LeBron James

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They are putting the Bulls' over/under for wins at 30.5. I'm definitely taking the over on that. I think they'll make the playoffs. How many wins do you expect them to have?

Well, I'm not quite back, but in an effort to extend the intense and exciting momentum from the release of the 2019-20 schedule, here's a summer bonus Ask Sam. Which happens to be filled with a sufficient amount of the expected summer optimism. Hey, still undefeated and all that. The qualifier for your prediction, of course, was we were really sure about taking the over (27.5) last season. But, you know, now we are really, really, really sure. No, really. Last season, obviously, was a dumpster fire on a train wreck that fell off a cliff. Injuries, minor league call-ups, lottery balls, yadda, yadda…nothing to see here, keep moving.

Which is why despite a lot of positive reviews for the Bulls post season moves (Thaddeus Young, Tomas Satoransky, Luke Kornet, Coby White, Daniel Gafford), the predictions have generally been between 25 and 30 wins and somewhere between ninth and 12th. Which could be, though I seriously believe this is a .500 Bulls playoff team. I know, hold off on the Grant Park rally plans. Young and Satoransky are adults in the room, finally, and I believe Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen are on the verge of becoming All-Star players with an improved team.

An intriguing scene I witnessed in Summer League gave me pause and piqued my interest. Several players, including LaVine and Young, came in for the games. Then I heard Kris Dunn would be there, also. I was somewhat surprised considering all the speculation about him being on the outside, likely traded, and so on. But Dunn was especially upbeat and greeted John Paxson like a long lost brother and they appeared to have a friendly chat. And then with, it seems, not much subsequent talk about another transaction. And Satoransy in an interview saying the Bulls didn't tell him he would be a starter. So it's sounding more like Dunn will be with the team. And with what's been from indications a summer of serious work for him, suddenly with the late season acquisition of Otto Porter the Bulls have perhaps as much veteran depth as any team in the Eastern Conference. I frankly don't see, for instance, the Celtics roster being so much better. Or even much. With Wendell Carter Jr. and Dunn, that's two plus defenders. LaVine and Markkanen potentially are plus offensive players. The Bulls could feature a bench with Young, Satoransky, Denzel Valentine, Chandler Hutchison and spark plugs like Shaquille Harrison and Ryan Arcidiacono. Which also gives the rookies a chance to learn and develop. And not have to endure their inconsistencies.

The 76ers, Clippers and Rockets probably don't have much to worry about. But this is looking like a season in which with more parity several teams could surprise. The Bulls have a chance to be one. No, really.

Dunn isn't done like the pundits are saying. I think actually he might be a great shooting guard for the Bulls. He's got a real nice mid-range game. And, the potential to be a good 3-point shooter. What are your thoughts on moving him to the 2?

A few months ago "moving" seemed to be the operative word for Dunn. And maybe it still will be. But like I suggested above, it's appearing more like the Bulls want to give him a chance—remember, he's basically been hurt every season—to show he's a former No. 5 overall draft pick coming into his contract season. Motivated, and all that. No matter the concerns and questions about his shooting, Dunn always has been able to defend well. You can pair him at times with Harrison for a backcourt that can pressure. And with long wing players like Porter and Young, the Bulls could present teams with challenges. Zach LaVine has a chance to break out to be an elite shooting guard. Dunn's never going to be the scoring point guard model of this era. Though perhaps in the mold of a championship team player like Rajon Rondo. There are many ways to help a team at point guard.

With Team USA seemingly struggling to field top end scorers and athletic wing players for perhaps the first time ever, why did Zach LaVine not get an invite? He would seem a good fit to provide explosiveness, shooting, and can even play some PG in some lineups. What gives? He didn't even get asked after all the dropouts, is his game not a fit or is he less respected around the league than I think or is it something else?

I wondered the same thing and even offered a suggestion to Jerry Colangelo, which seemed to lead to his phone battery going dead. I believe Zach is a victim of playing for losing, lottery bound teams (hey, someone has to score), which could change this season. What I've been most surprised about and which I've mentioned several times in previous Ask Sam column was why Bulls fans have questioned him so much. He's sort of the Mitch Trubinsky of the Bulls, that because he's not someone else it's almost like many would prefer he fail. What many are missing, it seems to me, is who else is so much better. Zach ended the season averaging close to 25 points, he had several games of 40 points or more, he was averaging almost 30 a month into the season, among the league leaders in getting to the free throw line and was an end game winning shot maker. As few times as that opportunity presented itself. And that with a team in the midst of a radical coaching change, evolving playing philosophies and a roster of teammates he often had to check the jerseys in the locker room to find out who they were. I'd take him ahead of several All-Stars from last season and averaging more than four assists and rebounds, LaVine demonstrates an unusual versatility. I know, he's not Jordan or Rose. But is that the only bar?

