The Chicago Bulls have been officially eliminated from the postseason after the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the team in Game 6 of the second round. Considering the team played a good portion of the season without Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, the second round was a solid success after recent years for the Bulls and now the team must figure out how to capitalize off their growing momentum. The first priority is re-signing Jimmy Butler while the second could be retaining head coach Tom Thibodeau.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Butler is the offseason priority as the forward approaches restricted free agent. Several teams are ready to line up and offer the NBA's Most Improved Player a max contract while the Bulls will get first stab at the negotiations. According to RealGM.com, the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will offer max deals to Butler and it will be the Bulls job to match it. However, Butler has already made it clear that he would like to return to Chicago rather than head elsewhere.
"This is a place for me. I love playing with the guys that we have," Butler said, via USA Today. "They continue to bring in great, high character guys that fit the team role. I love it here. I'm happy to be here. Do I feel like I won the bet? It's a tie. I think we both won. I did my job and what I was supposed to do, and I think they are happy with where I am right now."
The Tribune reported that back in October, Butler rejected a four-year, $42 million deal with the Bulls and it was a good gamble considering he is now worth a lot more to the team. However, in order to keep Butler the Bulls might have to consider trade deals. Taj Gibson could be on the outside looking in. Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol took playing time away from the power forward. Gibson is valuable to the Bulls, but he is also valuable on the trade market. The Bulls could get a nice return for the star.
The other big decision coming to Chicago is the future of Thibodeau. Rumors have been flying that the head coach will be fired now that the season has wrapped up. According to ESPNChicago.com, there is little to no chance Thibodeau sees the remaining two years and $9 million left on his contract. Teams like the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans are already aiming to get an interview with the coach assuming he is fired. Thibodeau has the support of the players while still operating like he is returning.
"Until they tell me I'm not [the coach], I expect to be here," Thibodeau said, via ESPN.com. "So that's the way I'm approaching it."