Chicago Bulls Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Central Notes: Bucks, Bulls

February 12th, 2014 at 8:45pm CST by Cray Allred

The Bucks are playing the Pelicans tonight, and Gery Woelfel of the Journal Times suggests Milwaukee brass will pay close attention to opposing guard Eric Gordon amidst trade rumors about the 25-year-old (via Twitter). Gordon has not been linked to the Bucks in any reported discussions, however. Here’s more from around the division:

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau, GM Gar Forman, and injured point guard Derrick Rose all spoke to reporters at a charity function, and both Forman and Rose are working under the assumption that the former-MVP will be out for the rest of the season per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune and Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago. (Twitter links.)
At the same event, Thibodeau said he watches tape of Nikola Mirotic whenever he can. The coach says he hasn’t had a chance to speak with the 6’10” sharpshooter that the Bulls hope to sign away from Real Madrid this summer. (Twitter link)
Thibodeau also said that Carlos Boozer will retake the starting power forward spot for the Bulls when he returns from injury, per Johnson (Twitter link). The Bulls have been getting a longer look at Taj Gibson in Boozer’s absence, and Gibson’s continued career year could have ramifications for his own contractual performance bonuses, as well as the team’s willingness to amnesty Boozer before next season.
We rounded up the Pistons and Cavs earlier tonight.

Eastern Notes: Magic, Cavs, Knicks

February 11th, 2014 at 6:55pm CST by Ryan Raroque

Magic GM Rob Hennigan tells Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel that he’s not actively looking to pursue deals right now: “We’re exploring all options that may improve our team…But in terms of aggressively, actively trying to do something? I would say no [we’re not].”

In that same piece however, Robbins adds that Orlando could make at least one move before the deadline, and much of the trade speculation has revolved around Arron Afflalo, Jameer Nelson, and Glen Davis. Afflalo – whose 19.6 PPG and 5.0 FTA this season represent career bests – is likely drawing the most interest at this point.

Here’s more out of the Eastern Conference this evening:

Looking at what he calls a “mess” in Cleveland, Ric Bucher of the Bleacher Report revisits some of the Cavaliers’ roster decisions since Kyrie Irving‘s arrival in order to describe how they got to this point, including their decision to bypass Jonas Valanciunas in the 2011 draft, hiring Mike Brown, and failing to provide a veteran mentor for Irving. In spite of this, he believes there’s still time to right the ship, especially if the front office- led by interim GM David Griffin – can piece together a roster that compliments rather than saddles Irving.
Frank Isola of the New York Daily News doesn’t buy speculation about Knicks owner James Dolan considering a Carmelo Anthony trade to the Bulls, and thinks that the seven-time All-Star will ultimately stay in New York beyond this summer. Even if Anthony were to bolt, Isola doesn’t believe it’d be the end of the world; with Andrea Bargnani, Amar’e Stoudemire, and Tyson Chandler coming off the books in 2015, New York could target a star like Kevin Durant with their ample cap space (All Twitter links).
ESPN New York’s Ian Begley weighs in on the rumblings surrounding Iman Shumpert and Kenneth Faried from the Knicks’ persepctive, saying that acquiring Faried – though he’d be a plus – doesn’t address their backcourt needs and cuts into their 2015 cap flexibility.
As for the Wizards’ reported interest in Beno Udrih, Begley notes that a one-for-one swap for either Glen Rice Jr. or Al Harrington is feasible, but only from a salary-matching standpoint. Regardless, I think Begley would agree that Washington probably wouldn’t be open to giving up a 23-year-old prospect like Rice Jr. in order to solely acquire a 31-year-old backup point guard.

Central Rumors: Cavs, Pacers, Mirotic

February 11th, 2014 at 11:42am CST by Chuck Myron

It shouldn’t be too much longer until the Pacers clinch the Central Division title. They’re up 14 and a half games on the second-place Bulls, and the only team with a realistic shot at passing the Pacers for the best record in the Eastern Conference is the Heat. Here’s more from a division that, outside of Indiana, is one of dysfunction:

The relationship between Kyrie Irving and Dion Waiters was reportedly a rocky one when trade rumors swirled around Waiters early this season, but Irving now refers to Waiters as a friend, as Bob Finnan of The News-Herald observes. Finnan has more on the on-court and off-court dynamic between the two Cavs guards.
The Pacers reached out to Nuggets coach Brian Shaw, a former Pacers assistant, for advice about whether to sign Andrew Bynum, whom Shaw had worked with as a Lakers assistant, notes Scott Agness of Pacers.com. Shaw gave the center an endorsement, and, “I woke up the next morning to see that they had signed him,” the coach said.
Nikola Mirotic is eager to sign with the Bulls this summer, but Real Madrid, his Spanish team, is intent on offering him a sizable new deal to convince him to stay, according to Javier Maestro of Encestando (translation via Jorge Sierra of HoopsHype).
The dismissal of Maurice Cheeks was tough on Brandon Jennings, who calls the former Pistons coach a “father figure,” as Vincent Goodwill of The Detroit News examines.

