Chicago Bulls Expected to Have Quiet Offseason Despite Rumors
By Josh Hill
The NBA free agency period kicked off early Monday morning which means it’s that time of year where rumors are as thick as mud and the truth is a microscopic diamond within it. Look no further than the Chicago Bulls for an example of a team rumored to be interested in certain players when in reality most of the rumors are long shots.
Monta Ellis is perhaps the most hilarious rumor as the Bulls don’t have nearly enough room to sign him nor would they want to. Jerry Reinsdorf runs a tight financial ship in Chicago and there would be far too much effort needed to fit Ellis under the cap. Chicago has a Mini Mid-Level Exception (MMLE) that they can use but if they offer that to Ellis he’ll probably die of laughter.
Will Bynum and Mo Williams appear to be more serious contenders to see offers but despite the fact that Nate Rohinson is likely on his way out, the Bulls don’t have an immediate need for point guard help. Derrick Rose is expected to come back this season an behind him is Kirk Hinrich (who can run at shooting guard) as well as second year player Marquis Teague.
There are ways the Bulls can make an offer to a free agent but what people are forgetting is that Reinsdorf and that front office are the stingiest bunch in the NBA and won’t be keen on messing up their master plan for the 2014 offseason — the offseason they’re supposed to truly put a contender together.
On top of that, Bulls insider Aggery Sam is telling fans not to expect big changes to the Bulls roster, whether it be exiting contracts or new ones.
Basically Bulls fans are in the same rut they’ve been in since 2011 and not much has changed. The Bulls still have Carlos Boozer’s disgusting contract on the books, there are serious doubts about the shooting guard position and contracts to star players (this time Luol Deng) are set to expire after the season.
So while there are rumors circling Chicago, someone had better tell Gar Forman and company because they’ll likely be dragging their feet again while they sell “basketball decisions” and hope for the future.