Chicago Bulls Trade Rumors

Bulls going cautious with Hamilton
February 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"One day after Luol Deng took contact on the torn ligament in his left wrist for the first time, the Bulls confirmed Richard Hamilton will sit until fully recovered from his groin and thigh bruise issues. "We don't want to keep going down this road where he plays a game or two and then he's out again," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "It's not fair to him or us. We have to get him healthy.""
Hold on, Bulls fans . . . Dwight's preferred trade list remains the same
February 1
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Fans of the Chicago Bulls probably rejoiced when Dwight Howard indicated to the Chicago Tribune that he would be open to playing on the same team as reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose. "If I could play with Derrick right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen," Howard said. "It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That's my brother.'' But not so fast, Bulls fans. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Orlando Sentinel that Howard's camp has not indicated to the Magic that the superstar center has expanded his list of preferred trade destinations beyond his original three teams: the New Jersey Nets, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas"
Hamilton to sit awhile after 'playing on one leg'
January 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"Here's a crazy, yet likely, scenario: Luol Deng will return to play with a torn ligament in his left wrist before Richard Hamilton does the same with his leg ailments. Hamilton admitted that he likely will sit for a while in an attempt to put the groin and right thigh bruise issues in his rearview mirror for good. "It's frustrating, but I have to get healthy," Hamilton said."
Dwight Howard open to being a Bull
January 30
ESPN.com
 
"Earlier this month Dwight Howard wouldn't say whether he would be interested in playing for the Chicago Bulls. He's open to the idea now. Just days after ripping his Orlando Magic teammates for their effort in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Hornets, Howard added MVP Derrick Rose's Bulls to his list of potential destinations. "If I could play with Derrick right now and God wanted that to happen, it will happen," Howard told the Chicago Tribune. "It has nothing to do with me not wanting to play with Derrick Rose. I love him. That's my brother." Media reports earlier this season speculated that adidas, which both Howard and Rose represent, would not want two of their stars in the same"
Rip Hamilton (bruised thigh) uncertain to play against Heat
January 29
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"When the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference finals last season, there was an epidemic of offensive ineptitude throughout the lineup. Though the Bulls seem to have found an antidote in shooting guard Rip Hamilton, they might be without him when they play the Heat on Sunday. Hamilton sat out the Bulls' victory Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center with a bruised thigh and is considered day-to-day. He was limited to some shooting at practice Saturday. ''We want all our pieces healthy, obviously,'' center Joakim Noah said. ''But we feel like we have enough to win. We're just going to go out there and compete as hard as possible.''"
Rose plans to return Monday, but Deng may sit out against Nets
January 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"While Derrick Rose is telling people he plans to play on Monday, the Bulls are leaning toward being conservative with Luol Deng. Deng underwent an MRI on his sprained left wrist Sunday, results of which were not immediately available. He said late Saturday he didn't think the injury would sideline him for a lengthy period. However, with a normal week featuring no back-to-back games in this compressed schedule, not to mention a Nets lineup that starts three guards, Deng could sit for the first time this season."
Derrick Rose's return is uncertain
January 19
ESPN.com
 
"Derrick Rose won't practice on Thursday as he recovers from a toe injury, and Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau said the team will "be smart" with its plan for playing the reigning MVP. Rose missed his second straight game on Tuesday, a 118-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns, with what he describes as turf toe but Thibodeau calls "more of a sprain." "Basically it's day to day," Thibodeau said Wednesday on "Carmen, Jurko & Harry" on ESPN 1000. "We'll see how it goes. It's a little bit better today. He won't practice [Thursday], and he will get treatment. We'll see where we are after that." Rose, who missed back to back games for the first time in almost two full seasons, was wearing a walking"
Bulls' Watson unlikely to play this week
January 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"The MRI exam C.J. Watson underwent late Monday confirmed the Bulls reserve guard won't need surgery, but his sprained left elbow sidelined him for Tuesday's game. Though Watson planned to travel with the team on the three-game trip that begins Wednesday in Detroit, it's unlikely he will play this week. The team is calling him day-to-day. "The big thing is getting the swelling out of the elbow," coach Tom Thibodeau said. "And then it's a pain threshold thing. As soon as he's ready to go, he'll go. He's as tough as they come.""
Michael Jordan is engaged to model Yvette Prieto
December 30
Charlotte Observer
 
