Why Can't the Bulls Get Gasol and Bryant for Nothing?

We keep hearing about how the Bulls can't get a player like Kobe Bryant or Pau Gasol without giving up their best players. Then how is it Boston started off with one good player, Paul Pierce, then got Ray Allen without giving Pierce up? Then got Garnett without having to give up either Pierce or Allen? So why can't the Bulls say keep Deng, and get both Gasol and Bryant? Wouldn't that be the same thing, or am I missing something? --Allen, Chicago

Yes. Kevin McHale only works for two teams, Minnesota and Boston. The Ray Allen deal was a nice addition, but the Celtics might not be even a playoff team without Garnett. The Bulls were willing to offer a package of Deng, Tyson Chandler and the No. 2 overall pick in 2006. Minnesota would be in the playoff race now. The Lakers offered Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, which is way better than what Minnesota got, I believe. Bryant was never going to be traded and Gasol is available. The Bulls have been somewhat conservative and seemed to have a core not worth breaking up. I think that has changed some. Credit the Celtics. They did it. After all, a lot of teams would like to have had Garnett, not just the Bulls.