According to sources Melo would be interested in coming to the Bulls this summer. By my calculations the Bulls could get far enough under the cap to create space for a max FA. They'd have to amnesty Boozer, let Deng go and trade Taj for an expiring. Seems like a lot to just let walk, but in a star driven league having Melo and Rose could be like having Durant and Westbrook. Then fill in around them with Noah, Mirotic, Butler, Snell, Dunleavy and Augustine. Not a bad supporting cast for 2 stars.
Billy Habibi
I had given up on the idea, but a New York Post story says Melo likes Thibs. Open to Chicago for marketing reasons. Since I don't see him switching from the bad Knicks to the bad Lakers. And I don't see the Clippers giving up Griffin, I think Bulls have a shot. Not sure why they won't swap Deng for Bynum to avoid luxury tax penalties when Deng can still resign next year. But maybe it’s because they're holding out to try to improve/compete. What if Knicks were willing to move on from the Carmelo experiment. Would they accept a package of Deng, Butler, Teague, Mohammad and the Bulls and Charlotte 1sts? Assuming Bulls would even offer that. Gives Bulls a chance to compete again this season and a star to pair with rose next year and beyond. Melo would have to give a strong indication he would resign too.
Mike Kay
So I read on Bleacher Report that Carmelo Anthony wanted to go to the Bulls, Lakers, or Clippers if he were to leave the Knicks. Do you think the Bulls would be able to sign Anthony in the offseason? And if you do, do you think the Bulls could still have room to sign decent role players to play around Rose and Anthony?
Titi Spizzirri
I just watched a Celtics game on league pass and this dude (Tommy Heinsohn) is hilarious. Screaming at refs and everything. Turns out he's a 10 time champ and a Boston legend. I was wondering if you had any cool stories involving him you could share on Friday. The day to day Bulls stuff can be a grind and it's cool when you write about the old days.
Wesley Davis
I've heard all the rumors of Luol Deng being traded but it seems that the Bulls brass are truly believing they can re-sign Deng this summer. I've heard they offered him between $8-9 million per season and he turned his nose up at it. My question is when do you have enough money and start to think winning is priority. If Luol Deng was serious about winning why didn't he take that offer? Is it because he felt that amount was an insult or did he just want to up his market price for this summer? He's going to decline over his next contract and he hasn't won a NBA title so why should the Bulls brass hold on to him any longer, why not trade him for picks or expiring contracts?
Stan Ross
So do you think the Pacers should tank now that they lost to the Raptors by 13? Especially after it was a back to back (for Toronto) And how about OKC after losing to at home to Portland. I don't think trading Boozer or Deng for a guy like Ross of Toronto would be "tanking."
Dean Hewitt
When is Thibodeau going figure out that D.J. should be the starting point guard and Hinrich the backup?
Tom Rowlett
Are the Lakers finally at a point where they might consider moving Gasol for Boozer and Hinrich?
Stephen Fulton
I am not for this but do you think the Bulls are considering acquiring Bynum in order to cut him by January 7th? If they traded either Deng or Boozer for Bynum and cut Bynum that would clear them under the luxury tax. Highly doubt Cleveland would take Boozer but maybe if they threw in a future 1st round pick (maybe a 2016 1st rounder or something).
Rod Blunck
So is it safe to assume that Kyle Korver gets invited back (finally) to the 3-point shooting contest this year?
Thomas Bonk
I've heard a lot of fan talk about Derrick Rose's continued value and whether he can be relied upon in the future. Do you have any insight on whether the Bulls organization has true concerns about him as a cornerstone in future seasons? Do the trainers see implicit risk for his future in his style of play?
Steve Price
Who do you think the Bulls will target in the draft? I'm not asking about people but positions. Maybe a center first, then possibly small forward?
Michael Roth
What are the chances of Mirotic coming next season? If he is able to come who’s game does his resemble? Would Toni Kukoc be a good comparison?
Jonpaul Gauthier
I'm a little stunned at the season so far but it’s the Eastern division and I truly believe we'll make the playoffs and be respectable. My question is we've been hurt by the injury bug and now that LeBron has dual ailments, what would be our chances if everything else being equal, that a George and or West came up injured or lame and we get our guys back and finish strong with good D and adequate offense?
Tom Golden