Chicago Bulls Thread

[Confusious]

League sources said the Bulls' traveling party to Ohio is expected to include team Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf, senior vice president John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman and possibly Thibodeau. A rumor that former great Scottie Pippen would attend couldn't be corroborated, though there has been contact between the organization and its six-time NBA champion.

Sources said the Hawks, whose ownership situation is in flux, could offer Johnson a six-year, $126 million maximum contract to keep their most valuable asset.

The Bulls appear to be focusing on recruiting power forwards before they get their sitdown with James, which is believed to be Friday. Chris Bosh and Carlos Boozer are the Bulls' main targets at that position.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports...,6952391.story

Definitely going all in. Too bad they aren't bringing Rose.

[Cartar]

Anybody watch ESPN's Free Agent Summit? Michael Wilbon hit the nail on the head.

I was the most impressed with Wilbon out of that group. Kornheiser didn't have a clue what was going on. Dan was being a Miami Heat homer the entire half hour. Simmons just threw out random and crazy scenarios with little chance of happening. Wilbon backed up what he talked about, he gave reason, and the player who he picked to go where, were a fit for the team he chose. He even brought up the whole SG issue for the Bulls. He picked LeBron going to Chicago and said that the only reason that Bosh would go there would be because of LeBron. He said Dirk and Wade would stay, Joe and Amar'e would go play for their former coach in New York, and said Boozer would go to Miami along with Allen to Chicago. Every player he picked to go where made sense. By the way, even though he is from Chicago, he wasn't as big of a homer as Dan.

Three of four analysts said Lebron to Chicago.

Haven't finished it yet, but pretty much agreed with you, La Batard sounded like a pure homer (even though I would like to Miami come out as a winner in the FA).

[Andrew]

I'd take Bosh over Boozer, but I'm not against the idea of bringing Boozer in if getting Bosh is unfeasible. If they do end up getting LeBron then any of the top names as far as bigs are concerned would be icing on the cake.

[Oznogrd]

What do you mean Simmons was making up crazy scenarios? He was basing things on actual cap room and needs just like Wilbon was and being less of a homer than Wilbon. Wilbon had 3 FAs going to the Bulls while yes Lebetard was being a moron, giving Miami 4 of the 8 big name FAs. Kornheiser was just being a grumpy old man arguing. Simmons and Wilbon are the only ones who appeared to actually watch basketball.

[Martti.]

There was so much yelling and arguing it was hard to understand some personal opinions. Though 2 of them saw Lebron and Bosh going to the Bulls. Latest rumor has it, that Bosh will go to the Heat, again.

I think it will be -
Lebron - Chicago
Bosh, Wade - Miami
Johnson, Amare - NY
Boozer, Gay - NJ
Dirk, Pierce - stay put.

Lee has been a question mark so far, but if NY gets 2 max guys they can't afford him (and they'll probably overpay Joe Johnson for it).

[Sauru]

i still think lebron and bosh are going to chicago. also feel that the knicks will over pay for johnson who imo does not deserve a max deal. amare caught alot of heat in phoenix it will get worse if he goes to the knicks. infact i think both the knicks and nets will come out worse at the end of this off season. sure they will have more win and maybe even makethe playoffs but they will be stuck as a first round exit for several years

[Oznogrd]

i still think lebron and bosh are going to chicago. also feel that the knicks will over pay for johnson who imo does not deserve a max deal. amare caught alot of heat in phoenix it will get worse if he goes to the knicks. infact i think both the knicks and nets will come out worse at the end of this off season. sure they will have more win and maybe even makethe playoffs but they will be stuck as a first round exit for several years

The nets intrigue me with favors, the new owner, harris, and lopez. Oh and getting rid of the black hole of Yi. If they bring an FA or 2..they're giong to have a really solid starting 5. Not so sure bout the bench though...

The Knicks are going to continue to suck, even with talent.

[Sauru]

i agree that the nets are in a better situation i just think they are both gonna over pay for players after all the major names are gone

[Andrew]

There was so much yelling and arguing it was hard to understand some personal opinions. Though 2 of them saw Lebron and Bosh going to the Bulls. Latest rumor has it, that Bosh will go to the Heat, again.

I think it will be -
Lebron - Chicago
Bosh, Wade - Miami
Johnson, Amare - NY
Boozer, Gay - NJ
Dirk, Pierce - stay put.

Lee has been a question mark so far, but if NY gets 2 max guys they can't afford him (and they'll probably overpay Joe Johnson for it).

If that scenario was to hold true, then I'd like to see Lee come to the Bulls. He's a 20-10 player and his defensive deficiencies probably wouldn't be as noticeable with Noah watching his back.

[Static]

There was so much yelling and arguing it was hard to understand some personal opinions. Though 2 of them saw Lebron and Bosh going to the Bulls. Latest rumor has it, that Bosh will go to the Heat, again.

I think it will be -
Lebron - Chicago
Bosh, Wade - Miami
Johnson, Amare - NY
Boozer, Gay - NJ
Dirk, Pierce - stay put.

Lee has been a question mark so far, but if NY gets 2 max guys they can't afford him (and they'll probably overpay Joe Johnson for it).

If that scenario was to hold true, then I'd like to see Lee come to the Bulls. He's a 20-10 player and his defensive deficiencies probably wouldn't be as noticeable with Noah watching his back.