"Charlotte Bobcats majority owner Michael Jordan had something extra special to celebrate this Christmas: he and his longtime girlfriend are now engaged. A spokeswoman for the basketball legend on Thursday confirmed his engagement to Yvette Prieto, a Cuban-American model. She said she could not answer other questions about the couple. No wedding date was announced. Jordan, 48, and Prieto, 33, have reportedly been dating since 2008."
Bulls officially waive Bogans
December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bulls unofficially waived Keith Bogans on Dec. 9 when they pulled him from the floor moments before the first practice of training camp. They made it official Friday, days before Monday's deadline for picking up his $1.73 million team option. In starting all 82 regular- and 16 postseason games, Bogans drew criticism from fans seeking an upgrade at shooting guard. But coaches and teammates appreciated Bogans, praising his toughness and professionalism. Asked one question about Bogans on Friday night, Ronnie Brewer, who battled for minutes with him, took 2 minutes, 18 seconds to answer. "Man, he summed up our team," Brewer said. "He took the ego out of it. He did his job. Thibs asked him"
Rip Hamilton looms over Bulls' media day
December 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Kyle Korver was denied access to the players' parking lot at the Berto Center and later joked about how this might have been the organization's way of telling him another shooting guard had been signed. When Derrick Rose was asked about soon-to-be free-agent guard Rip Hamilton, he replied: "I don't even know. Did we get him?" The Bulls hosted media day at their practice facility Sunday, and while the attention is usually focused on the players, coaches and front-office staff in attendance, there were two distinct elephants in the room. The first was Hamilton, who still is reportedly Chicago-bound once his contract is officially bought out by the Detroit Pistons. The other was none other"
Source: Bulls hope to be in Howard talk
December 11
ESPN.com
 
"Add the Chicago Bulls to the list of teams that will be exploring all options to land Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard. The Bulls believe they have enough young pieces to complete a trade for the perennial All-Star. They will have conversations in the coming days with Magic GM Otis Smith about putting together a package for the talented big man, according to a league source. Howard told the media on Saturday he has formally asked to be traded. "The last couple of weeks before training camp were very tough," Howard told the Associated Press, explaining his decision. "Just stressed out about it. Got sick, couldn't sleep. It was a very stressful time. After I said what I said to Otis, got"
Richard Hamilton will join Bulls; Pistons moving on
December 11
Detroit News
 
"Ben Wallace predicted former teammate Richard Hamilton would quickly find a landing spot after being bought out by the Pistons. And Hamilton won't have to go far down Interstate 94 to find it, as he will sign with the Chicago Bulls. The Chicago Tribune reported he will sign a two-year deal worth $10 million. Pistons president Joe Dumars wouldn't confirm the amount of Hamilton's buyout, but it is expected to be in the neighborhood of $8 million of the near $20 he would've been paid if he remained a Piston — or if the team used the amnesty clause. "It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing's official," Dumars said. "Once it's official, I can get into detail about why buyout instead"
Rip Hamilton nearing deal with Bulls
December 11
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Derrick Rose said he won't try to persuade Rip Hamilton or any other free agents to join the Bulls. In Hamilton's case, he wouldn't have had to anyway. A deal between the Bulls and Hamilton, one of the prominent players on the Detroit Pistons' 2004 NBA champs, appears imminent, according to multiple reports. Hamilton is expected to sign a two-year contract for about $10 million once his contract officially has been bought out by the Pistons. "That's never been my style," Rose said when asked if he would recruit free agents. "The city and the Chicago Bulls speak for itself. It's a great market, the team is great, we've got the best fans in the world. Every arena we go to we've at least got"
Dwight Howard has requested a trade from the Orlando Magic
December 11
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Orlando Magic are confronting their worst nightmare. Dwight Howard has asked for a trade. "You only get one time around," Howard said Saturday night at Amway Center. "You can't press the reset button. It's not 'Call of Duty,' where when you die, you get back up. Once this is done — once I'm done playing — I can't turn back the hands of time and play again." Howard, a 6-foot-11 center who was drafted by the team in 2004, did not give many specific reasons for his choice, but he indicated that he is not happy with the franchise's on-court direction. He also said he wanted more of a "voice" in team decisions. "They know how I feel," Howard said, referring to the team's management."
Report: Pistons' Rip Hamilton waived, could land spot on Chicago Bulls roster
December 10
Detroit Free Press
 
