A week ago Tom Thibodeau was considered good as gone from the Chicago Bulls. The team ended their season in disappointment after getting ousted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the semifinals of the Eastern Conference playoffs. Despite all of the injuries the team faced, Thibodeau took most of the blame for the ending of the season and is expected to be fired from his position. However, that is not so guaranteed as originally assumed.
According to Mark Carman of Fansided.com, Thibodeau would be willing to stay put in Chicago and would like to have a sit down with the front office to discuss beliefs and direction for the franchise. Thibodeau has a good relationship with stars like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah while fully believing the Bulls can win a title within the next few season. Several players have already spoken out in support of Thibodeau in hopes that it sways the Bulls' front office.
According to Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com, Rose said, "It's not up to me, but if it was, he would be back." Michael O'Brien of the Chicago Sun-Times reported Rose said, "Me and Thibs really grew a relationship...we definitely grew a bond. Whatever is going on I hope they fix it."
Several teams have expressed interest in Thibodeau as they hope he becomes available. According to Jordan Shultz of the Huffington Post, the Los Angeles Lakers have been tossed around as a landing spot along with the Orlando Magic and New Orleans Pelicans. Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak denied that idea on Fox Sports Radio.
I saw something about that this morning, and my first thought was, 'Let me call [Lakers coach] Byron [Scott] and let him know that the agents are doing their job, and pay no attention.'," Kupchak said, via Fox Sports Radio. "Not that I think Byron reads any of that stuff, but someone may call him and say 'Hey, guess what I just read?' Nothing to it. We're incredibly happy with Byron. That's what representatives and agents do. They try to create a marketplace for their guy, and I'm not saying that's exactly what happened here, but we're very, very happy with Byron, and after I hang up with you I'm going to call him or text him."
Thibodeau's future is not the only concern for the Bulls. According to the Chicago Tribune, there has been tension between Rose and Jimmy Butler this season. Butler is scheduled to become a restricted free agent with teams lining up to make an offer the Bulls might not match. They also must determine the future of players like Taj Gibson and mike Dunleavy who have been tossed around in trade rumors this offseason.