Any contact with our PF over Summer? Any upper body strength added? Your projections for Laurie?

We hope it's just the beginning and he's not finished. Just Finnish. I haven't heard much about Markkanen this summer and believe he's mostly been in Finland. Hopefully making neighboring country pleas for ASAP Rocky. It's a big season for Markkanen. He's had injuries, but that's also part of being elite. You have to stay on the court and be consistent. He should be able to average close to 20/10. The test for him will be whether it's a tough 20/10, becoming a late game go-to guy, making a big play when needed, carrying the team through tough stretches in the game when nothing is going for anyone else or during a few weeks like he did in February through that four-overtime game in early March. There was some medical scare afterward which turned out to be a false alarm. But he withered most of the last month after defenses went after him. He'll have much better teammates this season, so defenses can't load up on him like that. But he's so talented it's on him to show in his third season at 22 he can be the Finnisher many project. Right, never too early for the bad puns.

When you look at the Warriors and them having 4 players with at max or near max deals, something has to give. With Russell they have two point guards and Curry seems to be the most expendable. Would the Warriors consider trading Steph Curry and what kind of haul would they be able to get for him? He has expressed interest in playing for Charlotte, do they have the assets to interest the Warriors and still be competitive?

There's been some talk over the years of Curry returning home to North Carolina, though I'd speculate that if the Warriors did that the current owners also would have to move there. Of course, the Hornets have nothing much of worth, and even if they did there's no way perhaps the most popular player in San Francisco history was being traded. And just as a new arena was opening. They have plenty of money and I can't imagine how much they'll be charging for those tickets. The general consensus has been the Warriors will see how the Curry/Russell thing works and can always trade Russell. You don't lose a player like Durant if you can get an All-Star back. No matter the position. It's sort of a sabbatical season for the Warriors, but Thompson could be back late in the season. And they did re-up Draymond, so they should still be good. And Curry remains one of the most must see players in the league. He'll retire a Warrior.

Was reading an article of the top 100 players going into the 2019-2020 NBA Season (written by the Mystique). They list the Bulls Players: Zach Lavine 39 Otto Porter 69 Markkanen 34 Pascal Siakam 27 (Really? he was an unknown before the NBA Playoffs) Zion Williamson 100 That should serve as a bit of motivation to players such as Wendell Carter Jr, Thaddeus Young and others who did not make the list. You think?

I guess that's why they call it the Mystique. It does seem a bit of a mystery. Of course, these sort of rankings are a way of reporters saying, Hey, we have nothing else to write about and I still need a paycheck. Zion 100? Not based on the NBA schedule I just saw. Call that a mystique. Based on the TV games I saw, the networks appear to believe he's some combination of Julius Erving, Michael Jordan and Pete Maravich. Wait until they have him for 10 load management games. The Pelicans mostly have been treating him like a porcelain doll, and I'll be interested to see if he plays at all in the preseason or again after the opener until Christmas Day. Especially with New Orleans in the United Center for an exhibition. Heck, LeBron never even got on the plane for those.

Your reputation rises with team success. I understand it's difficult to explain that to young players because their families and agents generally tell them the opposite until they get their first big contract. I'm sympathetic. There's not as much money just being on a winning team compared with a big, guaranteed contract. Which is one reason it's so difficult to succeed with a plethora of young players. And which is also why acquisitions like Porter, Young and Satoransky are so crucial for the Bulls this season. Once you get on national TV and in the playoffs your fantasy ratings rise. But that depends more on talent and excellence. The Bulls appear to have enough talented players now to gain some notice. But they'll need the wins, too.