"It looks like Rip Hamilton will find a landing spot soon. The Chicago Tribune is reporting the Bulls are going to make a move to sign Hamilton before the season begins later this month, according to unnamed sources. Hamilton will be waived as part of a buyout that will rid the Pistons of the one of the heroes of the 2004 NBA championship - but had grown into a giant headache to the organization. The Pistons retain the use of the new collective bargain agreement's amnesty clause which allows teams to waive a player, but still be responsible for his salary – it just wouldn't count against the salary cap. "It's just a verbal agreement right now, so nothing is official right now," Pistons"
Bulls near deal for Hamilton
December 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Though hurdles remain, the Bulls are zeroing in on signing veteran guard Richard Hamilton, according to league sources. The Pistons are finalizing a buyout of Hamilton, who has averaged 17.7 points per game over his 12-year career and helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA championship as part of six straight conference finals appearances. Terms of the buyout of Hamilton's $12.6 million contract were not disclosed, but a league source said the Bulls likely will offer a two-year deal in the neighborhood of $10 million to recoup most of what Hamilton gives back. Hamilton's midlevel exception over the next two seasons would limit the Bulls' exposure to luxury-tax levels, particularly when"
Free-agent buzz: Bulls lead Butler suitors
December 8
Yahoo! Sports
 
"As Caron Butler(notes) completes his personal tour of NBA suitors, the Chicago Bulls remain the team to beat for him, league sources said. Butler left his meeting with the Bulls earlier this week with a deep appreciation for coach Tom Thibodeau, sources said. Butler's willingness to possibly take less money from a championship contender is made easier with his personal business holdings. Butler, 31, has also met with the Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and New Jersey Nets this week. The Clippers and Nets have room underneath the salary cap to offer Butler more than the $5 million midlevel exception."
Source: Caron Butler has 4 meetings set
December 5
ESPN.com
 
"Caron Butler begins a busy week Monday with at least four visits lined up to teams interested in signing the Dallas Mavericks' free-agent forward. Butler will visit with team officials from the Chicago Bulls on Monday morning, followed by trips to sit down with officials from the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday and possibly the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, a source close to the situation confirmed Sunday night. The source said that those teams understand that Butler, 31, is not interested in a one-year contract, the length favored by the Mavs to bring back the nine-year veteran."
Josh Howard drawing interest in free agency
December 4
Washington Post
 
"Josh Howard may have struggled with a left knee injury the past two seasons in Washington, but he has attracted considerable attention with the free agent signing period set to begin on Friday. The Wizards and "five to six" playoff contenders have expressed interest in Howard, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Another person close to Howard confirmed that Boston, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, San Antonio, Denver, New Orleans and New Jersey have all made obligatory calls, with the Wizards, Bulls and Spurs engaging in more frequent conversations."
Bulls aiming to add serious-minded professionals to the mix
December 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"Derrick Rose said it on Thursday. Luol Deng and Ronnie Brewer followed suit on Friday. We're good. If somebody wants to come play with us, that's fine. If not, that's fine, too. We'll try to beat you. Players used the word chemistry so often last season that you half-expected to see Bunsen burners in the Bulls' locker room or perhaps the periodic table of the elements on the greaseboard. The point is: As management continues exploring myriad free-agent and trade possibilities, how players will fit into a close-knit group that lost to the Heat in the Eastern Conference finals also is being weighed. In other words, character will count as well as talent. "You could do a lot of things to make"
Arron is one popular Afflalo
December 2
ESPN.com
 
