Let's Make A Deal

1 Forward Al Jefferson, a top two protected first-round pick and center Theo Ratliff ( Celtics) for forward Pau Gasol (Grizzlies) All signs are that the Bulls are unwilling to send two of their top young perimeter scorers ( Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni) to Memphis for Gasol, which opens the door for another team. By making this deal with Boston, the Grizzlies clear their biggest contract (Gasol is owed $63.1 million through 2010--11), which helps owner Michael Heisley in his efforts to sell the team. A Western Conference G.M. predicts that the Celtics will win the sweepstakes for Gasol (left) because Ratliff's contract, which expires after next season, is being covered by an insurance policy (he has missed all but two games this year with a back injury) and because the 22-year-old Jefferson has had a breakout season, averaging 16.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.50 blocks over the last six weeks--all for the low salary of $1.6 million.

2 Swingman Bonzi Wells and guard Bob Sura (Rockets) for forward P.J. Brown ( Bulls) Chicago may be unwilling to make a major deal for Gasol, but the Bulls are desperate for a post-up scorer. Why not rent Wells (right) for the rest of the year? He's the best back-to-the-basket mercenary on the market; in spite of his disagreements with coach Jeff Van Gundy, Houston has been giving Wells as many as 15 post-ups per game during center Yao Ming's absence. With Yao due back later this month, the Rockets can afford to move Wells in exchange for the classy Brown, who has the professionalism and length (6'11") at power forward that Van Gundy covets for the stretch run. To make the numbers work, Chicago must take on the contract of Sura, who may never play again (multiple knee surgeries) and who is on the books for only $1 million guaranteed next season.

Wells could help the Bulls get past the opening round of the playoffs for the first time since the Michael Jordan era; Chicago isn't going to win the championship this year, but the Bulls desperately need to experience some success in the postseason.

3 Guard Sam Cassell ( Clippers) for forward James Posey (Heat) While Cassell isn't being shopped, Los Angeles has made it known that it would be willing to deal him in order to accelerate the development of 21-year-old point guard of the future Shaun Livingston. Cassell (center) would be an instant cure for ailing Miami--a backup combo guard who can help the team maintain its intensity for a full 48 minutes and take some scoring pressure off Dwyane Wade. The Heat would have to give up the expiring contract of Posey, whose defense and all-around play might help the Clippers turn their season around. The downside for Miami is that Cassell's $6.2 million salary next year could push it over the luxury-tax threshold, but it should be willing to absorb that risk for a shot at another title.