I'm starting to buy more and more into the idea of some duo out of the '03 class free agents (lebron, wade, bosh) going to the same team. thing is, does chicago plus lebron have enough to make a difference in the eastern conference, especially if the celtics come out of the offseason intact, the magic young core grows another year more experienced, and the heat emerge from FA with bosh AND wade?

[Andrew]

I think a trio of LeBron, Rose and Noah isn't too shabby. Gibson's shown some promise, Deng isn't a bad player (just overpaid) and depending whom else they bring in with all their cap space, they'd have a pretty respectable lineup. Last year they were good for 41 wins despite a 10 game losing string amidst a rash of injuries. I'd have to believe that simply bringing LeBron in would propel them up around the 50 win mark and give them at least a decent shot at the Conference Finals.

[Static]

Do you think Lebron James' decision to go Chicago would factor in the city's association with Michael Jordan? I mean from a legacy perspective, it seems a bit questionable for Lebron James to sign with the Chicago Bulls. If he's trying to establish himself as one of the best players in the history of the league, it doesn't help to be in MJ's shadow. Chicago's #23 has already been retired, which doesn't matter much in FA terms, but it's symbolic because it presents a ceiling limiting Lebron James' achievements. No matter what he does, he'll never be the best player in Chicago Bulls history or even the best #23. By carving out his own name in Michael Jordan's shadow, he's potentially diminishing his own chances of creating a legacy of his own and settling for one that's framed mostly by references to Jordan.

[Confusious]

I think Lee could come to Chicago along with LeBron.

[Confusious]

The Bulls are trying to keep their actions under wraps. There was evidence the management team of Gar Forman, John Paxson and new coach Tom Thibodeau traveled somewhere Wednesday, and their most likely destination was Akron, Ohio, to demonstrate how serious they are about adding the two-time MVP.
http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=391326&src=150]

[Andrew]

Do you think Lebron James' decision to go Chicago would factor in the city's association with Michael Jordan? I mean from a legacy perspective, it seems a bit questionable for Lebron James to sign with the Chicago Bulls. If he's trying to establish himself as one of the best players in the history of the league, it doesn't help to be in MJ's shadow. Chicago's #23 has already been retired, which doesn't matter much in FA terms, but it's symbolic because it presents a ceiling limiting Lebron James' achievements. No matter what he does, he'll never be the best player in Chicago Bulls history or even the best #23. By carving out his own name in Michael Jordan's shadow, he's potentially diminishing his own chances of creating a legacy of his own and settling for one that's framed mostly by references to Jordan.

#23 being retired isn't an issue since LeBron is changing his number to six (even if he wasn't, I don't think MJ would be all that keen on giving his blessing for LeBron to wear it in Chicago; nor does he need to be, he more than earned that honour from the Bulls) but the whole "legacy" question is certainly interesting. It's been brought up before and I think it's a fair point to ponder, but I'm not sure that it's really a deciding factor. I don't see it as being more significant than LeBron not wanting to leave his home state or preferring the Cavs' roster or liking what he sees somewhere else entirely. The comparisons to Michael Jordan and all the other greats are going to be there no matter where he plays.

[Confusious]

LeBron's a hype *******. http://www.lebronjames.com/



I'm most definitely looking too much into it and know I will come across as pathetic and ridiculous but I just thought I'd point it out because it came to mind. I think the resemblance is there and is kind of eerie.

[Andrew]

Yeah, one gets the impression LeBron's enjoying himself at the moment.

[George7]

Lebron had a meeting with NJ and NY managers yesterday and Today with MIA,LAC and tommorow i think with CLE,CHI managers.
Why Bulls are last ones in the order?Does it have any criteria for it?Or it's random.
Also i read that all other team bring an impotrant person from the team.Jay-Z the Nets,Mourning i think from Heat.Are bulls taking anyone together?It will be nice to see Rose getting there,but it's unlikely.Is Pippen the one with the Bulls managers maybe(rumors say that)?

[Andrew]

Probably just the way it came about.

[Patr1ck]

It's probably just scheduling, but it could be that he is considering the last teams on the list more than the others. Good to see the Clippers on that list.

[George7]

what is the possibilty of trading Deng for BG?
Signing james the starter for SF is covered ,so a SG is needed.Trading Deng (a spare SF,as he will get too much for a 2nd SF) for Ben Gordon,who proved he can be a danger(despite his bad season at Detroit coming back he can refresh his game)
A Line-up of Rose,Gordon,James,Bosh-Lee-Boozer(and even Gibson) and Noah will be a fantastic lineup for the new age at the Bulls

[air gordon]

don't see that happening...

Ronnie Brewer got cut by the Grizz. doesn't have much of an outside shot but is a solid defender. not the ideal solution for the SG spot but would be a great player to have coming off the bench.

[Andrew]

Agreed. They've still got to round out the roster despite whatever big name they (hopefully) end up bringing in, Brewer could be a solid addition.

[puttincomputers]

i could see the bulls and heat doing a sign and trade. the bulls getting wade and miami getting deng and maybe johnson. Then the bulls could sign james and bosh/lee to max deals. talk about a stacked team!

[Andrew]

I wouldn't give Lee the max, though in that scenario they probably wouldn't need to anyway.