"It's been a familiar refrain from a handful of front-office types during the first few days of the NBA's gradual return to offseason normalcy: Denver's Arron Afflalo is a popular choice when you ask execs to pinpoint the most attractive free agent outside of the big men. Afflalo's Denver teammate Nene, Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler, New Orleans Hornets forward David West and Memphis Grizzlies restricted free agent Marc Gasol are universally seen as the most coveted players on the open market. But Afflalo, with a blossoming offensive game to go with his more polished D, has his own growing group of admirers if you listen to the GM grapevine. Sources told ESPN.com that the Chicago"
Bulls in contention for Butler
December 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bulls have cast such a wide net in the early stages of free agency that it's too early to determine which player is their top priority. This is for certain: One of their targets, Caron Butler, has strong interest in the Bulls. In fact, Butler, who is from Racine, Wis., has been working out in Chicago after fully rehabilitating his surgically repaired right knee. And a source close to Butler said he has said, "I hope I don't have to leave.""
NBA free-agent buzz: Butler eyes Clips, Bulls
December 1
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Caron Butler, one of the most pursued small forwards in this year's free-agent class, privately considers the Los Angeles Clippers and Chicago Bulls as his two most preferred destinations, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. Butler is most attracted to the Bulls because of the chance to play with Derrick Rose(notes) and compete for a title, but he would have to take significantly less money to play in Chicago. The Bulls have a stronger need for a shooting guard and could ultimately spend their money there. Ultimately, that leaves the Clippers with an edge over the New Jersey Nets among the suitors with the most significant cap space and a need for a starting small forward. "He sees the"
Source: Bulls eyeing Derrick Rose deal
November 30
ESPN.com
 
"The Chicago Bulls' "top priority" during Wednesday morning's initial contact period between teams and agents will be to set up the framework of Derrick Rose's contract extension, according to a league source. Rose, whose rookie contract is up after this season, became the youngest MVP in NBA history last season while leading the Bulls to a regular-season-best 62 wins. He is expected to receive a max extension when the time comes, although no formal offers can be made or signed until Dec. 9, according to an NBA memo issued to all teams Tuesday night. No matter when he officially signs, Rose is due for a mammoth raise from his rookie contract, based upon a new wrinkle to the collective"
Watson could be an option at shooting guard for Bulls
November 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"With speculation focused on free agents such as Jason Richardson, who would command most or all of the $5 million midlevel exception, or Vince Carter, who might consider signing for the veteran's minimum if the Suns waive him, another possibility for Bulls shooting guard is getting overlooked: C.J. Watson. Bulls management talked last season and through this offseason about playing Watson more off the ball in 2011-12, which would lead them to pursue veteran help to back up Derrick Rose at point guard. One possibility could be T.J. Ford."
Bulls have flexibility under new deal
November 27
Chicago Tribune
 