When LeBron was on Miami, he seemed to take most of the credit for victories and when they struggled... he'd often argue with Bosh. Chalmers too. But LeBron seemed to have something against Bosh. Again, just my opinion. Then LeBron goes back to Cleveland. He replaces Bosh with K Love. The same thing started happening... LeBron starts complaining about Love to the media, to his face etc. Again LeBron takes all the credit when they win. Seems to blame others, Love, when the team struggles. I can't take away LeBron winning titles with both of those teams, but I won't be like him and take credit away from those other players. If I'm taking shots at his throne, now that he's on the Lakers, LeBron needs a new teammate to blame. He needs someone to blame when the media talks to him after a critical Lakers loss. He can't blame a broken air conditioner. He can't blame Bosh and Love is no longer with him. I select Kuzma as his next whipping boy. You know why? Anthony Davis will not put up with that mess. Cousins won't put up with it either. Rondo? Nope. Someone should prepare Kuzma!!

Maybe he already blamed Cousins. I haven't felt sorry much for Cousins, but what a terrible occurrence, the ACL this week after the Achilles. It's tough to see him even having much of a career anymore. No one should have to go through that. I was anxious to see Cousins with LeBron and Rondo and the potential for nightly ESPN behind the scenes stories. Though you're being a little hard on LeBron. I actually like LeBron. Certainly more than you, I guess. I understand as a team you sort of do the Damn Yankees sell-your-soul-to-the-devil thing when you take him on. We've heard all the stories of his entourage guys getting all the benefits of the team compared to even his teammates. But he also makes you money because you win, you're on TV. Look at the incredible contracts he got for guys like J.R. Smith and Tristan Thompson. And Love, actually. They always say a great point guard gets you paid because of the way they can enhance your statistics, like Steve Nash did in Phoenix. It's in the numbers.

There isn't a team that wouldn't take LeBron even with all the favoritism baggage that comes with him. And on the plus side, he's a big positive for the community and media. He remains even with his fame one of the league's most accessible stars. With Cousins down and most of the roster traded to the Pelicans, I think the expectations will begin to lower for the Lakers. Though Kuzma might get some stares when those threes go awry.

Who is the best person/ department for me to contact about nba all star game tickets - Saturday night (3 point contest)? Are they on sale yet?

There's an NBA web site that sells packages. The home team cedes its arena and facilities to the league for the All-Star weekend. It's a worldwide event; not a local event. There will be plenty of Chicago-Based public events like the fan NBA Jam Fest, usually at a convention center. The NBA holds out most of the tickets for sponsors and league business. It's why the Bulls for so long declined to host the game. They could not guarantee their fans tickets. They believed it wasn't fair. But the league continued to lobby, the Bulls have a tradition of good citizenship with among various projects the endowment of a college prep school and the boys and girls club. And one of former mayor Rahm Emanuel's business priorities was enticing the sports leagues to hold events in Chicago, like the NFL and NBA drafts in recent years. The All-Star game became another and the Bulls agreed. The home team basically works for the league during All-Star weekend. So it's best to check the NBA web sites. Some events, like the celebrity game, will be at the new Wintrust Arena in the South Loop. I haven't been asked, but I'm ready to post up Kevin Hart if I get the call.

ask-sam-mailbag-08-16-19

Ask Sam Mailbag: 08.16.19

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The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Chicago Bulls. All opinions expressed by Sam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Chicago Bulls or its Basketball Operations staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Bulls and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media.

Kudos to the Bulls for trading up to draft McDermott.  As you've pointed out, it's hard to trade up from the middle to the lottery without giving up a good player.  Leading up to draft, the knock on McDermott has been "who's he going to guard" because he's said to unathletic. However, based on the predraft combine, his vertical, sprint and agility results are slightly better than Melo's, and pretty much crush Korver's and Dunleavy's - two Bulls that have played well under Thibs.  Where did the too-slow-to-guard-3's come from?
Jim Iob

I think the Bulls should do whatever they can to get Anthony. Yes, you point out that with the Spurs model of having a deep rotation has led to rings so there's no need to necessarily have a super-team to chase a championship. Though I think it's different with the Bulls because without Rose there really is no one to carry the scoring load for periods of time when they go cold. The Spurs, on the other hand, can go to Parker, Ginobli, Duncan and now Leonard in most circumstances to get points when they need them. So it's not really all that fair to say that a team of quality role players can lead to winning of the highest order because while the Spurs do have that and an all-time great coach, they do have something the Bulls don't: offensive firepower from multiple players. As constructed next season, even with Mirotic and McDermott, Rose is still the only player in my opinion who can go out and score when we sorely need it. I would much rather have a second player who can really minimize our scoring droughts against tough defenses, and that player is Anthony. Even if that means gutting a little of our roster to do that.
Vinay Nagaraj

