Now that Dwyane Wade has opted into the final year of his contract with the Bulls, the team doesn’t appear to have much interest in buying him out, as Nick Friedell of ESPN.com writes, Executive VP of basketball operations John Paxson told reporters today that the Bulls and Wade’s camp haven’t discussed a buyout for the veteran guard, and for the club to consider such a move, it would “have to be advantageous for us.” In other words, Wade would likely have to give back a significant chunk of his $23.8MM salary for the 2017/18 season if he wants out of Chicago.
Here are a few more Bulls-related notes:
- At season’s end, the Bulls sounded committed to bringing back Rajon Rondo, whose contract for 2017/18 is mostly non-guaranteed. However, the team sounds less certain now, and Paxson said that decision is still being weighed. “We’re going to sit down with [Rondo’s agent] Bill [Duffy] and talk through [things],” Paxson said today, per Friedell. “We do understand that veterans are important for a young basketball team. The right veterans. The guys that are good teammates, are supportive of the young guys, and continue to teach them how to be pros. Those are things we’ll be addressing.”
- While it’s possible the Bulls will cut Rondo and try to re-sign him at a lower number than his current $13MM+ salary, that looks like a long shot, tweets K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune.
- Zach LaVine, who was introduced as a Bull today, is optimistic about his rehab process, but doesn’t want to put an exact timetable on his return to the court, writes Friedell. “I’m going to be safe,” LaVine said. “The main thing is always being safe. And I always have to take care of myself and this franchise as well, so I’m going to be safe. I’m going to do everything I can physically to get back, and then when I’m at that point, I’m going to be ready.”
- Shortly after he was traded to the Timberwolves, Jimmy Butler spoke to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Although Butler said he wasn’t mad at the Bulls, he admitted he didn’t exactly love the way the franchise handled the process. “I guess being called the face of an organization isn’t as good as I thought,” Butler added. “We all see where being the so-called face of the Chicago Bulls got me.”
Rebuild around Lavine,Markkanen, and Dunn and shoot for Michael Porter Jr next summer.
I wonder to what extent, if any, Wade’s decision to opt in had anything to with what management may have said as to whether or not Butler was staying or being traded? In other words, just as Butler was told he was staying I wonder if Wade was told the same thing prior to the trade? Maybe it didn’t matter to Wade who certainly appears to be in for the coin at this point of his career?
All players are always in it for the money.
Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, Iggy, Livingston, beg to differ.
Harrison Barnes said “no”to the same type of $$ contract Thompson and Green received, so he signed in Dallas for about 8 mil per year more.
Not all players are in it just for the money.
Klay Thompson’s deal just looks like a bargain because he signed it in 2014. His starting salary of $15.5MM in the 2015-16 season was 22% of the cap, while the max for him would have been 25%. So he only took a 3% discount
definitely for the dollar… but they have ah nice squad… as long as rondo is the point guard… rondo fits perfect with this group
Yeah come on. Wade could have waited until after the draft to decide whether or not to opt in. He did it exactly for the money. He new if he opted in and then they decided to trade Butler, the bulls would be almost forced to buy him out and then he could sign a new contract with a new team and make more money.
Typical reinsdorf. That was my question about the buyout. He wouldn’t pay Wade most of his money to play somewhere else. He’d rather add wins to this team unnecessarily, if he’s going to pay him….
Perhaps a trade to a team with A LOT of cap room, for an expiring? That other team buys him out? I don’t want Wade to have to suffer through another tough year in Chicago. At least he’ll have Dunn to mentor
The Bulls always shoot themselves in the foot with these bizarre roster moves. What is the point of bringing Wade back here if you’re rebuilding without Butler? It’s like they’re going out of their way to suck, but avoid getting lottery picks. Makes no damn sense.
^^ Agreed. And while having a top pick next year is enticing and necessary, how have they not gone out of their way to acquire more draft capital in this or next years drafts. This situation was entirely in the realm of possibility, and instead of making like Ainge and acquiring at least a few future assets, they’ve eschewed the value of future draft picks. Rebuilding with just your own capital is going to take YEARS.
Wasn’t Wade’s a player option and his decision? Rather than the Bulls decision?
Gary, yes. Yes it was. Wade decided to do this because HE wanted to opt in. Bulls have no choice. Accept it, or buy him out.
Wade re-signing with the Bulls was contingent on them keeping Butler (according to Wade). They could have easily told Wade they’re rebuilding without Butler, and would be willing to buy him out if he chose to stay.