Sam Smith of the Chicago Tribune reports that yesterday?s Bucks/Hawks deal ruined a chance for the Bulls to bring Toni Kukoc back to Chicago. The Bulls wanted to bring Kukoc in as a veteran mentor and a forward who could relieve the pressure on second-year players Eddy Curry and Tyson Chandler.

The Bucks acquired Toni Kukoc, Leon Smith and a future 1st round pick from the Hawks in exchange for Glen Robinson. The Bulls were offering Eddie Robinson for Kukoc, but the Hawks went with the other Robinson.

The Bulls have been angling for Kukoc since before the draft. A three way deal with the Hawks and 76ers that would have returned Kukoc to Chicago and sent Robinson to Philadelphia and Eric Snow to the Hawks was cancelled. The 76ers pulled Snow off the market after dealing Speedy Claxton to San Antonio. The Bulls hoped to bring Kukoc back and create room to sign 76ers free agent Matt Harpring, but as long as they're stuck with Robinson and his five-year, $31 million contract, it seems unlikely they'll be able to sign the defensive-minded Harpring.