Things could get ugly for the Chicago Bulls before they begin to get better. After a disappointing exit in the postseason, rumors have been flying regarding coaching changes, play drama and contract issues. Tom Thibodeau and Jimmy Butler are at the forefront off all the offseason talk as both could be out of the Windy City sooner rather than later. The question becomes whether or not one departure impacts the other.
Butler is about to be one of the most popular players come free agency. The NBA's Most Improved Player also nabbed NBA All-Defense honors as he becomes a restricted free agent. The guard is a clear star on the rise and every team in the league is looking to hand him a max contract. The question is whether or not the Bulls are one of them.
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are prepared to keep Butler for the long-term and plan to match any offer placed on him. After the two sides failed to negotiate a contract extension at the start of the season, the Bulls have no intentions of letting him go. However, does Butler want to stay?
There have been several reports of tension between Butler and Derrick Rose. NBA sources like Yahoo Sports and reported that Rose was not thrilled about Butler's rise to the top as there could be a clashing of egos. Whether or not that is true is really unknown. Rumors of all kinds get out once the offseason approaches. But with all the changes getting ready to hit Chicago it would not be shocking if Butler liked the idea of heading to Los Angeles or Boston instead.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the Lakers already have a max contract with Butler's name on it. Actor Mark Wahlberg was caught by TMZ saying Butler needed to sign with the Celtics. The guard will have options and he might not consider Chicago one of them.
Part of that could come at the future of Thibodeau who has been considered good as gone even before the Bulls got ousted in the playoffs. According to the Chicago Tribune, Thibodeau is running out of coaching options while the Bulls are running low on candidates. Some sources believe the Bulls are trying to spite Thibodeau by delaying his firing until all other positions are filled. Things are expected to get ugly which might not sit well with the plays.
Several players on the Bulls roster will have interest in other teams. Taj Gibson could easily opt to request a trade as several teams would target his defensive help Kirk Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy could also be on their way out. The Bulls are shaping up to have a dramatic offseason.
