<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Nobody can accuse Bulls general manager John Paxson of not being direct. Agents and players say his philosophy in negotiations is to attempt to be fair, honest and above board. Perhaps that's why Andres Nocioni is telling contacts in Argentina he wouldn't be surprised to be traded this summer. Nocioni, 27, told those same contacts that Paxson informed him in his season-exit interview that the Bulls' No. 1 off-season goal is to acquire a scoring power forward. That might even further limit minutes for the manic Nocioni, who happens to play both at power forward and the same small-forward position as a burgeoning All-Star in Luol Deng. The Bulls respect and appreciate Nocioni's grit, determination and skill. They would also gladly welcome the restricted free agent back?at the right price. But if Nocioni, resting in his homeland after a serious bout with plantar fasciitis in his right foot, commands an offer sheet in the $6 million to $8 million range, expect the Bulls to explore sign-and-trade options.</div> <div align="center">Source: Chicago Tribune</div>
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">"They know we want Noce back," Paxson said. "We're in the process of trying to work something out. I know there's interest in Noce. Everybody would love to have him on their team. "There are a few teams with [salary-]cap space that could potentially throw an offer sheet down. I've often said, and Jerry's [Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf] with me on this, we're going to match offer sheets. We're not going to lose a player for nothing." The Grizzlies, Bucks, Bobcats and Magic are the only teams expected to own significant room when the salary-cap figures are set on July 11. As a restricted free agent, Nocioni could have any offer sheet matched by the Bulls, who also could include Nocioni in a sign-and-trade scenario. "I haven't talked to anybody about that," Paxson said. "Our preference is to sign him outright. Sign-and-trades are difficult because everybody has to be on board. It has to be a destination the player wants. I think they're more last resort than anything else. We'd like to get something done with him because he's so valuable for us." Paxson insists the Bulls have the financial resources to re-sign Nocioni and add an unrestricted free agent. The Bulls own the midlevel salary-cap exception of approximately $5.5 million, as well as the bi-annual veteran's exception of roughly $1.8 million.</div> <div align="center">Source: Chicago Sports</div>
Memphis is really interested in Andres Nocioni, they have even flown out to his home to present him an offer sheet in person, as reported by ESPN. Hopefully, Paxson matches, he has said he will match any offer sheet to Nocioni now lets see if he keeps his word.
Nocioni has stated time and again he wants to play in the city of Chicago for the rest of his professional career. I wouldn't be surprised if the Bulls do whatever they can to keep him.
He shouldn't leave, he likes it here and is a good player off the bench. He is hard on himself, but it is a good thing.
If Memphis is willing to give up Gasol for Nocioni + others, then I say go for it. However we simply can't afford anything over the MLE i think. It's a shame I really like Nocioni
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bulls reportedly still eyeing Grizzlies’ Gasol By Mike McGraw mmcgraw@dailyherald.com Posted Wednesday, July 04, 2007 Could Bulls forward Andres Nocioni be on his way to Memphis in a trade for Pau Gasol? A league source suggested any talks between the Bulls and Grizzlies are in the preliminary stages. But Memphis general manager Chris Wallace flew to Argentina in recent days to meet with Nocioni, sources confirmed. One theory is the Bulls would be willing to send Nocioni, first-round draft pick Joakim Noah, backup point guard Chris Duhon and filler to the Grizzlies in exchange for the 7-foot Gasol, who averaged 20.8 points and 9.8 rebounds last season. Nocioni is a restricted free agent, which means the Bulls can match any offer the third-year forward receives. Bulls general manager John Paxson stated emphatically Monday that he’ll match any offer sheet for Nocioni. But it’s possible Paxson’s message was another way of saying any team that wants Nocioni will have to negotiate a trade. The Bulls have great appreciation for Nocioni’s talent and toughness, but his role on the team seems to be limited to either playing power forward at 6-feet-7 or backing up small forward Luol Deng.</div> Daily Herald
