Chicago Bulls Thread

[Spree#8]

Miami? No idea how that would be supposed to work. James and Wade (especially James) would have to learn to play without the ball well as they're both quite useless as spot-up shooters. Right now, we don't really have a clue if James can play without the ball, because he's been dominating it all his career. And you definitely don't sign Steve Nash to make him a spot-up shooter, that's not what he does - especially when he's arguably still the best creator in the league in his late 30s.

Nash has said many times he doesn't want to be a ring chaser like many all-time greats late in their careers. I think the only way he leaves Phoenix is if he goes to a team where he would actually be a good fit. The Bulls would be such a team with Rose out for at least the majority of next season and even when he returns, the could play Rose at the 2.

[Andrew]

Rose isn't exactly a spot up shooter either.

[Spree#8]

But him coming back after the ASW is at this point a very optimistic scenario as far as I know. And when he does return, he probably won't be his usual explosive self for at least a while (if not for the rest of his career).

Another random thought: Boozer might remind himself how to put up 20/10 kind of numbers with Nash as his PG.

[NovU]

I think Nash is a good fit for the Bulls. If Nash considers the Bulls as a serious contender for next season, why not especially when you are a Bulls fan, Only way he leaves Phoenix is for the chance at the ring anyways.

[Andrew]

Another random thought: Boozer might remind himself how to put up 20/10 kind of numbers with Nash as his PG.

A nice thought, but I doubt it.

The idea of bringing Nash in is intriguing, I won't argue that. I can certainly see the benefits because Nash is still playing at an extremely high level. However, how do you get it done as far as showing him the money? If Reinsorf isn't willing to pay the luxury tax, that also leaves them in a tough spot to retain players like Gibson and Asik.

Interesting scenario, but it strikes me as being unlikely.

[Spree#8]

I guess we shouldn't assume Nash is willing to play for the vet minimum, so it would probably take some sort of sign-and-trade and letting Asik go in free agency to avoid the tax (not sure if even that would be enough).

Agreed that Nash going to the Bulls is unlikely, like I've said earlier, I think him leaving the Suns at all is unlikely. Just putting it out there that if he wanted to both compete for anything more than making the playoffs and fit fairly well in his new team, the Bulls would be one of his best options, or even the best one.

[Andrew]

Yeah I'm not completely sold on him leaving Phoenix and he has said he's not going to bounce around chasing rings, but I don't think it's completely set in stone that he stays. The lure of winning a championship has to be strong, I don't think anyone would begrudge him the opportunity and while there are questions as to how it would work with him running the club and LeBron and Wade playing more off the ball, I think everyone involved would be willing to give it a go.

Anyway, turning to the other possibility...while I think it's Dallas or retirement for Kidd, if there's a chance of him being available at the veteran minimum or part of the MLE for one year then that might be the way to go to fill the gap at point guard in the short term. I think he'd be more likely to accept 24-28 minutes a game and a bench role upon Rose's return. I'd keep Watson around to share point guard duties and also spend some time at shooting guard as he is a good shooter, albeit undersized at 6'2". You've got Rose coming back at some point and the prognosis is more positive than initially feared, so there is a long term solution in place.

To keep Gibson and/or Asik, they have to trim some fat from the payroll. I do like Korver and Brewer but as AG noted they are a little overpaid as specialists; not grossly so at $5 million a year but it all adds up. With Butler being groomed to take over there, they could make a salary dump trade for one or both of them, or if they are looking to move Deng for a solid second scorer, perhaps they'd be filler in such a deal along with some picks. The former is probably more likely though.

Here's an idea, too: what about Kevin Garnett? He's a free agent and while he's nearing the end of his career, he's playing his best basketball in a while during these Playoffs. With the Celtics possibly being broken up in the offseason and rebuilt around Rondo, perhaps he'd take a paycut to come "home" to Chicago where he played high school ball, for a shot at one more championship. I'd take him at the MLE over Boozer and his current salary, if the interest is there then perhaps they could amnesty Boozer, bring in KG, re-sign Gibson and continue to groom him to take over in a year or two when KG is gone. A few things have to fall into place for it to happen and it's a short term plan, but it's something I've been pondering while watching the Eastern Conference Finals.

[benji]

I think Korver has to be kept because he's the only bomber on the team currently.

Here's an idea, too: what about Kevin Garnett?

Replacing Boozer with KG in the second projection above: 61-21

[Spree#8]

Kidd doesn't have as much of an impact anymore. The Bulls have a hard time on offense without Rose (and even with him sometimes), Kidd won't change that. He makes sense as a backup, but not as a starter.

I'd keep Korver for the reason benji brought up - the Bulls aren't really a team full of consistent long range shooters. Brewer's role can be handled by Butler, I think, so letting him go might not hurt them.

Garnett would be excellent, the defense would be scary. However, I remember hearing something about him not wanting to play for any other coach than Rivers, so I guess he either stays in Boston or retires.