Mike Harris Drawing NBA Interest

February 10th, 2014 at 3:48pm CST by Chuck Myron

Mike Harris is running roughshod over the Chinese league since signing with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls late last month, and the Kings, Lakers, Jazz and Chicago Bulls are among the teams that have inquired about the 30-year-old power forward, reports Carson Sofro of HSB Camps. Sofro tells Hoops Rumors that Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin has been in touch with Harris on a weekly basis since Utah waived him in January, shortly before his contract would have become guaranteed for the season.

Harris struck for 55 points and 17 rebounds for Zhejiang on Sunday, and he’s averaging 32.5 points and 15.5 rebounds per contest with 45% shooting from three-point range. The long-range ability is a new wrinkle to his game, since he’s largely shied away from three-pointers in parts of four seasons with NBA clubs, missing all five career attempts.

Most Chinese contracts don’t include an NBA out, but China’s season ends early, and Harris is scheduled to return to the States shortly after the All-Star break, Sofro notes.

Eastern Notes: Woodson, Bulls, Pistons

February 9th, 2014 at 9:01am CST by Eddie Scarito

Friday night’s win against the Nuggets hasn’t dulled the Mike Woodson job security chatter. The Knicks firing him is now a “when”, not an “if” proposition, writes Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com. The team’s players appear to know it, both publicly and privately grumbling about Woodson’s strategies and methods. It’s a legitimate topic for debate as to how much of the blame falls on Woodson for the Knicks struggles this season, but firing him won’t fix the team’s issues opines Windhorst. He cites the problems with the team’s roster, as well as multiple players under-performing. A new coach wouldn’t be able to change that, as well as make an impact on Carmelo Anthony‘s decision to opt out of his contract after the season. Windhorst also examines the impact that interim coaches have on a team’s record. After an initial bump, teams usually don’t improve their records, according to the article.

More from around the Eastern Conference:

Also weighing on on the Knicks flaws not being addressed by firing Woodson, is Al Iannazzone of New York Newsday. He also agrees that many of the players under-performing would not be solved by a coaching change.
Mark Deeks of ShamSports takes another look at Taj Gibson‘s impact on the Bulls’ luxury tax situation. Gibson has a number of performance bonuses in his contract, that if met, could place the team over the luxury tax threshold. Gibson receives a $250K bonus for making the all-defensive second team, with another $250K if he makes the first team. The Bulls are currently $678,595 under the tax, but still have to add one more player to the roster to meet the league’s minimum requirement of 13. Adding a player, even at the minimum slot of $358,919, coupled with Gibson meeting his bonuses, could force the Bulls to pay the tax, which wouldn’t be worth it for a non-contending team, opines Deeks.
The Pistons find themselves in their seemingly annual position of deciding to try to win now or tank for the future, writes Terry Foster of The Detroit News. He opines that while it might be necessary to win for President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and coach Maurice Cheeks to keep their jobs, a better draft would benefit the franchise more in the long run. This goes against team owner Tom Gores’ playoff-or-bust edict, but it’s better for the team if he doesn’t get his wish, writes Foster.

Bulls Notes: Gibson, Augustin, Boozer

February 7th, 2014 at 11:59pm CST by Cray Allred

The Bulls have continued to look like a playoff team in the East despite the loss of Derrick Rose to another season-ending injury and the cap-relief trade that sent Luol Deng to the Cavs. Their salary concerns remain as well. After paying the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history last year, the Deng move signaled the front office’s aim to avoid paying the dreaded repeater tax enforced under the current CBA. Decisions surrounding their current roster will play a large role in whether their plans can accomodate a buyout of Nikola Mirotic‘s overseas contract and/or another major free agent addition this summer. Here are some recent rumblings in Chicago:

Taj Gibson receives a $250K bonus if he makes either the first or second All-Defensive team this season, and that appears to be having an effect on the Bulls personnel decisions as they try to keep from crossing the tax line, writes Mark Deeks of ShamSports. Still, the Bulls have enough room under the tax to add to their roster even if Gibson earns the bonus, so Deeks surmises that the Bulls are worried another bonus, as yet unreported, could tip the scales. Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors also examined Chicago’s tax dilemma a few weeks ago.
Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times thinks that Gibson’s steady improvement as a player, coupled with Carlos Boozer‘s recurring injuries, makes the Bulls’ option to amnesty Boozer more attractive. Gibson is averaging career highs in points, blocks, and minutes per game.
In another piece, rejuvenated Bulls point guard D.J. Augustin tells Cowley he would like to stay with the Bulls. ‘‘I definitely would like to be here [for the] long term.” Augustin said. “I want to be on a winning team, I want to be in a winning organization. Chicago is definitely those two things. When the summertime comes, that’s when I’m going to have to weigh everything.’’ It might take a home-town discount for the Bulls to retain Augustin, as Cowley points out that coach Tom Thibodeau’s penchant for getting the most out of his players ends up driving up their price when they hit free agency. Augustin fits that bill, and the Bulls might need him to spurn their competitors if they wish to retain the 26-year-old. “I’m definitely thankful for the opportunity Chicago gave me,’’ Augustin said. ‘‘You remember things like that, just that they gave me a chance.”