Dear Chicago Bulls, please don't pursue Carmelo Anthony! We now have a perfectly balanced team as we bring over Mirotic, sign a backup PG, and possibly another shooter. Thank you,
Matthew Mikulice

Maybe Embiid and Saric will turn out to be significant NBA players, and maybe those two plus Noel, Carter-Williams, and whoever the 76ers draft at the top of the next draft will turn into a Spurs-like group of unselfish stars. For now, though, they aren't trying. They're using an accounting trick like the one in Mel Brooks's The Producers – if you lose badly enough, it's a kind of winning. The bad faith of it makes me yearn for something like European relegation – if you're going to field a developmental league team, you should have to play in the developmental league, and you shouldn't be able to collect the revenues that come with full-on competing against major league teams. Can you see any way to penalize Philadelphia for what seems like a kind of cheating? They're playing by the rules, but it sure feels as if they're violating the spirit of competition.
Joe Kraus​

After thinking about the horrific draft day trade the Bulls made, the only conclusion I can come to is that the Bulls really like McDermott.  The Bulls actually negatively impacted their cap space by taking back Tyrus Thomas (I mean Anthony Randolph).  Which means the Bulls are stuck with him unless they pay someone with cap space to take him.  And all so they could give the Nuggets a better player at 19 then they got back at 11.  I don’t see it but I sure hope that Gar/Pax are right on McBuckets, because it looks like he and Mirotic are going to be your big offseason acquisitions.  Which means the Bulls will be one of the least athletic teams in the modern, small-ball, above-the-rim NBA.
Kyle Smith

I thought it was interesting that in the last two drafts the Bulls didn't go after a backup Center for their bench.  With the history of injuries on this team as well as the tendency to reach the playoffs and find the tank completely empty for a lot of our players, how hard would it have been to draft a seven footer in the 2nd round who can come in and play up and down the court for Noah?  Especially now with the possibility of Anthony coming to the Bulls.  If we have scoring it means we can actually blow out teams like the Kings or Magic instead of playing every team to the wire during the regular season.  And that means you can let your bench play (like the Spurs do) during the regular season.  Why continue to get 40 year old players like Kurt Thomas and Nazr Mohammed, when you can get a young guy in the 2nd round who can be schooled by Noah, a veteran now?
Marcus Nikokiris

There is already speculation that McDermott could be used as an asset in a trade for love or sign and trade for melo. Do you believe he is untouchable, as funny as that sounds, considering how long they coveted him?
Chase Roman

I would think it would be better to get Love and Affalo rather than try for Anthony.  He's not coming for less money.  I'll buy you dinner in Houston if that happens!  What San Antonio showed is that you need numbers and players not necessarily stars that can't defend.  Look at what Orlando got, we could have traded Boozer and the two picks for Affalo and then traded Gibson, Dunleavy and future picks plus non guaranteed contracts for Love.
Stephen Fulton

Once the draft wraps up, say the Bulls strike out on Carmelo and Love and LeBron this summer, what’re the chances they consider shipping Boozer’s expiring deal along with perhaps Tony Snell down to the Pelicans in exchange for Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers. New Orleans could be interested to free up cap space to resign Asik next summer and to add Snell, who could potentially plug in as their fifth starter at the 3.
Cole Graskamp

I think Riley’s “challenge” interview is going to come back and haunt him. I believe LeBron’s camp will take it as an insult and take their show to LA where they is a lot more financial potential, James supposedly made $35M on his Beats Stock, to offset FL tax benefits. Plus a team of LeBron, Kobe, Nash and the #7 pick may be more intriguing than a washed up Wade, a terrible fit Bosh, and a bunch of D Leaguer’s. If LeBron bolts, Riley will be putting up the drapes that covered the second tier in Miami once again.
Mike Kegel

I hope the Bulls don't trade Dunleavy. He took a smaller salary to play for the Bulls. Pro sports is different than other industries. When you want to win, and your team has a hard limit on the amount of money it can spend, it makes sense to sacrifice some money so that the guy next to you is a better player. That's fine. Maybe it's unfair, but that's how it is. But if you make a pitch to a player that he should take less money so you can pay his teammates more (so he can have better teammates), you shouldn't trade him after he agrees to it. It's just a lousy thing to do. I like the Bulls because they seem like a good bunch of guys who play hard and care about what they do. I like to cheer for them, because I can enjoy their success. I like when Jo Noah talks about the guys standing out in the streets selling papers on freezing winter nights. I like when Rose talks about his mom when he wins MVP. I want to cheer for these guys. I don't want somebody like Dunleavy to be penalized because he sacrificed for the team.
Brad Hergott

