Byron Scott

Ken Berger of CBSSports.com looks at how the Bulls are preserving their flexibility for seasons to come with their penny-pinching this summer. The Bulls may wind up paying the luxury tax this season, but are seeking to avoid doing so in later years when restrictions kick in that bar taxpaying teams from acquiring players via sign-and-trade, using cap exceptions, and making uneven financial trades. Elsewhere in the Central Division, Bob Finnan of The News-Herald provides few Cavs-centered updates this evening:

• Cavs GM Chris Grant was somewhat surprised that the team was able to sign C.J. Miles, given heavy pursuit by the Lakers and Rockets, Finnan writes. Miles will compete for a starting job, Cavs coach Byron Scott says, adding that only Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao are guaranteed spots in the starting lineup. 
• Scott said the team's next move is to get a deal done with Alonzo Gee, Finnan notes. The Cavs are reportedly likely to match any offers the restricted free agent swingman receives from other teams.
• The Cavs have begun talks on a contract extension for Scott, who expressed his desire to stick around. "We'll take care of that somewhere down the line," the coach said in Finnan's story. "People ask, ‘Do you really like Cleveland?' I love it. The perception of Cleveland is it's the ‘Mistake by the Lake.' I hope I'm here in the next five years. I enjoy what's going on."
• The Magic have raided one Central Division team, hiring Pistons director of pro personnel Harold Ellis for a similar position, but won't be taking assistant coach Adrian Griffin from the Bulls, who've denied the Magic permission to interview him, as we heard in earlier reports today.