Chuck Myron contributed to this post.

Central Notes: Bynum, Cavs, Bulls

February 7th, 2014 at 1:28pm CST by Chuck Myron

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert spoke about the need for a “cultural and environmental change” Thursday after dismissing ex-GM Chris Grant, and comments that Andrew Bynum made Friday to reporters, including Candace Buckner of the Indianapolis Star, seem to back that up.

“It wasn’t that it didn’t work (in Cleveland),” Bynum said, “it’s just the atmosphere over there wasn’t the one that kind of promoted positive energy in wanting to come in and really — it was just tough at the end of the day.”

There’s more on Bynum’s former team amid our look at the Central:

Cavs owner Dan Gilbert says his team has what it needs to be successful, but he nonetheless believes the club will be active at the trade deadline, observes Mary Schmitt Boyer of the Plain Dealer. Gilbert wouldn’t say whether the team will be a buyer or a seller.
Sam Smith of Bulls.com answers reader questions, explaining why trading Taj Gibson to help the Bulls clear the necessary cap room to sign Carmelo Anthony would be an unnecessary risk.
Earlier today, we passed along news that the Bucks are rejecting trade offers for Larry Sanders and the latest on the Cavs.

Odds & Ends: Young, Bulls, Kuzmic

February 6th, 2014 at 11:15pm CST by Eddie Scarito

The Lakers‘ Nick Young will be out at least two weeks with a patella fracture, writes Zach Harper of CBS Sports.com. Young injured his left knee in last night’s game at Cleveland, and had an MRI exam today in Philadelphia. Results of the MRI show that Young has a non-displaced fracture of the patella and a bone bruise. Young joins Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Xavier Henry, and Jodie Meeks, amongst the ranks of the team’s injured players. Young is averaging 16.9 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 1.5 APG, in 28.8 MPG.

Lakers, Bulls, Bobcats Eye Lance Stephenson

February 6th, 2014 at 4:00pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Lakers, Bulls and Bobcats are among the teams who are planning to target Lance Stephenson in free agency this summer, according to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News. Deveney hears from a GM who expects Stephenson to draw offers with an eight-figure starting salary. Other NBA executives pegged his annual value at between $7-9MM in December, but his continued strong play this season may be boosting his value.

Stephenson has expressed a desire on multiple occasions to re-sign with the Pacers, who’ve signaled that they’re prepared to offer him a sizable contract. It’ll be a tight squeeze to fit such a deal onto the payroll, given Indiana’s reluctance to pay the luxury tax. Deveney examines the variables and suggests the Pacers would have to trade away other salaries to pay Stephenson at market value. Some of his calculations are based on the notion that Paul George could wind up receiving 30% of the cap when his extension kicks in next season, but he agreed to take only 27% of the cap if he triggers the Derrick Rose Rule.

In any case, the Pacers will face tough decisions unless Stephenson is willing to take a hometown discount. Deveney suggests trading Chris Copeland and his two-year, $6.135MM as a solution, but finding a team to absorb that deal without sending salary back to Indiana will be difficult, particularly considering Indiana can’t trade any first-round draft picks before this month’s deadline.

Knicks Rumors: Woodson, Williams, Johnson

February 6th, 2014 at 2:13pm CST by Chuck Myron

The Knicks endured another loss Wednesday, and though they put up a fight against a strong Blazers team, New York fell to 19-30, and rumors persist that Mike Woodson could soon lose his job. Here’s the latest:

The Knicks have discussed making assistant coach Herb Williams interim head coach if they fire Woodson, reports Steve Popper of The Bergen Record. The team would also get rid of most of Woodson’s assistants in that scenario, Popper writes, adding that Larry Johnson is a candidate to serve as an assistant under Williams.
Woodson’s firing would set up a summer pursuit of Tom Thibodeau, Jeff Van Gundy and Stan Van Gundy, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post. The Knicks would pass over assistants Darrell Walker and Jim Todd, both of whom have head coaching experience, because the team believes they’re too closely allied with Woodson, Berman adds.
J.R. Smith says he is “without a doubt” fearful that Woodson will lose his job, Newsday’s Al Iannazzone tweets. Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPNNewYork.com has more from last year’s Sixth Man of the Year. “I love Coach Woodson,” Smith said. “I think he’s done a great job. But it’s out of my hands. So I would hope not [if management opts to make a change], but if it does then we have to live with it.”
Jeff Van Gundy would want a major payday, control over the team’s basketball operations, and a relaxation of the team’s draconian media rules if he were to agree to coach the Knicks, sources tell ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith.
In the same piece, Smith opines that the Knicks should realize how unattractive they are to free agents and trade Carmelo Anthony before the deadline rather than risk him leaving in the offseason.
Woodson admits the season has been a supreme disappointment, as Ian Begley notes via Twitter. “This year, for me, has been kind of a disaster from a coaching standpoint … and trying to get players to play at a high level,” Woodson said.