"Saturday morning's 3:40 a.m. news conference in New York announcing a tentative agreement to end the NBA lockout will be memorable for years. So, too, could be the league's plan to start a shortened, 66-game season with a Christmas Day tripleheader featuring, among other juicy matchups, the Bulls visiting the Lakers inside a star-studded Staples Center. But with training camps and free agency tentatively scheduled to begin Dec. 9, pending expected approval from the league's owners and players, what Bulls fans want to know is: Who will be starting at shooting guard alongside Derrick Rose? Granted, the new 10-year collective bargaining agreement, with potential opt-outs for either side after"
Bulls coach finally can talk turkey
November 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"For the first time in years, Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau plans to spend Thanksgiving with family in Connecticut. That's what unexpected free time because of the NBA lockout can do for even the reigning Coach of the Year. "Just the usual stuff," Thibodeau said, when asked what he's doing during the lockout. "Been watching college games, watching film from last year, working on the playbook. There's always plenty to do.""
Turkish team looks to sign Deng
November 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"One day after the Tribune reported Luol Deng's interest in playing in Europe is intensifying, a British web site reported Besiktas in Turkey is a strong candidate to sign Deng. Citing sources close to Deng in London, www.mvp247.com reported Deng is drawing strong interest from the Turkish team that already has signed Deron Williams. Deng also has been linked to an ACB team Bilbao."
Bulls' Deng mulling European league offers
November 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"Add Luol Deng to the list of players more seriously considering European offers now that the NBA lockout is in the hands of lawyers. Deng, who has been receiving offers for weeks to play overseas, is seriously considering four to five offers and could make a decision as early as next week, according to his Chicago-based agent Herb Rudoy. Any offer Deng signed would contain an opt-out clause should the NBA lockout end to salvage a shortened season, Rudoy said."
Bulls at work, despite lockout
November 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"In a perfect world, Derrick Rose would begin his most valuable player defense on Tuesday in Dallas, the same day the Mavericks would stage their banner ceremony and begin their NBA championship defense. In lieu of that raucous, Opening Night atmosphere, the NBA lockout will hit its 124th day. And Commissioner David Stern has said a full 82-game season is impossible."
Bulls' Rose entertained offer from Croatian team
October 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Last month, Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose said he had one concrete offer from a European team but that the NBA lockout would have to last deep into the season for him to consider it. In an interview at Mondo.rs, the sports director of Croatian team KK Zagreb claims to be that team. "We reached an economic agreement, but we could not find an agreement about the games," KK Zagreb's Hrvoje Ciketiae said in the interview. "Rose for sponsor obligations would have missed three Euroleague games. And we could not allow that.""
Bulls' Rose may play overseas if lockout lingers
September 28
Chicago Tribune
 
"Fresh off a vacation to Bora Bora with his mother, Brenda, Derrick Rose said Tuesday that if the NBA lockout drags deep into the season, he will consider playing overseas. "Yes, I am taking into consideration that I might move overseas," Rose said. "I don't know where. There are a lot of great places overseas. I haven't really had time to get the details of every place." Rose said he has one concrete offer from an undisclosed foreign team and a source close to Rose said several others have inquired about his services. The source stressed those opportunities would be pursued only if regular-season games get canceled and labor talks break down for an extended period."
NBA wants 3rd round in draft
September 7
SheridanHoops.com
 
"After an overnight flight connecting through Helsinki, Finland, I bumped into a scout for the Denver Nuggets near the tourist information booth at the quaint little airport here where the second round of EuroBasket is taking place. Whether he knows it or not, he may be here scouting future third-round draft picks. That's right: Third round. SheridanHoops.com has learned that NBA owners have proposed adding a third round to the annual draft, a proposal that the players' union has countered by offering an array of changes to the draft that would help address the owners' desire for more competitive balance."
NBA Lockout Update: Sides are closer than they're saying
September 6
SheridanHoops.com
 
"Here's the dirty little secret about the NBA lockout, despite what both sides — the owners and the players — would have you believe: They are a lot closer to a settlement than most people realize. I know this because I talk regularly with a bunch of important people who tell me important things, and I am going to explain why I believe a settlement will be reached that will not only save the season, but also enable the NBA to have an "all is forgiven" honeymoon period (similar to what the NFL just experienced following its labor settlement) in which the frenzy of free agents signings, trades, training camps and exhibition games will make everyone forget all of the doomsday talk they've been"
Derrick Rose guarantees multiple NBA titles
August 23
CBSSports.com
 
"Another NBA MVP without a title to his name has seen fit to blur the line between confidence and cockiness. In an interview with HoopsHype.com, Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, usually a humble mumbler, guaranteed that he will eventually own more than one ring. "I won't be satisfied until I win a championship. I'm not satisfied at all. There's not a doubt in my mind that I'm not going to win a championship. I'm going win multiple championships. It's not a doubt in my mind." Rose also said his Bulls are good to go as is and don't require any major additions, other than the added experience that came with their run to the Eastern Conference Finals last season. "If everyone"
Next bargaining session coming early September?
August 17
CBSSports.com
 
