League source : Skiles wants 4 year, 14 million $ deal

Bulls considering long-term deal for Skiles

The ball is the court of head coach Scott Skiles concerning his future with the Bulls, who have offered to cancel the option year of his contract and rework a long-term deal.

"Nothing is imminent," said general manager John Paxson, who declined to elaborate on the negotiations. "We're under the impression that Scott wants to be here, and we want him to be here. But until something gets done, it's not done."

The team has until June 30 to exercise its option for next season.

According to a league source, Skiles seeks a four-year, $14 million contract that would put him among the highest-paid coaches in the league.

At $2 million this season, Skiles ranks No. 19 on the NBA coaches' salary list. He led the Bulls to the 10th-best record in the league and their first playoff berth since 1998.

But Skiles-coached teams have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs.

The Bulls have been burned by long-term deals with coaches in the past, most notably with Tim Floyd, who was given a five-year contract before the 1998-99 season even though he had no previous NBA coaching experience.

Floyd lasted three-plus seasons before he was fired during the 2001-02 campaign.

If Skiles doesn't return next season, he will be in an enviable position.

Several teams are in the market for a head coach, including Cleveland, the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota, New York, Orlando and Portland.

Indications are that Skiles has no other team in mind at this time.

Gordon on hold

Guard Ben Gordon captured the Sixth Man of the Year Award in his first season in the league, but he left no doubt about his desire to eventually start.

Gordon can change a few minds in the offseason, when he may be the only core player to accompany the Bulls' summer league team to Las Vegas in July.

That is, if there is a summer league. The basic agreement between the players and team owners will expire July 1, and in the event of a lockout, any such offseason activities would be canceled.

"We want Ben to improve his ball-handling and decision-making on the court," Paxson said. "We haven't made a decision yet, but if he is a part of our summer league team, it will give him more practice time and a bit more game experience."

Gordon started only three times in the regular season, largely because of an inability to find his rhythm and focus early in games.

As an emergency starter in Game 6 against Washington earlier this month, Gordon attempted one shot and was guilty of five turnovers.

"People ask me whether Ben can be a starter next season," Paxson said. "My answer is always the same ? Ben can be whatever he wants to be. It depends on how quickly he progresses and how badly he wants it."

House in order

The team will not pursue other free agents until the futures of forward Tyson Chandler, center Eddy Curry and guard Chris Duhon are determined.

Chandler, Curry and Duhon will become restricted free agents after the season, which means the Bulls can match any offers for them.

"The top priority is to keep our nucleus intact, and that includes Eddy, Tyson and Chris," Paxson said. "Once that is settled, we'll review other free-agent options, although we don't expect to make any major moves in that area."

The wish list includes a physical guard and an all-purpose big man.

By Paul Ladewski, staff writer - Daily Southtown

 

Link? Anyways, I think Skiles would be more than worht a 4 year, $14 million contract. He did a great job this year and was a huge reason for the turnaround. On Gordon...I think he will start next year, and if he steps off on the wrong foot and can't get it going, I'd see him as the 6th man again. He's got all sorts of potential to be great, but it's the little mistakes he makes that hurts him. He's got to be more careful with the ball and make smarter decisions, so I think Summer League will help him in that aspect. In terms of our trio of FAs, I definitely say make them top priority. They were all a large part of our success this year and their returning would keep our core in tact next year. So, if that happens, it's very likely another playoff run would be imminent, and barring any setbacks, a potential run for our division next year. Granted that could be a stretch, but, with a team this talented, it could happen.

 

Skiles is worth more than 3.5 Mil a year on average.
Dan Gilbert could shock Paxon if he offers him at least 5 Mil per; he wants him bad according to reports.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Purple Fever:</div><div class="quote_post">Skiles is worth more than 3.5 Mil a year on average.
Dan Gilbert could shock Paxon if he offers him at least 5 Mil per; he wants him bad according to reports.</div>He may want him, but would Skiles want to go to the mess that is Cleveland? Right now, that team is all over the place. They need a lot of things at this point in time. They have the big question of whether to resign Ilgauskus. And if they don't resign him, than they have to find another big either by trade, FA, or the draft. Beyond that, they need to land a shooter. They need to look hard at Mike Redd and Ray Allen. They're two of the premier shooters in the league and either one would help the Cavs and give them exactly what they need, which is a person who can light it up from the outside. After all this is dealt with, they still don't have a good consistent point guard. Eric Snow had a lackluster year and Jeff McInnis went downhill and hit a wall after the All Star break. So, to say the least, this team has a lot off questions that need to be answered. If I were Skiles, I'd stay with Chicago no matter how much Gilbert offers (unless it's something super outrageous). He'll be stepping into a good situation, assuming that Chandler and Curry return. If they do, then expect Chicago to make a playoff run again next year and potentially go deep barring any setbacks like this year. The Cavs, as I said, are a mess. At this point, they're nowhere close to being a contender. They have too many things that need to be figured out before you can factor them into a playoff spot for next year.

 

Mess or not, how often do you get a chance to coach a guy like LeBron.

I say we give him the money though and Skiles seems intent on staying.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Moo2K4:</div><div class="quote_post">Link? Anyways, I think Skiles would be more than worht a 4 year, $14 million contract. He did a great job this year and was a huge reason for the turnaround. On Gordon...I think he will start next year, and if he steps off on the wrong foot and can't get it going, I'd see him as the 6th man again. He's got all sorts of potential to be great, but it's the little mistakes he makes that hurts him. He's got to be more careful with the ball and make smarter decisions, so I think Summer League will help him in that aspect. In terms of our trio of FAs, I definitely say make them top priority. They were all a large part of our success this year and their returning would keep our core in tact next year. So, if that happens, it's very likely another playoff run would be imminent, and barring any setbacks, a potential run for our division next year. Granted that could be a stretch, but, with a team this talented, it could happen.</div>

I got it from the HoopsHype Rumors page.

On topic: I also agree that Skiles is worth the money, and i'm sure Paxson is more than willing to offer him what he asks for, but i'm curious about reinsdorf's take on this. Just look at how he handled Phil in the past. Plus, he's probably still sick about the money he spent on Floyd.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Quoting I-Miss-MJ:</div><div class="quote_post">Mess or not, how often do you get a chance to coach a guy like LeBron.
</div>I myself would rather go to a stable team that'll likely be a playoff lock if our FAs return than go to a mess like the Cavs just to coach LeBron.

 

well if he did go to cleaveland there wouldnt be much mess after the first year. look what skiles did to these guys, and in a way they responded to and respect. he would only have a problem with the front office, maybe thats what you were refferring to. skiles doesnt let bs roam his court.