The Chicago Bulls have Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose together for the long haul and Butler said that the chemistry between the players will continue to improve as they play together and this comes as the Bulls could look at a Taj Gibson trade this year, while Brendan Haywood is a free agent option to back up Joakim Noah.
The Bulls are coming back after finishing last season with a disappointing playoffs loss to the Cavaliers and they have a new head coach taking over. Fred Hoiberg comes in to take over for Tom Thibodeau and that likely means a new offensive and defensive style for the team. Butler comes in after signing a max extension and he was asked about the reports that him and Rose have had some chemistry issues on the court in the past. According to ESPN.com, Butler said in a radio interview that he "thinks" it can it "will" get better between the players.
Right after the Bulls lost to the Cavs, there was a report from CBS Chicago that Rose had "frustration" with Butler at the end of the series and was acting "passive-aggressive". Both players denied that there were any issues and now Butler is back long term, so the two will have to find a way to co-exist if there is a real rift. Pro Basketball Talk points out that the Bulls were more efficient when both players were on the court together and any improvement in chemistry should be a big help this season.
Butler was also asked about the chemistry issues in an interview with Rolling Stone and he said that he didn't "think we (Rose) have any issues." Butler added that both players have the same goal in bringing a championship back to Chicago. Butler is clearly the leader of the team now and he comes in after having his best professional season, making the All-Star team while averaging 20 points, 5.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.
The Bulls are coming into the season with solid depth at the forward position, as the team has Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol along with rookie Bobby Portis and Raj Gibson. The team could consider a Gibson trade this season, as the Chicago Tribune reports that he could be moved since his role on the team likely will be diminished. Mirotic played well last year and Gibson is making over $8 million for each of the next two seasons, which is a lot for a backup player. Based on his role now, Gibson could be shopped.
The Bulls may also look at adding some depth at center, as the team has Cameron Bairstow behind Joakim Noah, but that's it for right now. Nazr Mohammed may retire and if the team wants some depth, Brendan Haywood or Greg Stiemsma could be options. Haywood comes in after being waived by the Blazers following his trade from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Haywood played in 22 games last season and averaged 1.6 points and 1.3 rebounds per game and he could be a cheap backup option for Noah.
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