Biggest Threats to Chicago Bulls Re-Signing Nate Robinson in 2013 Offseason

Nate Robinson had an eye-opening 2012-13 venture with the Chicago Bulls. As a result, the Bulls face troubles in their hopes to re-sign him.

Even with a healthy Derrick Rose, the Bulls are a team lacking in offensive potency and three-point weapons. Robinson can score in bunches and also spread the floor with his long-range jump shot.

Therefore, the Bulls can use what he brings to the table. He could even play the shooting guard spot alongside Rose in 2013-14.

However, there are numerous threats that largely indicate why Robinson won't be back in the Windy City next season. 

Barring an unpredictable sequence of events, Robinson will likely be wearing another uniform in the near future, and one (or more) of these reasons will almost surely be the reason why.

5. Tom Thibodeau's Opinion

Throughout 2012-13, there were regular occasions when Robinson's shot selection left a frustrated look on coach Tom Thibodeau's face.

It's no secret that Thibodeau, as well as many Bulls fans, had a love/hate relationship with Nate Rob. "Good Nate" or "Bad Nate" could appear on any given night.

This inconsistency and the frequent displeasure of Thibodeau could impact Robinson's departure. Thibodeau may not advocate for his return.

This is all the more magnified when considering Robinson's defensive limitations. In Thibodeau's rigorous defensive system, players such as Robinson aren't ideal figures. Thibodeau prefers a player like Kirk Hinrich, whose scoring output isn't near the same of Robinson's, but his defensive grit is tenacious.

These factors could infer that Thibs and Bulls management are content to let Robinson walk. He was a good "fill in" player while Rose was injured, but he doesn't fit their philosophy as they look towards the future.

4. Guard-Deficient Teams

There are a plethora of teams that are rather guard-deficient who could have a distinct interest in Robinson.

Squads like the Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz and Dallas Mavericks could all use some punch in their backcourt. These franchises could easily lure Robinson because of their glaring needs.

Specifically, they could offer him a featured role off the bench where he'll log approximately 25 minutes per game. He could maybe even nab a starting gig depending on the destination.

This is a threat to the Bulls re-signing Robinson because they simply don't have such a premier role available. With Rose returning and Hinrich presumably taking the backup point guard spot, the Bulls don't possess a guard-deficiency problem that's evident amongst other ball clubs.

Don't be surprised if Robinson lands in one of these new locations and finds himself playing a significant role in 2013-14 and beyond.

3. The Development of Marquis Teague

Another threat to Robinson's Chi-town return is the presence of Marquis Teague, who will be in his second campaign.

Teague appeared unready for the pace of the NBA throughout much of his rookie year, but he certainly grew in maturity and is likely ready to be a serviceable contributor come next season's outset.

Assuming this is the case, then the Bulls have three active point guards on the roster in Rose, Hinrich and Teague. In particular, Teague's development displays that Robinson is expendable, because there's simply no need for four able point guards on the depth chart.

If Teague, however, struggles in his maturation process or perhaps battles an offseason injury, then Robinson's return becomes much more intriguing. With Hinrich's injury history, a reliable third point guard is certainly a must. 

The likelihood, though, is that Teague progresses and reveals his readiness. This probable case will likely signal Robinson's farewell.

2. The New York Knicks

The New York Knicks receive their own slide in this because they're the most reasonable team that will swipe Robinson away from Chicago.

First of all, it has already been noted that Robinson would be open to a return to New York, where he previously played for four and a half seasons.

Second, this makes a great deal of sense from a basketball standpoint. With Jason Kidd retiring and J.R. Smith opting out of the final year of his contract, the Knicks suddenly have some voids to fill.

Smith, in particular, shouldered a significant offensive load, and his scoring versatility will need replacing.

Robinson could conveniently become their spark plug off the bench. He fits their current need and he is already familiar with playing in the Big Apple.

This seemingly makes sense from all angles.

We just might soon witness Robinson once again pumping up the crowd at Madison Square Garden. 

1. Cap Space

The main issue in the Bulls re-signing Robinson has nothing to do with other teams. It has to do with their financial outlook.

The Bulls are strained financially and can't justify giving a multiyear deal to Robinson when they already have three point guards (Rose, Hinrich, Teague).

If Robinson wanted to once again play for the veteran's minimum, the Bulls would love to have him, but such a scenario almost surely won't present itself.

After Robinson's impressive stretch with the Bulls, he'll surely be looking for a multiyear deal with whoever will provide it. He is now 29 years old, and this is likely his last chance for a long-term, fairly lucrative deal.

Why would he pass up such an opportunity?

The bottom line is that the Bulls don't have the cap space nor the urgent need for a Robinson re-signing. This is why their overall financial situation is the greatest threat towards Nate Rob's reappearance in a Bulls uni.

They'd love to nab him for cheap again, but that scenario is beyond unlikely. Krypto-Nate won't be playing anywhere next year on a veteran's minimum deal. This ultimately foreshadows the end of Robinson's brief but exciting tenure with the Bulls.