JK shocked the world with the Brand for Chandler swap on draft day.
What the move essentially signified was a starting over of rebuilding the post-dynasty Bulls. The first attempt was to build around Elton, with high draft picks and significant FA acquisitions. This didn't fly. So essentially, this trade put the future in the hands of two HSers. A huge gamble and unprecedented.
To this day, I'm a bit soar about the trade for a couple reasons. I loved Elton, and he was exactly the spokesman the Bulls needed. In addition, he was the picture of consistency (20/10 a night). It BS when people say his game 'couldn't improve'... whatever. He developed a face up game last season w/ the Clips, bulked up, made the All-Star team in the tough West, and was second in the league in double doubles. TC is a few years away from 20/10, if he ever gets there. That's really hard to argue against.
This all being said, it was a good move to make. Elton, when he played on the Bulls, was more of a plodder and relied all too heavily on his post up game (he's since opened it up a bit w/ LA). Couple with Artest.. it made for some brutal, brutal games offensively. Moving Elton did help us showcase Artest and Miller (resulting in Jalen Rose), so in this way it was great for the Bulls. Adding Rose arguably the most important move the rebuilding Bulls have done thus far.
Hindsight is always 20/20 (as always), but for my money I would have loved to see Elton here in Chicago for many, many years. And I do believe he would have re-signed too.
VD