Chicago Bulls Offseason

[ChiCubsFan]

I'm excited to see JB play. He looked to already be above average defensively and a pretty good rebounder. His offense is lacking, but he's replacing Ronnie Brewer. The offense is obviously going to be hard to come by with 2 of our top 3 scorers out, but they'll be back for the playoffs.

 

I'd be ecstatic if we could land Andre Miller but I don't know how realistic that is. He played a lot of 2 guard along side Ty Lawson this year and would be a good compliment to Rose once he returns. Guard rotation of Rose, Miller, and Rip in the playoffs sounds very good to me.

[UMFan83]

I just got my season ticket renewal form this week. If they didn't already have 900 dollars of my money I would have probably cancelled them.

 

Next year is just going to be a bummer I think. The playoffs should be fun though with D-Rose hopefully somewhat himself by then. Just sign kirk hinrich to be the point for more than half the season and play with the team as is. The year after drop Boozer and bring over Mirotic. What sucks the most is that a majority of our bench players that make us great will be out of contract after next season. We may have a better starting 5 but our bench could be a weakness in a few years.

 

Almost definitely at least one, and probably two, of Brewer, Watson, and Korver will be gone before the season starts. And I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing. We know what those guys do in the playoffs when it really matters, and when the playoffs roll around depth means a lot less than it does in the regular season.

 

I just renewed my season tickets as well. It's going to be tough to get rid of some of those early season games.

 

It's been speculated that all 3 of those guys will not be retained this offseason. The Bulls seem to have decided that they want to retain Asik and keep the Bulls superior front court depth and hope that it limits the dropoff of play from the bench.

 

The more I think about it, it might not hurt the team as much as it seems. No doubt it will hurt, but if you can sign a backup PG for 2.5 million like Hinrich or Andre Miller, it might be an upgrade over Watson. Jimmy Butler will replace Brewer and the Bulls will likely take a great shooter with their 1st round pick to try to replace some of Korver's value

 

Yep, just have Jimmy Butler become a great defender, have Andre Miller take a contract for less money than CJ Watson got and draft a great shooter with the 30th pick. Shouldn't be a problem.

 

There's no way we're going to be able to replace those 3 with our cap situation, what I'm discussing is a scenario that limits the damage as much as possible. JB showed good defense in limited minutes last year, so I'm interested to see how he can respond next year. Won't be as good as Brewer but I think he'll contribute well in Thibs system.

 

Andre Miller is just someone I saw speculated as an option RealGM. He's 36 and was a backup PG in Denver last year. It's not a stretch to suggest he's going to take a paycut from the $7 mil he was paid last year, will he take 2.5 million for 2 years for the chance to play with a contender (at least in 13-14)? I dunno but there are a couple of other options too that wouldnt be terrible.

 

And considering how well the Spurs have done finding 3 point shooters late in the draft the last few years, I do believe its possible to get someone who can be a decent fill in for Korver. I'm sure he won't be as good, but again like I said it's a given that the Bulls are going to be downgrading this year. NBAdraft.net is projecting the Bulls take John Jenkins, who shot 48% from 3 as a Freshman and his jumpshot is rated 10/10 by them with his closest NBA comparison being JJ Redick. Are those comparisons usually huge stretches? Of course, but its not stupid to suggest the Bulls can get a good long range shooting threat with their draft pick (which is 29, not 30).

 

Edit: Also if the Bulls miss out on Jenkins, there is Kevin Murphy out of Tennessee Tech who is an early second round projection and considered a good long distance shooter. Not sure if 42% from 3 in college is anything to write home about but supposedly he has NBA 3 point range. The question is whether these guys are athletic enough to run around using screens and getting themselves open with any regularity.

[UMFan83]

From CSN Chicago:

 

Chicago will make a run at Steve Nash and Jason Kidd in free agency, according to a source.

 

C.J. Watson filled in admirably in place of an injured Derrick Rose in the postseason, but the Bulls are expected to look to upgrade at point guard during Rose’s absence.

 

Rose is walking with a soft brace after undergoing surgery to repair a torn left ACL and is hoping to return by next season’s All-Star break.

