Tom Thibodeau apparently does not hear the rumors that are putting his future with the Chicago Bulls in question. After the team had another early exit from the postseason some began to wonder just how invested the front office was in the one-time Coach of the Year. Yet while everyone is questioning Thibodeau and the Bulls long-term commitment, he is busy recruiting top free agents to Chicago for next year.
Fans might have panicked a bit when reports surfaced on Thursday that Thibodeau was in the running to be the next Los Angeles Lakers head coach. Mike D'Antoni had officially resigned from the team and Los Angeles was busy setting up their wishlist of coaches. Thibodeau's name was reportedly at the top as everyone from ESPN to CBS was saying the Lakers were ready to persuade the coach to head west next year. However, Thibodeau has reportedly not heard any of the rumors because he is too busy getting in touch with Carmelo Anthony.
KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports that Thibodeau has no plans on talking with the Lakers about the future because he is ready to be the piece that convinces Anthony to sign with the Bulls in free agency. Chicago has made Anthony their priority in free agency, hoping to have a Big 3 of Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose and Anthony. Of course in order to do so the team has to do some major roster adjustments which include the release of Carlos Boozer and others. But without Thibodeau as coach, Anthony is not an option no matter what.
The New York Knicks are concerned that Chicago has a real shot at landing their star guard. Anthony wants to win, plain and simple. With Thibodeau at coach, the Bulls are one or two pieces from being a championship team. Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that the Knicks are feeling the pressure to hire a big coach in order to keep Anthony around. Is Steve Kerr that guy to get Anthony to re-sign?
The Tribune goes on to report that the Bulls have all but ruled out LeBron James as an option. The general consensus around the league is that James is likely going to re-sign with the Miami Heat over heading elsewhere. That leaves Anthony as the best option for Chicago. They could also be interested in re-signing Luol Deng or making a run at Kevin Love.
