Steve Aschburner of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune reports that the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves have had trade discussions... yet again.  The trade includes, as it has every time over the last 24 months, Marcus Fizer and Wally Szczerbiak, but this time Chicago includes Jalen Rose and Jamal Crawford while the Wolves throw in Joe Smith and a first round draft pick.

Aschburner indicates that a report appeared in the Daily Southtown newspaper from the Chicago Suburbs and cited an anonymous league source who claimed that Wolves Vice President Kevin McHale and Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause have discussed the deal.  As expected, neither side would confirm a possible trade but already players are commenting.

"They have the ultimate All-Star in Kevin Garnett and a great coach in Flip Saunders," Fizer said. "Me, Jalen and KG together? That wouldn't be too shabby."

"Jalen and KG on the same team? Wow. That's the inside-outside [combination] right there," added Jamal Crawford.

[RealGM Note:  Since Szczerbiak recently signed an extension but is still on his rookie contract for 2002-03 he becomes what is known as a "poison pill player" (PPP).  This affects his trade value much like base year compensation, making a trade like the above almost impossible if both teams are over the salary cap.]