"It took 46 days for the NBA and its players' union after the lockout began July 1. It didn't go all that well. Rhetoric from both sides ramped up, lawsuits started flying around and most importantly, there wasn't any movement towards the middle. Then David Stern accused the union of cancelling a meeting last week with the union responding that Billy Hunter had been told Stern wasn't going to be available for two weeks. So as you can tell, this is all going just super. But they're finally going to try again sometime in early September, according to Newsday. At this point, the union will host an executive meeting in New York at the end of August. The anticipation is the union and league"
David Stern: NBA to look at contraction
August 15
CBSSports.com
 
"The NBA currently has thirty teams, but the league's commissioner, David Stern, seems open to the possibility that that number of franchises could shrink in the future. Speaking on an ESPN.com podcast, Stern stated that there is some interest in contraction from both the league and players sides and that the subject will be picked up after the current Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations are completed. "[Contraction] is not a subect that we're against," Stern said. "In fact, when you talk about revenue sharing, a number of teams have said that if you have a team that is perpetually going to be a recipient, aren't you better off with the ability to buy them in? Because between the"
Dennis Rodman says Hall wormed $25K out of him
August 12
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Former Bulls forward Dennis ­Rodman, with his hair dyed red, multiple piercings and tattoos, said he hasn't prepared a written acceptance speech when he is inducted into the Naismith Memorial ­Basketball Hall of Fame on Friday night. "I'm just going to wing it," he said after receiving his Hall of Fame blazer Thursday. "I'm just going to go up there and talk." Will he cuss? "Well, I can say 'damn,' right? Or you 'son of a bitch.' They say that on TV, right? I'm not going to cuss. I'm going to keep it clean. But maybe a couple of words may slip out." On Michael Jordan "MJ is the only player to have his own wing [in the Hall of Fame]. I'll be lucky to get a 10-by-10." On being coached by"
Bulls could work out in L.A. or Vegas
July 29
ESPN.com
 
"If the NBA lockout drags out as long as most league observers think it will and cuts into the start of the new season, Chicago Bulls players have discussed a potential alternative for training camp and beyond. "I think we'll probably work out in L.A. or Vegas because I can get a gym [in Las Vegas] and I think [Derrick] Rose can get a gym in L.A.," Bulls point guard C.J. Watson said during a promotional appearance Thursday night. "I think most of the players are always on the West Coast working out or training, so if we're all there we might as well work out and get it together." Watson said he has been in contact with almost all of his teammates since the Bulls lost to the Miami Heat in"
Kobe, Durant Rose well paid for Philippines pickup game
July 25
Pro Basketball Talk
 
"You make any money this weekend? Kobe Bryant did. So did Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose and the rest of the NBA players who went to the Philippines for a couple of exhibition games over the weekend where they beat some local teams. In a story about players being serious looking overseas, Sam Amick of Sports Illustrated dropped this knowledge. Star-studded exhibition games like the two taking place in the Philippines this weekend are proving to be quite profitable as well, with one source with knowledge of the deals saying the Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant and Chicago's Derrick Rose are being paid more than $400,000 apiece for their weekend of work (reminder: tax-free)."
Derrick Rose, Kobe Bryant, among stars to play in exhibition games in the Philippines
July 22
ESPN.com
 