First of all I think all of the talk about getting another "Superstar" is a joke... no one is coming.  Either we can't afford them or the Illinois State Tax system will eliminate the possibility. Organic growth is the way to go, but there are some pieces that I would add and that could make us a better team. I would like to add McRoberts who is a versatile/smart player, his stats might not show it, but I think he was a factor in that teams big improvement.
Patrick Eastman

There is an old adage that goes, if you are in a card game and you don't know who the fish is, chances are your the fish.  We are being played by Carmelo.  In comments made recently he talked about the importance of markets. On the NY side you have money, Phil and the NY stage.  Plus, you figure that Carmelo plus those factors will draw other pieces as soon as Phil can figure out how to clean house.
Dan Wagner

I'm sure you have heard that Lebron opted out of his contract and will now become a unrestricted free agent. Of course I, as a Bulls fan, would love for him to come to Chicago. I do think that that happening is even less likely then Carmelo coming here. I am pretty sure he ends up back in Miami. With that being said the Bulls are more than likely going to take a run at him, as they should. Would there be any concern though about the Bulls devoting too much time/attention/etc to James, him going somewhere else and then the Bulls missing out on Carmelo? Would it be a good idea for Bulls to realize the James is a pipe-dream and focus all their attention on Melo and maybe wooo him by making him their first and foremost priority. I know it sounds dumb but we all have egos, athletes more then most, so to have a team go all-in on you instead of the best player should give someone a nice feeling.
Alex Pauley

I believe this Bulls have drafted an excellent player in McDermott.  Hopefully he'll provide us with scoring and depth.  Does the fact that the Bulls did not draft a PG like Ennis indicate that DJ will resign with us?
Gianluca Naudi

In all seriousness, I'd be wary of the Rockets if I were a free agent. Recently, they've stabbed every FA they signed in the back the very next year. Asik was promised starting minutes and they were trying to trade him the minute they got him. Ditto [with Jeremy] Lin. James Harden gets promised to be a superstar, then has to take a backseat when Dwight Howard comes over. Now they are trying to trade Harden to get Carmelo and LBJ!
Namky Lim

How would Gary Harris and James Young have looked in Bulls uniforms? I know its 20/20 hindsight, but do you think the Bulls would have chased McDermott knowing this?
Thomas Deneen

Could LeBron and Melo's opt-outs be part of a ploy to decimate their competitor's rosters as teams give away assets to try and clear cap room?  I am nervous that we'll dump Taj and/or Jimmy and end up overpaying for 2nd tier free agents like last time (apologies to Boozer and Korver).
Jordan Carr

The Pelicans traded what very well could be a top 10 pick, as high as number 5 even, in next year's draft for the right to pay Omer Asik $15 million next year and only have his rights for one season? Are they insane? I like Asik and I think he fits well on the Pelicans. However, he is going to make way too much next year, they will only have him for one season and Houston was trying to dump him for nothing. At the very least make the pick top ten protected instead of top five! If they wanted Asik for that price they could have made that trade any time in the past 12 months.
Cameron Watkins

What did you think of Chris Webber's comments on Thibs (that Melo should avoid him because he's a defense-only coach)? Did Thibs cut Webber once or something? I don't love everything about Thibs, but he actually seems like a pretty good offensive coach. Noah has blossomed offensively under him, and Deng had a much better time under him than standing in the corner like he did with Vinny and Mike Brown.
Alejandro Yegros

Do you think that Wade and Bosh are both going to opt out? If I was Wade I would be very wary of doing that, I can't see giving him half of what his contract is now.  Think they would try to low ball him? offer him 5 million or have a good trip in free agency then go after Melo? Or would that be just the worst PR move possible, course I would find a bit of humor in that sense Wade said some bad stuff about Bulls management years ago.  People mention Asik too in Houston then want to move him but not sure you are going to get many buyers there since expiring contract are worth what they used to be.
Matt Reev

Let's say Carmelo either stays in New York or goes to Chicago, the two most likely destinations for him anyway. Let's also say Lebron resigns with the Heat, which I believe will happen. Who says no to this trade after both big names are off the market? Asik and Lin to Miami for Chris Bosh.  Houston gets their other big name (and possibly the leagues worst defense), while the Heat fill the two most needed positions on their team. Then they can maybe try and sign some veterans to fill up the rest.
Mario Persico

