Bulls Obtain Craig Hodges From Suns in Nealy Swap

The Chicago Bulls, looking to find relief for Michael Jordan, have obtained guard Craig Hodges from the Phoenix Suns for little-used free agent Ed Nealy, a draft pick and cash.

“Craig Hodges will be able to fill several roles for our team,” said Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause. “He’ll play some point and two guard, which will enable us to play Scottie (Pippen) and Charles (Davis) more up front.

Jordan will be more than happy to see Hodges. Jordan was the only player in the National Basketball Assn. to average more than 40 minutes a game last season.

That prompted Krause to rekindle discussion for Hodges, which was going strong last February and before the June draft.

Hodges, 28, is in his seventh NBA season. The Suns will get an undisclosed amount of cash and Chicago’s second-round pick in the 1989 draft.

This year, Hodges has played in 10 games, averaging 3.9 points. Last season, he was the league’s best shooter from beyond the 3-point line, making 49% of his attempts.

Through Monday, Nealy was averaging only 7.5 minutes a game and 0.9 points.

“We were going with a three-guard rotation, and it was difficult to find time for Craig,” said Suns Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons, who is also the club’s director of player personnel.

“Eddie Nealy is a banger and a hard worker who’s made it in this league despite being an eighth-round draft pick,” Fitzsimmons said.