[Andy]

Not sure what kind of salary they'd command, but if either were crazy enough to take a 1-year deal, it might be worth a look.

[Soul]

Why not 2?

 

1st year is a split season, helping the Bulls through the Rose injury and then acclimatizing to having a Rose/Nash combo (or whatever).

 

2nd year could be very special.

[ChiCubsFan]

I think Jason Kidd is just about done. Sign me up for Steve Nash, though.

[UMFan83]

More about Bulls PG search:

 

Sam Amico‏@SamAmicoFSO

While Heat & Celtics play in EC finals, Bulls weighing free agent options. Potential targets said to be Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Andre Miller

 

Sam Amico‏@SamAmicoFSO

Also, don't be surprised if Bulls make run at Nick Young (Clippers) and Carlos Delfino (Bucks).

 

Guess I might be right about considering Andre Miller. It will of course all depend on how much of a pay cut he is willing to accept to play for a quasi-contender.

[SouthSideRyan]

lololololol, we're not really sure, but we've got it down to either Steve Nash or Nick Young. Still up in the air who we really want.

[Banedon]

lololololol, we're not really sure, but we've got it down to either Steve Nash or Nick Young. Still up in the air who we really want.

 

That's why GarPax gets the big bucks. To make the hard decisions.

[rawaction]

More about Bulls PG search:

 

Sam Amico‏@SamAmicoFSO

While Heat & Celtics play in EC finals, Bulls weighing free agent options. Potential targets said to be Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Andre Miller

 

Sam Amico‏@SamAmicoFSO

Also, don't be surprised if Bulls make run at Nick Young (Clippers) and Carlos Delfino (Bucks).

 

Guess I might be right about considering Andre Miller. It will of course all depend on how much of a pay cut he is willing to accept to play for a quasi-contender.

 

As awesome as Steve Nash is, I'm not sure how he'd fit when Rose comes back. That backcourt would be a mess defensively, and I don't know if DRose is good enough of a shooter and may not be healthy enough to take the ball out of his hands (Nash clearly should have the ball in most circumstances) and come off screens.

 

Andre Miller and Nick Young seem to be the best fits of those names. Though neither Miller nor Kidd shoot well enough to fit well with Rose on the court, who should handle the ball over those 2.

[Banedon]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

[davell]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

 

It requires a TON of begging and hoping he's a ring chaser, basically. BTW, I wouldn't think it's an either/or situation when it comes to the PG's and Young/Delfino. I think it's probably a situation where they'd like to add both. Again, by begging and playing up the "we're a contender" card. Personally, I don't see it working, but I guess I'm glad they're going to try.

[Soul]

What exactly do you mean by TONS of begging?

[SouthSideRyan]

otphj

[davell]

What exactly do you mean by TONS of begging?

 

 

Just mean, in Nash's case, he loves it where he is, and is going to have to really buy into us being able to win a championship, for him to leave where he's at, and take less money as well, to do it.

[SouthSideRyan]

What exactly do you mean by TONS of begging?

 

 

Just mean, in Nash's case, he loves it where he is, and is going to have to really buy into us being able to win a championship, for him to leave where he's at, and take less money as well, to do it.

 

That's one hell of a sell job when he doesn't know what kind of condition Rose will be in when he comes back. Especially when you have Miami starting Mario Chalmers and OKC playing Derek Fisher 20 mins/game.

[davell]

What exactly do you mean by TONS of begging?

 

 

Just mean, in Nash's case, he loves it where he is, and is going to have to really buy into us being able to win a championship, for him to leave where he's at, and take less money as well, to do it.

 

That's one hell of a sell job when he doesn't know what kind of condition Rose will be in when he comes back. Especially when you have Miami starting Mario Chalmers and OKC playing Derek Fisher 20 mins/game.

 

 

Can't argue that at all.

[Soul]

If he's got a better option for a championship next year, they'll never get to the begging stage. He'll just go to one of those teams instead.

[Guest]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

 

It requires a TON of begging and hoping he's a ring chaser, basically. BTW, I wouldn't think it's an either/or situation when it comes to the PG's and Young/Delfino. I think it's probably a situation where they'd like to add both. Again, by begging and playing up the "we're a contender" card. Personally, I don't see it working, but I guess I'm glad they're going to try.