[Andrew]

Good point in regards to Korver, I suppose if you can ship out Brewer and replace him with Butler, you're already saving some money. If they could do the same with Korver and replace him with a three point specialist at a lower price though, that'd be even better.

Thanks for the projection. I agree that it's a long shot, like I said a few things have to fall into place for it to be feasible, but if the opportunity were to present itself I think they'd absolutely have to do it.

[benji]

They don't need to ship out Brewer, just waive him before July 10.

[RedPhazon8]

Korver was doing pretty well until he got injured during the end of the season, if the price is to high for what he gives then I guess you can do moves with him but I otherwise I thought he did well.

[Andrew]

They don't need to ship out Brewer, just waive him before July 10.

Ah, even easier.

Watching KG in Game 5 today, I'd definitely take him for a couple of years at the MLE over Boozer for three more at his salary. He showed his age at times but it looks like there's still a bit left in the tank. I don't want get too excited over such a remote possibility but I'd love to see it happen.

[benji]

Watson is the same situation as Brewer, I think Korver is July 1st and they still have to pay him $500k.

Also worth reminding that even if they amnesty Boozer they have to pay him the full amount less whatever the team that claims him off waivers. Which will be anything from $10-15 million a year.

[Andrew]

I'd keep Watson at this point, while cutting Brewer loose with some regret as he is a solid player. Butler softens the blow, of course.

[NovU]

Watching KG in Game 5 today, I'd definitely take him for a couple of years at the MLE over Boozer for three more at his salary. He showed his age at times but it looks like there's still a bit left in the tank. I don't want get too excited over such a remote possibility but I'd love to see it happen.

I actually was surprised how KG was so effective at making the Heat frontcourt look so small and tiny. He got so many easy baskets and he used his size advantage so well. I am not too sure if he can do the same against the bigger and stronger frontcourt with his old legs. I guess we will find out if the Celtics move on to the Finals. But so far he has convinced me that he still can put on a show at the big stages unlike Boozer who completely chokes and disappears. KG definitely should be a great addition to the team and should be a nice piece to the core of Noah and Rose. But I don't see under what scenarios it can be done, at least for now.

[benji]

I actually was surprised how KG was so effective at making the Heat frontcourt look so small and tiny.

7+ footer versus 6-8 guys will do that.

[NovU]

Yeah. He's been playing against the likes of Anthony, Battier, Lebron, and Haslem, all of them listed 6-8. Lolz. The Heat spend so much energy on defense and it has somewhat worked to counter the size disadvantage so far this season, but KG's easy baskets were just too much in last 3 games to watch as a Heat fan. Too many times, the defender confronted in front of him which led to over the head pass and easy lay in or dunk by KG. I am hoping Bosh starts next game and at least denies him easy baskets he's been getting.

[Andrew]

But I don't see under what scenarios it can be done, at least for now.

That's the rub. The Celtics would have to go into rebuilding mode around Rondo and KG would have to want to move on, presumably for a shot at another championship and definitely for less money. I'm not banking on it all coming together, but maybe there's an outside chance.

I still think they could go ahead and trim the payroll a bit by cutting Brewer loose by July 10th and putting themselves in a position to at least retain Gibson, as he's looking like he'll be a better long term option than Boozer...barring them pulling off a significant deal for a better power forward of course, but I don't think that's likely to happen in the immediate future. Give Butler his role, hold on to Korver unless they can find another three point specialist at a cheaper rate. Keep Watson, sign another point guard to help carry the load until Rose returns.

[benji]

What's with all this talk about not being able to keep Gibson?

[Andrew]

I was under the impression that re-signing him would put them into luxury tax territory, something Reinsdorf wants to avoid.

[NovU]

Actually I was wondering, do you guys think the Bulls will still be in Win-Now mode next season?

I guess it all depends on how early season goes without Rose. If it works out like benji's projection and play strong from early on, then I guess they got all the reasons to keep this team intact and not make changes during this offseason, which actually I agreed that they should do for now. And yeah, year later from now, the question will be who to keep and who to let go due to FAs.

[benji]

I was under the impression that re-signing him would put them into luxury tax territory, something Reinsdorf wants to avoid.

Any new contract won't start or be known the value of for another year.

[Andrew]

Any new contract won't start or be known the value of for another year.

Ah, fair enough.

Actually I was wondering, do you guys think the Bulls will still be in Win-Now mode next season?

I guess it all depends on how early season goes without Rose. If it works out like benji's projection and play strong from early on, then I guess they got all the reasons to keep this team intact and not make changes during this offseason, which actually I agreed that they should do for now. And yeah, year later from now, the question will be who to keep and who to let go due to FAs.

I think they'll go out and be competitive, try to hang tough until Rose returns and see if they can pick up where they left off from there. That probably means minor moves like the ones mentioned above, moves to bolster themselves for the future and shore themselves up a bit in Rose's absence.

[RedPhazon8]

I can see them hanging in there like the 85-86 Bulls did when Jordan got injured, then make a push in the playoffs when Rose and Deng get back. I'd say the decision for it will come after they get through the off season.