The HRR NBA Trade Analyses Archive

Longley Deal

January 23, 1999

The Milwaukee Bucks traded C Andrew Lang to the Chicago Bulls for a future 2nd round draft pick.

1998 - ‘99 Salary:

Andrew Lang, Chi: $3.068 M.

Who got the better of the deal?

Milwaukee.

Why?

Lang has had injury troubles the last few years and no longer fit in with new Bucks’ coach George Karl’s coaching style. The Bucks freed up some salary cap room.

Lang, if healthy, may be the Bulls’ starter. He’s a decent passer, rebounder, and shot blocker.

The Bulls traded for Andrew because he has 1 year left on his contract thereby allowing them to free up more salary cap space and, they hope, make a big splash in this summer’s free agent market.

“LONGLEY TRADED TO PHOENIX FOR 3 PLAYERS”

The Chicago Bulls acquired F Mark Bryant, F Martin Muursepp, swingman Bubba Wells, and a conditional first round pick from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for signing and trading C Luc Longley.

1998 - ‘99 Salaries:

Luc Longley, Phoe: $4 M.

Mark Bryant, Chi: $2.050 M.

Martin Muursepp, Chi: $763 K.

Bubba Wells, Chi: $312 K.

Notes:

• Bryant is a free agent after this season.

• Wells and Muursepp were cut on 1 / 27.

Who got the better of the deal?

Phoenix.

Why?

The Bulls are planning to have the most salary cap room available this summer in order to speed up their rebuilding process. As a result, they have acquired players who are eligible to for free agency after this season.

Acquiring Longley gives the Suns a solid defensive center who can bang with Shaq, Hakeem, etc. in the West. Luc is a good passer with a good perimeter shot as well as a decent low post game.