 

I think they can sign and trade the unguaranteed contracts for him, can't they? Then the Suns would be able to just drop them.

 

From what I understand based on RealGM, that's an option the Bulls can offer that Miami can't. Miami would just have the MMLE.

Edited June 4, 2012 by David

[SouthSideRyan]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

 

It requires a TON of begging and hoping he's a ring chaser, basically. BTW, I wouldn't think it's an either/or situation when it comes to the PG's and Young/Delfino. I think it's probably a situation where they'd like to add both. Again, by begging and playing up the "we're a contender" card. Personally, I don't see it working, but I guess I'm glad they're going to try.

 

I think they can sign and trade the unguaranteed contracts for him, can't they? Then the Suns would be able to just drop them.

 

You lost me.

[Guest]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

 

It requires a TON of begging and hoping he's a ring chaser, basically. BTW, I wouldn't think it's an either/or situation when it comes to the PG's and Young/Delfino. I think it's probably a situation where they'd like to add both. Again, by begging and playing up the "we're a contender" card. Personally, I don't see it working, but I guess I'm glad they're going to try.

 

I think they can sign and trade the unguaranteed contracts for him, can't they? Then the Suns would be able to just drop them.

 

You lost me.

 

They can give the Suns Brewer in a sign and trade and the Suns can promptly cut Brewer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

EDIT - Sorry, I meant Korver. I think the decision needs to be made on Brewer prior to free agency.

Edited June 4, 2012 by David

[SouthSideRyan]

That doesn't sound right.

[Guest]

Watson's and Brewer's are evidential of the aforementioned delayed-team-option thing, fully unguaranteed contracts that become fully guaranteed if not waived on or before July 10th. Korver's is different; he has $500,000 in guaranteed compensation, yet has no contract guarantee date (save for the league-wide guarantee date of January 10th), and will thus be an incredibly useful trade chip that summer

[CubColtPacer]

I'm more confused by how they would fit Steve Nash in money-wise.

 

It requires a TON of begging and hoping he's a ring chaser, basically. BTW, I wouldn't think it's an either/or situation when it comes to the PG's and Young/Delfino. I think it's probably a situation where they'd like to add both. Again, by begging and playing up the "we're a contender" card. Personally, I don't see it working, but I guess I'm glad they're going to try.

 

I think they can sign and trade the unguaranteed contracts for him, can't they? Then the Suns would be able to just drop them.

 

You lost me.

 

He's saying that the Suns could do a sign and trade with the Bulls for Nash for something like Brewer+Watson+first round pick. That allows Nash to get an 8 million a year contract, and then if the contracts stay unguaranteed the Suns could drop Brewer and Watson with no penalty. So Nash gets his money, the Suns get a first round pick out of the deal, and the Bulls get their player without losing anybody they were going to keep.

 

The problem is the Suns would probably demand the Charlotte pick in that scenario.

 

That's the only sort of scenario where I see the Bulls having a chance for Nash though. There are contenders that can give him playing time but not money (Miami, OKC). There are fringe contenders that can give him both (Indiana, Portland?). He could decide to stay with that amazing training staff in Phoenix. The Bulls are kind of stuck in between some of those groups. The playing time picture is cloudy, the money without a sign and trade isn't that great, and they probably can't be considered quite as good of contenders as teams like Miami or OKC.

 

Edit: If it's just Korver that could be traded that way it becomes harder. The Suns would actually have to value Brewer or Watson in that scenario to want to keep them (of course if they got the Charlotte pick they'd probably be ok taking on excess expiring contracts).

[PosterToBeNamedLater]

What exactly do you mean by TONS of begging?

 

 

Just mean, in Nash's case, he loves it where he is, and is going to have to really buy into us being able to win a championship, for him to leave where he's at, and take less money as well, to do it.

Although he loves Phoenix, it is pretty much assumed here that he is gone. The talk on the Phoenix sports radio isn't even considering him coming back. It is all about how the Suns move forward. A few weeks ago, I heard an interview with him where he talked well of the Heat and talked about how he wouldn't mind playing there. For him to talk like he did made me think it was highly likely he ends up there.