"Contrary to recent reports, the Bulls do not have enough cap room to sign two maximum free agents. To get to the elusive two-MC threshold the Bulls would have to clear another $3.5 million from their books. Their best -- albeit unlikely -- bet would be to try to find a taker for Luol Deng's enormous contract, hoping to slide LeBron James into his vacated spot. Dumping James Johnson, Taj Gibson, Chris Richard and Rob Kurz would not generate the needed cap room -- the cap holds associated with the four vacated roster spots would consume much of the cap room that would be freed by their departure. "
They have more cap space than Miami though, after signing Wade back. So out of the teams with 29-30+ million cap space, they're the best built.
Here's what he wrote about Miami. Another common assumption heading into free agency? If the Heat are able to dump Michael Beasley's contract for cap space, they'll have enough room to offer LeBron James, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade max contracts. But as salary-cap expert Larry Coon writes Wednesday for ESPN, that common assumption just isn't true. In fact, as Coon writes, the Heat are really about maxed out on moves to create more cap space. As such, if James or Bosh are going to join Wade, somebody's going to have to take less money.
I still think someone with cap room that isnt in the running for a Major FA can take Luol's contract. Dont the clippers need a 3?
I was listening to NBA today this morning (or was it Mike and Mike? Iunno), and apparently after the 'summit' most people see Lebron leaning towards Miami with Wade and Bosh. There might be a chance they all take a $1.6 million paycut. Not that it matters anyways, Lebron would make that up after filming one commercial with Nike.
Blue, whats the best deal you think we can pull off involving deng to open up more space while still bring in quality and depth? Or do you think we should do a cap dump? Wheres FatJerry where you need him?!?!?! lol
You're a little behind in the rumors. The summit was addressed, there was none. Ira Winderman even went over this and he originally reported a summit. It is wide open and Bosh doesn't think the trio will happen.
How many NBA executives get fired if they don't get LeBron? The Knicks have sacrificed their last 3 years for this day. The Nets, Bulls, Heat are giving away players for a shot LeBron.
I'm starting to realize that going all-in for cap space is a huge mistake. The teams have gutted their rosters and traded away guys who would be contributing significant minutes even with the FAs signed. Like if the Bulls signed $30M worth of 2 FAs, they have only vet minimum to fill out the roster, and that's a LOT of roster spots. They'll have MLE and a late draft pick to bolster the roster next season.
Thats why I say trade for depth/rotation guys if youre gonna gut your roster. The Bulls should try to trade Deng for depth, but nothing can happen until after they know they have a Max FA.
If the Bulls get their top two guys they'll be fine. A playoff rotation goes 8 deep, maybe 9. Bulls have 6 quality rotation guys and they could turn Deng into more.
Yeah, sorry guys, been working 55 hours a week for the past month. Barely ever been on or heard shit. Anyways, there was a story about one of MJ's confidante talking to Lebron recently and the possiblity of him playing in Chicago. Some waiter who's been the only guy to serve MJ for over 20 years at Gibson's (up in North Rush street). All he apparently said was that Lebron already asked him to reserve the seat for the next decade, he's coming to Chicago. Wouldn't that be something if a waiter were the source to leak Lebron's (true) plans?
You should move across the border to Somerville. They only make us work 50 hours a week here. Thanks for the story about the waiter at Gibsons. I've read the stories about how Lebron is intrigued by Jordan's rituals to the extent that he ate at Gibsons last time in town, and that it wouldn't be detriment. None of that seemed to make any sense to me. Your story kind of ties it together for why reporters have been mentioning the restaurant. As to the thread more generally, Bulls theoretically can trade Deng to any team that is under the cap for less salary in return or an expiring contract. I have to imagine that the contract is moveable.
I am beginning to warm up to getting LeBron and Boozer. Boozer is right behind Bosh in terms of talent, but still pretty damn good when healthy and he will be cheaper.
