The Chicago Bulls are once again entering an offseason with disappointment after the team was ousted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semi-finals of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Now, the Bulls have more decisions to make than they would like as contract and coaching issues will headline the next few months for the team. While Derrick Rose returning healthy is a positive note to build one, doubt surrounds both head coach Tom Thibodeau along with Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson.
Before making any moves with the current roster, the Bulls will make a call on Thibodeau and his future with the franchise. According to Marc Stein of ESPN.com, Thibodeau is aware that he will likely be fired despite having two years and $9 million remaining on his contract with the team. Stein reports that Thibodeau clashed too much with front office officials and the two sides are simply don't with one another.
The question becomes how long the Bulls will wait to fire Thibodeau. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the Bulls will not fire the coach until they have a commitment from someone they believe is better. Thibodeau is getting interest from everyone from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Orlando Magic while Chicago has their eyes on Alvin Genty and Fred Hoiberg. If the Bulls can get a commitment from someone they like more, Thibodeau is gone and the focus then moves to the roster changes.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Butler is untouchable. The small forward is approaching restricted free agency, but has stressed he wants to remain in Chicago and the feeling is mutual. Butler can expected a nice contract extension to come his way in the offseason, but that could force other moves to be made, including a trade of Gibson.
The power forward has faced this before. Gibson has been the subject of trade rumors ever since the Bulls brought on both Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic who took playing time away from the forward during the season. With Mirotic proving he can be a quality reserve big man, the Bulls might just see the return value they can get for Gibson who does hold a lot of weight in the league. A number of teams could chase Gibson which would free up space for Butler's contract along with giving the Bulls other assets to work with.