"With a lockout in effect and NBA players talking about playing in Europe next season, some big stars are getting a taste of basketball overseas. League MVP Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, the Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul are among those who will be playing exhibition games in the Philippines this weekend, according to multiple media reports. The games benefit the MVP Sports Foundation, which helps youth sports programs. "The (foundation) over there is all about giving back and helping out kids," Paul told the New Orleans Times-Picayune Wednesday. "That's something I feel strongly about also. I'm going"
With lockout on, Scalabrine likely headed to Europe
July 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Late in the regular season, Brian Scalabrine told the Tribune he might play in Europe next season as his professional career enters its final few seasons. Now that the NBA will lockout its players beginning at 11:01 p.m. Chicago time Thursday night, Scalabrine's plans will be set in motion quickly. "For me personally, if in the next 15 days it's still kind of like it is now, I'm just going to Europe and play," Scalabrine said in a phone interview. "The thing about that is you have to commit for the whole year and you have no out clauses whatsoever. I support the players and the union and want to see the (NBA) game stay great. But at the end of the day, with two years or so left of playing"
It only gets harder for owners, players; owners expected to push for $45 million hard cap
June 30
San Antonio Express-News
 columnist Mike Monroe
"The NBA's Board of Governors met Tuesday in Dallas and heard a report on collective bargaining from Spurs owner Peter Holt, chairman of its labor relations committee. The league wouldn't reveal if the board officially authorized locking out the players once the clock strikes midnight Thursday, the end of the collective bargaining agreement that's been in place since 2005, but it doesn't matter. As commissioner David Stern has warned already, such a vote is a mere formality and can be conducted by any means at any time. The first lockout authorization via text message may be mere hours away. Holt's committee will meet with the negotiating committee of the National Basketball Player's"
Bulls pick up option on Gibson
June 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"In a formality, the Bulls exercised their fourth-year option on forward Taj Gibson for the 2012-13 season. Gibson has averaged 8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 162 games over two seasons, starting 89 times. The Bulls picked Gibson with the 26th pick in the 2009 draft."
Bulls plan to keep Mirotic with Real Madrid
June 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"The Bulls officially announced the acquisition of Nikola Mirotic's draft rights from the Timberwolves once paperwork cleared the NBA league office Friday evening. League sources said Mirotic's buyout from Real Madrid stands at roughly 2 million Euros. That number obviously is negotiable, but the plan for now is to keep Mirotic overseas for at least two or three seasons of his five-year deal. Bulls international scout Ivica Dukan has watched Mirotic, 20, for years and management projected him as a lottery pick talent whose long-term contract and buyout situation dropped him in the draft. The Bulls were fearful the Thunder, who took Reggie Jackson with the 24th pick, would draft Mirotic"
NBA lockout would put off Bulls decision on Bogans
June 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The widely expected lockout likely will push the Bulls' decision date on Keith Bogans' team option of $1.728 million back from July 10. That date is nine days after when free agency is scheduled to begin if there is not a lockout. During the NBA's last work stoppage before the 1998-99 season, teams were granted the same amount of time to make such decisions once the new collective bargaining agreement was settled. Asked about Bogans this week, general manager Gar Forman talked around it. Bogans started all 82 regular-season games and the 16 playoff contest at shooting guard. "I don't want to pinpoint certain guys," Forman said. "Keith did a lot of good things for us. That's something we"
Bulls trade up in NBA draft for Real Madrid forward
June 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"A suburban power outage might have moved the Bulls' draft headquarters from the Berto Center to the United Center, but the unmistakable aroma smell of team Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf's cigar smoke travels everywhere. Turns out the Bulls were blowing smoke about using both of their first-round picks in the NBA draft for next season's roster spots as well. After being rebuffed all week in their attempts to package picks Nos. 28 and 30 to move up, the Bulls finally succeeded Thursday night, sending their 28th and 43rd picks and cash to the Timberwolves for the draft rights to Montenegro forward Nikola Mirotic, who was picked 23rd. The Timberwolves had acquired that pick from the Rockets in a"
Bulls taking wait-and-see attitude to NBA draft
June 23
Chicago Tribune
 
"Storms knocked out power at the Berto Center late Tuesday, forcing the Bulls to move their draft headquarters to the United Center for Thursday night's festivities. Each year, players in the NBA draft get hyped beyond recognition, which is why Bulls general manager Gar Forman's bluntness sounded so refreshing this week. "If you study the draft with those late picks at 28 and 30, more times than not it's not going to be an impact guy," Forman said Tuesday. "We hope we can get an impact guy. Even if he isn't, we want to get someone who fits us and in two or three years can be a rotation guy." It's hard to drive matters from so late in the first round, which is why the Bulls' attempts to"