Even if Deng is expensive, why lose him while gambling on Anthony while he plays the field. Even with Carmelo not playing defense half the time having Deng would be encouragement and inspiration for Anthony to defend better without Thibs getting head aches. Sure Deng is expensive but he is insurance similar to the way Boozer and Gipson were used this year.  It worked.
Edward Miller

Jabari Parker was interviewed by Spike Lee on his show on NBA Radio Wednesday. Spike asked him if he could choose which hat he'd be putting on when he shook Adam Silver's hand, which hat would it be..."The Bulls," he said. "I'd be going back home. That's where I want to play. Can't see that happening though."
Mike Sutera

ask-sam-sam-smith-opens-his-mailbag-06-27-2014

Ask Sam | Sam Smith opens his mailbag | 06.27.2014

The contents of this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the Chicago Bulls. All opinions expressed by Sam Smith are solely his own and do not reflect the opinions of the Chicago Bulls or its Basketball Operations staff, parent company, partners, or sponsors. His sources are not known to the Bulls and he has no special access to information beyond the access and privileges that go along with being an NBA accredited member of the media. 

By Sam Smith | 06.25.2014 | 9:35 a.m. CT | asksam@bulls.com | @SamSmithHoops

That’s going to be a heck of a Bulls team for the 2014-15 season with LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Love. Or perhaps I didn’t listen to the reports clearly enough. James opted out of his contract with the Miami Heat and Anthony has opted out of his contract with the New York Knicks. And Love wants to be traded and the Minnesota Timberwolves are talking to teams. All true; so what’s the holdup? 

I hate to be Dr. Doom on this one, but most of that seems pretty unlikely. 

Start with the latest news that has ESPN gasping with excitement. James opted out of his contract to become an unrestricted free agent. Like with Anthony, it’s more a technicality as he can still resign with Miami for more money than any other team can pay. It’s more likely a challenge back to team president Pat Riley, who last week sort of called James a coward if he were to leave.  So James is countering and challenging Riley to show what he can do. Show him the money! 

It may go something like this: Riley and owner Micky Arison go to Dwyane Wade and ask him to opt out of his two years at about $42 million. They say they’ll give him a four-year deal paying maybe $50 million. Two years from now Wade isn’t getting a $4 million contract. Take it now and stay for life with Miami. They tell Chris Bosh to opt out and go somewhere reasonable, like Dallas or Houston. If he doesn’t, they’ll trade him to Philadelphia or Sacramento. Do the same deal with Udonis Haslem. The Heat then are far enough under the salary cap to resign at full salaries James and Carmelo Anthony. 

Anthony has been making it pretty clear his first choice is to play with buddy James. Once James, Anthony and Wade are on board, they’ll have a small exception and be able to add some minimum veterans who’ll take a chance with that team. Otherwise, Anthony probably returns to New York. If Miami cannot pull off a coup, James could be a good target for the Knicks in the summer of 2015. 

But most executives around the league feel the way James resuscitated his reputation the last few seasons, if he doesn’t resign with Miami he’d return to Cleveland. He’s likely the league’s only player who wants to be there. He keeps his home there and spends the summer there. The Cavs built their practice facility for him in Akron. Plus, the Cavs have Kyrie Irving and the No. 1 overall draft pick this year, for which there is growing demand. 

The Jazz likely would give up two starters and their No, 5 pick and there have been reports of multiple picks and players from Orlando and Boston. The Cavs with the likes of Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao, Dion Waiters and Tyler Zeller could put together an appealing team for James to rejoin. Now only if James has gotten over being mad at Dan Gilbert. And they’d probably have to fire David Blatt before he coaches his first NBA game. 

Every team would love to have James. If you get him, you are an automatic contender. He rejected going to the Bulls in 2010 when he could have come with Wade to join Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Derrick Rose before he was hurt. And he didn’t want to come then. 

He’s not going to live in Houston and spend the next four years looking for downtown. Plus, the Western Conference is not the place to insure you are getting to the Finals. The Bulls do have that going for them. Plus, Dwight Howard is just too goofy for him. The Clippers and buddy Chris Paul? Sorry, but Paul never lets go of the ball, which LeBron likes. Paul’s no spot up shooter. And they have way too many bad contracts for anyone to take them and no draft picks to use as bait. The Lakers? Sure, LeBron’s going to Kobe’s building to help Kobe get more titles? No chance. The Hawks? Former Cavs GM Danny Ferry now in Atlanta couldn’t find him players in Cleveland. LeBron likes being liked too much to become a mercenary again chasing players to help him rather than players coming to join him. Maybe it’s just for a year in Miami and then another look in 2015. 

