DEERFIELD, Ill. – Tyrus Thomas knew a trade was in the works, so he wasn’t shocked when the Portland Trail Blazers dealt his rights to the Chicago Bulls during the NBA draft Wednesday night.

Nothing against Portland. But Thomas was happy to go to a playoff team.

“I like the atmosphere,” the former LSU star said. “And I like the coaching staff. The coaches, they push you … to get the best out of you.”

The Bulls selected forward LaMarcus Aldridge of Texas with the second pick and traded him and a 2007 second-rounder to the Portland Trail Blazers for the rights to No. 4 pick Thomas and forward Viktor Khryapa.

The Bulls then took forward Rodney Carney of Memphis with the 16th pick and promptly dealt him to Philadelphia for the rights to No. 13 pick Thabo Sefolosha, a 2007 second-round selection and cash.

Thomas played a key role in leading LSU to its first Final Four in 20 years. As a redshirt freshman, he averaged 12.3 points and 9.2 rebounds, second in the SEC behind teammate Glen Davis, and led the league with 3.1 blocks per game after injuring his neck before the 2004-05 season.

Although he’s listed at 6-foot-9, general manager John Paxson isn’t sure if Thomas will be a power forward or small forward in the NBA. There are questions about his range, but LSU kept him on the post. Thomas said he’s a small forward, and Paxson reiterated he is the best athlete in the draft.

“He has an uncanny ability to block shots,” Paxson said. “His reactions and instincts defensively are excellent. He’s still learning the game. He’s got a way to go in that regard. But we’re very confident that he’s going to come in and soak up what we have to offer him.”

Thomas outplayed Aldridge in LSU’s 70-60 victory against Texas in the NCAA tournament, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

The 6-foot-11 Aldridge averaged 15.0 points and 9.2 rebounds as a sophomore for a Longhorns team that won a school-record 30 games, the Big 12 regular-season title and reached the NCAA regional finals.

The Bulls were having a tough time deciding between Thomas and Aldridge, but the Blazers made it easier when they “came into the picture” on Wednesday and dangled Khryapa.

A first-round pick in 2004, Khryapa can defend both forward positions and certain shooting guards, and his scrappiness should fit in with the Bulls.

Sefolosha, a 6-5 guard from Switzerland, averaged 12.0 points and 6.4 rebounds for Italian Serie A club Angelico Biella last season, while Carney ranked second in Conference USA in scoring at 17.2 points per game.

“He’s very long,” coach Scott Skiles said. “He’s versatile. He’s got big hands. … He’s a guy who can play behind Kirk (Hinrich) and Ben (Gordon) and give us size. He can also do some ball-handling.”

It was no secret that Chicago was looking for help in the frontcourt and height in the backcourt. They added length and versatility but are in the market for a big man.

Paxson dismissed rumors of a deal with Minnesota involving Kevin Garnett, saying the teams have “never had that conversation.”

Paxson said the Bulls will pursue frontline help on the free-agent market.