Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, & Magic Johnson in Heat Jerseys

I saw this picture somewhere on Monday, possibly first from the great Hot Hot Japan Hot. I was saving it for for a special occasion, specifically when Chris Paul inevitably got traded to Orlando or Los Angeles within the week. I would unveil the picture during a long post on the SuperTeam Era, one in which I'd urge the Bulls immediately trade Joakim Noah for Carmelo Anthony. I would spend the rest of the week wiping an assortment of Internet fruits and vegetables off of my face, since that's what Internet commenters throw at you when they don't like an idea: Internet fruits and vegetables. Because, you see, you love Joakim Noah. He's homegrown, he tries hard, he's even Chicago Tough enough for the white people crowd.

But remember, guys: CP3 is in Orlando. This isn't the time to get cute. Do so only at the peril of being left behind. The game-plan would be simple, and already laid out. Want to compete with the no-income tax portion of the league? Stock up on WMD's, a.k.a. acquire as many top-15 players as possible. Carmelo Anthony, please come on down.

Now, Joakim Noah: kind of my favorite. I've said this before. But Noah is due for an extension after this season, and I'll conservatively start the bidding at $13 million annually. Does anyone expect much less? I'm not arguing that Noah isn't worth it (he is), but Noah is a role player. He serves a great and very important role, mind you: elite rebounder, gritty defender, infectious leader, endless energy guy. But the hardest thing to find in basketball is dude who can average 30 a night, and 'Melo belongs to that elite fraternity. He is worth going balls-to-the-wall after, even if it means Noah and Taj and three first rounders. I would have argued this very passionately.

Now it looks like Paul is going to stay in New Orleans for a little bit. Everything is ruined.

Anyways, sweet picture, right? Keep up the good work, Internet.