But unless LeBron makes a quick decision, you’ll hear Dallas, Phoenix, Golden State, Oklahoma City (you want Russell Westbrook?) and Brooklyn as the latter can probably offer hidden gold mines. It could be a wild July. 

Next is Carmelo. He’d obviously prefer to play with James, who was at his wedding. No Bulls were spotted there. Most around the NBA seem to feel this is all about pushing the Knicks to go for a full, guaranteed five-year $129 million deal which Phil Jackson apparently isn’t thrilled about. No one can come close to that and four years from now at 34, Anthony, who doesn’t keep himself in the best of shape, isn’t likely to get an eight-figure contract. Without Anthony, it would be tough for the Knicks to attract a free agent in 2015 as Love would either be traded by then or go to the Lakers, his preferred destination, LaMarcus Aldridge likely will stay in Portland now that they have an All-Star point guard, and you don’t build with Rajon Rondo, Rudy Gay, David West, Marc Gasol or Al Jefferson, the main free agents assuming they don’t resign before then. So Jackson could be persuaded to give in to Anthony’s financial desires. 

Of course, Anthony could decide unilaterally he simply wants to be elsewhere, like Chicago. But then how much would he make and how many players would have to be released or traded? And would Anthony go to another team which had to strip its roster to accommodate him? The Rockets are pursuing Anthony as well and there will be several others. Though given his family’s preference for big cities and his connection with the Jordan brand, you’d assume Chicago is the only other option besides New York. 

Then there’s Love, who rumors had it could be traded by the draft Thursday until the rumors were he won’t be.   It seems unlikely the Bulls have any sort of package that appeals to Minnesota coach and general manager Flip Saunders. In pursuing Golden State’s Klay Thompson, Saunders has made it clear he wants offensive players for Love. Also, since the disastrous James Harden trade, teams have realized there’s no hurry and you can always trade a star. So the Timberwolves are said to be more likely to wait it out and maybe Golden State changes its mind this summer or even early next season if it starts off badly. Oklahoma City’s huge mistake was trading Harden early in the season when they could have played it out and seen what occurs. Portland did that last season with Aldridge, supposedly eying Chicago, and Aldridge is now said leaning to a long-term extension.  

Of course, no one predicted James would end up in Miami. So you never say never around the NBA when the fates depend on the mercurial nature of basketball players, their agents and sponsors.

While all the anticipation and activity of July free agency hovers, the business ahead is the NBA draft Thursday. Here’s a look at perhaps not so much what the Bulls will do but what the Bulls should do. 

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What's next for LeBron, Melo and Love?

By Sam Smith | 06.13.2014 | 9:35 a.m. CT | asksam@bulls.com | @SamSmithHoops

What do you think about the latest Melo to Miami rumor? Being Cole's the only guaranteed contract on the team, could the big three opt out and resign for less so that there is room for Melo? If the four of them sign for 15 million per year they should stay under the projected cap of 63 million and still earn more than they could get if they choose to go elsewhere. Add on to that the fact that Melo and LeBron are really close friends and the low taxes in Florida that you often bring up and it all could make sense.Cosimo Sarti

Should be a very interesting summer for the Heat should they lose these finals. Could the panic button be pressed? Andrew Brown

I took my son shopping for some new kicks today at Old Orchard mall in Skokie. As I walked into the Finish Line store, I recognized a tall and familiar face inside. Dalibor Bagaric. We started chatting since I’m Macedonian and he is Croatian and we both speak Serbo-Croatian. He was extremely polite and we ended up talking for almost 30 minutes about basketball, soccer etc… He mentioned that he was visiting friends here in Chicago, that he used to play professional ball in Italy, but he also said that Chicago is one of his favorite cities in the world. I asked him if the winters here ever bothered him, and he said it was never an issue. How much is the Chicago weather just an excuse and an overrated reason for free agents? NBA players spent 9 months with their teams (camp, preseason, season, playoffs), traveling from city to city. In the off season, most of them take vacations with their families anyways. Most people find Chicago to be an awesome city, and I think the weather has been overplayed in terms of free agency. Do you really find the weather to be the main reason free agents skip the Bulls, or the main reason lies with the organization, coaches and personnel? Bobby Grbevski

