NBA Rumors: Latest Buzz Surrounding Top Targets in League
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the league's draft lottery is quickly approaching.
But we shouldn't forget about the upcoming offseason, one that offers plenty of intrigue. There should be big-time signings and blockbuster trades galore in about two months, in addition to some coaching changes that are already happening.
Let's check in with the situations of two key Chicago Bulls and one head coaching vacancy.
Jimmy Butler's Bulls Situation
The Chicago Bulls had a wildly disappointing 2015-16 campaign, missing the postseason for the first time in eight seasons. The prospect of large-scale changes is naturally on the minds of the Bulls front office, and it starts with the franchise's best player, Jimmy Butler.
Per the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson, the Bulls are still open to trading Butler, and their approach toward offers remains the same as it did at the trade deadline. According to Johnson, "That means it would take a significant offer involving at least one high-profile player and multiple first-round picks to pry him loose."
While that's a steep price tag for one player, Butler is a special talent. He's a workhorse on the defensive end and can take over games offensively as a slasher and willing passer. Provided he's flexible with his offensive role (which may not be a safe assumption), Butler's two-way game and no-nonsense demeanor would be a good fit for most teams in the league.
The Bulls just want to make sure they're getting a solid, youth-heavy return in the event that they trade their All-Star shooting guard. If Butler does leave, the Bulls would need a sizable haul to add to their young core of Doug McDermott, Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.
Will Noah Remain in Chicago?
The Bulls have another issue to deal with in the offseason: How can they get Joakim Noah to return to Chicago, and is it even worth pursuing him in the first place?
Johnson reported the Bulls are planning on pursuing Noah when the free-agency period begins July 1. The center has played in Chicago ever since the team drafted him in 2007, and his heart and defensive skills have long captured the essence of former head coach Tom Thibodeau's regime.
However, it wouldn't be surprising if Noah doesn't want to return to the Bulls after watching the tailspin they suffered during the second half of the season without him. As Johnson also noted, Joakim's leadership role may have been reduced this season as his minutes and impact declined because of injuries.
When Chicago negotiates with Noah in the summer, it will have to make the tough decision on what it thinks the 31-year-old will still be able to provide for the Bulls both on and off the court. Don't be shocked if you see the longtime Bulls center in another jersey next season.
Memphis Searches for New Head Coach
Like the Bulls, the Memphis Grizzlies had a disappointing season, but it happened in a different way. Chicago had injuries, but it looked mentally defeated throughout the season's second half. Memphis' roster was unfairly impacted by key injuries to players such as Mike Conley (Achilles) and Marc Gasol (foot), but the team, led by former head coach Dave Joerger, didn't mail it in despite being outmatched in talent nearly every night.
Memphis fired Joerger on Saturday, a move The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski reported had to do with the coach's clash with management on personnel decisions. The search for a new man on the sidelines in Memphis quickly commenced, with Wojnarowski reporting a person of interest for the Grizzlies on Saturday:
The Indiana Pacers decided to let go of Frank Vogel in a move that was also a head-scratcher. Both he and Joerger are defensive-minded strategists who have consistently gotten the most out of their players and achieved modest success, so this could be a good move for Memphis—since Vogel doesn't have baggage with the front office but still brings a similar approach.
It also doesn't hurt that Grizzlies guard Lance Stephenson played his best basketball for Vogel in Indiana, reaching nearly an All-Star level of play during the 2013-14 season.
