Prettified version: http://dabullz.com/2008/09/18/reindsorf-expects-gordon-to-remain-bull/ Work in Progress Version: http://sportstwo.com/node/1172
We expected this. At the beginning of the summer, at the guys on Chicago Bullseye Podcast, nephew's graduation, Reinsdorf was there. He asked Reinsdorf if they are going to get extensions done for Gordon and Deng. Reinsdorf responded, "Deng yes, Gordon no".
It seems like the Bulls kind of wanted to force Gordon on to the qualifying offer, so that they can get a look at how well Derrick Rose/Ben Gordon work together. They did this by making their long-term offer a very low offer, on the very low end of fair, so that if Gordon does resign, that he will have a super easily tradeable contract if they think Rose/Gordon won't work in the backcourt. Plus, Gordon dished out the secrets of the Bulls negotiations to Gilbert Arenas, so that probably angered Reinsdorf off a bunch, and knocked a few million off his offer.
It was a mess huh? The whole thing from the beginning. Do you see him on the team once the season starts?
If I were Gordon I'd take the Bulls offer before I took the QO, but I'd wait until the last minute and push for a way out as much as possible. I think playing on the QO is a terrible risk for Gordon, because if the Bulls' season goes south, even if he's the best option, they'll have plenty of incentive to simply bench him and look at their cheaper options. And I expect the Bulls season to go south.
I wonder how much Gordon has been practicing this off season. An injury at this point in the contract situation would be devastating.
Doug Thonus working the phone with all the sources that he has developed relationships over the past 2 years or so...however long he's been working for draftexpress and doing bullsbeat.
Well, at least I'll get to see a Gordon and Rose backcourt. Here's hoping it works. Here's hoping Gordon remains a Bull beyond this season if it works.
If Rose/Gordon/Deng/Thomas works out as our 4, I would begin looking at making a move for guys like Amare Stoudemire, Yao Ming, and Chris Bosh. That sounds a little crazy right now, but if those teams stink (probably Suns, but not Rockets after Artest trade), those guys could easily be traded. They know that teams like Miami and Cleveland will be offering max contracts to guys, while offering the opportunity to play with Lebron or Wade. So if Paxson could say use his Bulls connection (see Ainge/McHale), and do a trade like Kirk Hinrich, Drew Gooden, Thabo Sefolosha, Joakim Noah for Amare Stoudemire...that would be great. I think the Bulls should start out the season by playing Hinrich around 34 minutes, Gordon 36 minutes, and then giving Rose about 22 minutes or so, mostly with Gordon. Start Thomas/Gooden in the frontcourt, with Nocioni as the main powerforward backup so Sefolosha can get some minutes behind Deng. (take it easy on Deng to start the season). This accomplishes two things. Sink or swim with Thomas. Also have veterans in Kirk playing more minutes as our schedule is harder at the beginning of the year. You then raise up Hinrich and Gooden's value. A young point guard, and an expiring power forward....that could make an attractive trade package if they play well, especially if you throw in prospects like Sefolosha and Noah could sweeten the deal. Looking at trading for 2010 big names on sinking teams is the best bet for consolidation trades imho.
