Bulls executives John Paxson and Gar Forman spoke to the media in a Wednesday press conference that lasted the better part of an hour. Although Paxson and Forman didn’t exactly lay out their offseason blueprint, several of their answers provided hints about the Bulls’ next steps.
For one, Paxson praised Rajon Rondo and said there’s a “really good chance” that the team will retain the veteran point guard for next season, per Nick Friedell of ESPN.com (Twitter link). As we outlined this morning in our Offseason Cap Digest for the Bulls, Rondo’s $13.397MM salary is currently only partially guaranteed for $3MM, so Chicago could save more than $10MM by cutting him — but likely won’t.
Here are more items of note from today’s presser, with all links via Friedell unless otherwise indicated:
- Paxson reiterated today that Fred Hoiberg will return as the Bulls’ head coach next season (Twitter link).
- Although Paxson acknowledged that Jimmy Butler doesn’t necessarily fit into Chicago’s desire to play with pace, he said the Bulls “know his value”and that Butler is “far and away our best player” (Twitter links via K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune and Friedell).
- The Bulls will sit down with Butler and Dwyane Wade – who has a player option – within the next few weeks to discuss their respective futures (Twitter links).
- Both Paxson and Forman spoke about the importance of establishing more consistent roles for players next season, particularly for the Bulls’ young guys (Twitter links).
- The Bulls value Nikola Mirotic, according to Forman, who made it clear that there’s mutual interest between the two sides in getting a new deal done for the RFA-to-be (Twitter links).
- Asked about coaching staff changes, Paxson said the team is “in the process of looking at everything.” With Hoiberg a lock to return, any changes made would be to the assistant coaches (Twitter links via Johnson).
- The Bulls want to add shooting and athleticism this summer, according to Paxson (Twitter link).
- The Bulls continue to stress the idea of maintaining flexibility for 2018 and beyond. Paxson suggested that it would be “difficult” to make significant changes to the roster this summer, while Forman talked about the advantage of saving cap room rather than committing to multiple long-term deals right away (Twitter links via Friedell and Vincent Goodwill of CSNChicago.com).
Paxons more full of crap than a Xmas goose. Mirotic BLOWS! Hoiburgs in way over his head. The team doesn’t respect him. Foreman must do a helluva job washing cars for Paxon.
Okay let’s try this again, it’s Hoiberg, not Hoiburg. It’s also Paxson, not Paxons. I am getting sick and tired of seeing your dumba$$ complain on here about the Bulls. Yes we know they suck, lay off the booze or stop commenting on here!
We can always tell who the homer cub fan is. And when Hoiburg proves he belongs, I’ll spell it correctly. Until then just stay close to Broadway near Wrigley and you’ll be happy.
Yeah because that makes sense. All you ever say is, “Bulls suck! Fire everyone! Boycott!” How is it sitting at a bar every day wasting your life? I’m going to go back to work. Peace
Paxon & Foreman are clueless. I feel sorry for Bulls fans. This team is going nowhere as long as these two are at the helm.
Declining the option on Wade would be a good sign from the Bulls’ front office. It would signify a shift towards rebuilding and moving on from Butler. If Wade is brought back, however, the Bulls will maintain the status quo, which would be disastrous for Bulls fans (at least what’s left of them).
Wade’s option is a player option, so the Bulls won’t have much say in whether or not it’s picked up (though they could try to trade him if he opts in).
Thanks for clarifying that.
his option date is also after the draft, so we’ll probably have clarity on butler before wade.
GARPAX like a broken record saying same thing for years. Center piece of trade deadline acquisition did time in D league after the trade. Making playoffs just hurt draft spot which is all they can hope for. Wade played bulls like a fiddle since they were only team that offered him big time dough. Sorry lads but they are clueless. Yet the lemmings fill the seats so Rein$dorfs making the dough! Until they stop showing up GARPAX will stay
Let’s sum up what was said… “we aren’t good, and the only path to being good is to make bold moves. But we aren’t comfortable making bold moves because we don’t have faith in ourselves to make the right moves. And if we make the wrong moves, we could be bad for a long time.”
How do these guys have jobs?
Yeah, it makes me sick how risk averse the Bulls are.
Wade and Butler need to go. I’ve been a diehard Bulls fan for years, but these two guys add nothing positive to this team.
They’re both far too egotistical, and Butler is far from a leader. He’s a perfect 2nd option, but that big ego of his will never allow him to settle into that role.
All he does is play hero ball, and act like a drama queen. Not trying to diminish his skills, but it just doesn’t work here.
If I’m the Bulls, I sell him on draft night for a few 1st round picks. Draft Fultz or Ball, and sign (or draft) an athletic YOUNG big man.
If they trade Butler, they can rebuild quickly. If they trade Butler, hopefully Wade will get the hint that the party’s over, the host kicked his buddy out, and he isn’t wanted anymore.