We need you to help explain to people why it does not make sense for the Bulls to trade both the 16th and the 19th pick for Denver's 11th selection, with no other compensation. This is a deep draft and the Bulls can get two serviceable players with the picks at 16 and 19. This is a year that we need to get both a shooter and another back-up BIG to make a push next season. Carmelo would be nice but is a long shot, no guarantee Mirotic will come over this season. Time for Gar to make a move for sure, but two for one unless we move up to the top 5, is a non-starter in my opinion. Craig Chandler

Do you think the Bulls will be able to move up in the draft and if they get into the lottery who will they be targeting? Megan Wong

I tend to agree that the Bulls won’t get Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Love.  I personally like the current Bulls major players and mix.  I’d hate to see Jimmy Butler or Taj Gibson traded.  Anyway read an interesting article in Bleacher Report regarding Arron Afflalo being available in a deal.  I’ve always been an Afflalo fan.  Plays great defense, can consistently score, and he’s only 28.  I agree that Afflalo alone won’t get the Bulls to the promise land but it will get them closer, make them better and he’d fit well with the Bulls current mix.  Supposedly, Orlando is going for the youth movement and willing to deal Afflalo for a draft pick and some fringe players.  Afflalo has a two-year 15 million dollar contract. Don’t know where this falls in the Bulls scheme money wise but believe it’s worth exploring. Art Moore

Let's assume the Spurs win the championship (still a long way to go), do you think there's any part of LeBron James that'd want to play for the Spurs. Before you completely dismiss it, look at their cap sheet. If they find a way to dump Splitter's contract (who's good but not great), they'd have around $18 mil in cap space with Parker, Duncan, Ginobili, Belinelli, Mills, and Leonard still on contract. Add LeBron James to that team and they'd be unbeatable. Why not join the Spurs? As a basketball fan, that would be nirvana. Al Mirza

I think Thibs is a great coach and the most important element to the Bulls success the past few years. But I am in the camp that believes his staunchness regarding minutes and lineups occasionally costs the team. Do you think he will take anything away from watching the success Coach Pops has had with mixing different lineups and reacting to certain matchups? Starting Diaw in Game 3 appears to be a little move that made a major impact on the game, and maybe even the series (although it's becoming clearer now that the Spurs are just the better team). This seems like the type of move Thibs would never make. Obviously the Spurs are blessed with a deeper bench than the Bulls had this year, but I think Thibs has earned enough respect from his players where he would be trusted to make those types of decisions in the future. Robbie Sager

I've been looking at Embiid a lot. The kid can play really well. Has great footwork and quickness in the post and can step out mid-range to hit a jumper.  Great prospect. Do you think he would drop because of his injury concerns similar to what happened to Nerlens Noel? If he did how far do you think he would drop? Seems like a guy you can build a team around a lot like Dwight Howard just not as athletic and strong. Jonathan Prosper

This isn't so much of a question, but more an angle that could be worth exploring given the inundation of emails you are likely to get about speculation that Heat will make a run for Carmelo. Although this is probably just rumor at this stage, it does beg the question of what the league could do if players were to create an all-star team by all taking pay cuts. The Australian league has an interesting system that doesn't simply cap teams by salary. It has players ranked in some way and given a points value. Team rosters can only contain a certain number of total points. I think there may be some concessions for home-grown talent and maybe a marquee player exemption, but essentially it limits one team collecting the limited number of stars in one team, and helps to promote a more even competition. Good management is still rewarded and teams can still create mini dynasties (the NZ team I support recently achieved a 3-peat), but at some point too much talent can't be amassed on one team. Chris Dodds

I started watching basketball in the late 50s, early 60s and I can say basketball was truly played for the love, enjoyment and competition of the game.  The one thing that most media types don't discuss is that Michael, Magic and Bird era did most of all was transformed basketball into a business. And, ever since, I have watched the integrity of this sport drop. To me, the biggest drop was when David Stern allowed for Pat Riley, LeBron, Wade and Chris Bosh to conspire to combine their talents in south beach and would not Chris Paul to go to Lakers. The NBA can live with that with the generations after the Michael Jordan era because it's about being a business. I not only have a bad feel for the Miami Heat but also for the NBA.
To me, the NBA has gone from the number two sport to the number four sport behind the NFL, the MLB and the NHL. Sam Shannon

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Ask Sam | Sam Smith opens his mailbag | 06.13.2014

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