The Chicago Bulls signed back Jimmy Butler to an extension this summer and the star has been asked about chemistry issues between himself and Derrick Rose moving forward, saying that things should get better between the two and this comes as the Bulls may look at a Taj Gibson trade this season, while Brendan Haywood or Greg Stiemsma could be a free agent backup option for Joakim Noah.
The Bulls are coming into the season after losing in the playoffs to the Cavs and with Fred Hoiberg taking over as head coach, expectations will be high. Butler was expected to stay this summer as a restricted free agent and the Bulls stepped up with a max contract extension. After the season there were some reports about chemistry problems with Butler and Rose, but Butler commented on that recently and said that the two can figure things out moving forward in the future.
According to Pro Basketball Talk, Butler spoke on the radio about the situation and ESPN put together the quotes, with Butler saying that he thinks the two "will" get better at playing together. Butler added that the two "better" improve, as he doesn't "think either one of us is going anywhere anytime soon." Butler is correct on that front and the Bulls are hoping Rose can stay healthy for a full season after playing well after coming back from knee surgery last year.
The Bulls may look at a Taj Gibson trade this season, as the Chicago Tribune reported that Gibson could be on the trading block. The team just drafted Bobby Portis and they have Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic to give the team plenty of depth at the PF position. Gibson just had ankle surgery so a season trade is more likely and at over $8 million the next two seasons, Gibson may be paid too much for the role he will have on the team. Gibson has been solid for the Bulls, but with his salary, injury and the roster looking like it is now, he could be on his way out this season.
The Bulls may need another center option on the roster along with Joakim Noah and Cameron Bairstow, as Noah dealt with injuries last year and Nazr Mohammed may retire. According to ESPN.com, Brendan Haywood is an option, as he was waived by the Blazers and now is a free agent on the market. Bairstow has shown potential and he is playing with Australia in Olympic qualifying, but the team may want more behind Noah than just Bairstow.
PBT writes that when the Bulls had Butler and Rose on the court together, the team was more efficient on offense. Butler clearly is the star of the future for the Bulls after the way he played last season and also because the team can't actually rely on Rose being healthy each season. Sure the team is hopeful that Rose can remain healthy, but after missing large chunks of the past two years while the team was contending in the east playoffs, it really is Butler's team now, although Rose is the top playmaker at point guard.
