and the free agent signing of Moochie Norris, Bryce no longer fit into the Rockets’ offense nor their future plans. As a result, Houston tried to negotiate a deal which would benefit themselves as well as allow Bryce a better opportunity for playing time. The Bulls offer that opportunity.

Drew, is not a true point guard; but, he is a very good perimeter shooter which is a key component in the triangle offense that the Bulls still run. In addition to his shooting skills, Bryce is the “veteran” in the Bulls’ point guard rotation. He’s entering his third season while the other 3 point guards (Jamal Crawford, A. J. Guyton, and Khalid El - Amin) are all rookies.

“This is a nice deal for us,” Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause said. “Bryce is a mature player who's a coach's son and has been around the game for a long time. He fits in the triangle offense. He's a good shooter. He had to play against Steve Francis every day in practice. He just fits.”

Since he no longer fit in to the Rockets’ plans, obtaining some type of compensation for Drew is a benefit for the Rockets. Houston also frees itself of another million dollars or so under next summer’s salary cap which is another positive for them in the deal.

Rockets' VP of Basketball Operations Carroll Dawson, said “He’s coming up on (the option year of his contract) and this helps him to get where he can play more minutes. And it helps us to get under the cap next year. It’s something that works both ways.”