Derrick Rose Close To "Lifetime" Deal With Adidas

Derrick Rose recently signed a max contract extension with the Chicago Bulls that will pay him $94 million over the course of the next five years, but if a report of his impending shoe deal with adidas is to be believed, his salary from the Bulls may be something close to pocket change.

According to ESPN's Marc Stein, Derrick Rose is on the verge of a "lifetime" shoe deal with adidas that may pay him as much as $250 million over the next ten years. As Stein tells it, Rose's contract with adidas may be able to jump up that high if the star's profile in China, where he is the brand's lone counter to Nike pitchmen like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, continues to skyrocket.

Derrick Rose Extension: Rose Wants To Finish Career In Chicago

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls currently have more important issues at hand than the state of his entire career— namely figuring out a way to dethrone the Miami Heat as Eastern Conference champions— but Rose did indicate on Sunday that, if he had the choice, he would like to play his entire career in his hometown of Chicago.

Derrick Rose Contract Extension: Rose Humble In Press Conference

Derrick Rose is now $94 million richer, but at the Chicago Bulls' press conference today announcing the star's five-year max extension with the team, he was as soft-spoken and humble as he's been since stepping into the NBA.

Derrick Rose: "I’m tremendously blessed and I don’t take anything for granted." He added, "Mom, we finally made it." #Bulls

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2011

Rose: "I never would have thought in a million years I’d sign a contract like this. ... Sometimes I think, why me?" #Bulls

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 21, 2011

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau reiterated his excitement for the deal, once again saying that he wishes that Rose's contract was for 10 years instead of five. Bulls fans certainly feel the same way.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Chicago Bulls Have Set 'Major Announcement' For Wednesday Morning

The Chicago Bulls announced on Tuesday night that the team will be making a "major announcement" at 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning at a press conference featuring point guard Derrick Rose, head coach Tom Thibodeau, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman. 

Rose wouldn't mention any specifics after Tuesday night's game against the Indiana Pacers, but it's expected that the presser will announce a five-year, $94.8 million contract that's reportedly been agreed upon already by the Bulls and their star point guard. At this point, the deal is being treated as effectively done, as Carlos Boozer made comments recently:

We're all very excited for him. He deserves it. He puts in a lot of effort. I wish the contract was for 10 years."

The Bulls won 93-85 on Tuesday night against Indiana, beating the Pacers in a pair of preseason games to gear up for the regular season. Chicago is expected to be a major contender for the championship once again this season with Rose at the helm, especially given the recent addition of shooting guard Richard Hamilton.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Derrick Rose Signs 5-Year, $94 Million Extension With Chicago Bulls, According To Report

Sources have informed the Tribune's K.C. Johnson that the Chicago Bulls and point guard Derrick Rose have agreed to a contract extension for five years that will be worth about $94 million. The team could make the news official later on Tuesday night or Wednesday. The new collective bargaining agreement made Rose a little richer than he otherwise would have been, as Johnson explains:

The extension is for roughly $10-11 million more than Rose would've been eligible for under the previous collective bargaining agreement. However, a new rule, which has been nicknamed the "Derrick Rose rule" rewards players who outperform their rookie scale contract. Rose qualifies for one of the three stipulations by virtue of becoming the youngest most valuable player in NBA history last season.

Rose won that MVP award at age 22 in just his third season as a professional.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For more news and notes from around the league, head over to SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Free Agency 2012 Preview: Tom Ziller Breaks Down Market For Next Offseason

The NBA is a professional sports league where mid-season trades are often dictated by contract status and expiring deals, so why not get an early look at the field by exploring the top free agents for 2012 with SB Nation's Tom Ziller? Derrick Rose is excluded from the list because he is expected to sign an Early Bird-Rights extension with the Chicago Bulls before the January 25th deadline, but an interesting Bulls player does appear on his top-65 snapshot. Here is what Ziller came up with:

15. Omer Asik (restricted): Asik would likely be much higher if he didn't play behind a near All-Star in Joakim Noah. But NBA teams know what Asik's all about, and the threat of a killer offer in restricted free agency should worry the Bulls enough to cut a deal in advance of January 25. If not, the bidding for the Turkish center might put an eye out in July.    

Former Bull Kirk Hinrich also made an appearance at No. 31, so maybe the team can work out a reunion after this season to provide some flexibility at point guard and shooting guard.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Keith Bogans Released: Chicago Bulls Part Ways With 8-Year Guard

The Chicago Bulls have released G Keith Bogans according to Steve Aschburner of NBA.com.

With the recent signing of G Richard Hamilton, the Bulls' need for Bogans had largely diminished. Bogans, signed as a free agent in August of 2010, played in one season with the Bulls, tallying 4.4 points per game and just 1.8 rebounds per game.

On Wednesday, the Bulls signed Richard "Rip" Hamilton to a 2-year, $10 million contract, effectively reducing Bogans's role to marginal at best. The eight-year veteran, who was already a bench player, averaged 17.8 minutes played per game.

The Bulls will be in action tonight, kicking off the 2011 NBA Preseason against the Indiana Pacers on WGN.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

The Chicago Bulls Officially Announce The Signing Of Shooting Guard Richard Hamilton

Former Detroit Pistons stalwart Richard Hamilton has a new home: he'll join the Chicago Bulls, thanks to a 2-year, $10 million contract that includes a team option for a third season. Hamilton is expected to take over for Keith Bogans as the team's starting shooting guard.

Hamilton-to-the-Bulls has been the worst kept secret in sports the last few weeks, but that didn't stop the veteran from keeping fans guessing on Twitter. On Tuesday, Hamilton tweeted that he was down to three teams, even if all signs pointed to him signing with Chicago all along. Now it's official. 

Hamilton isn't the flashy splash some Chicago fans wanted, but he's unquestionably an upgrade over Bogans. The 33-year old boasts career averages of 17.7 points per game, 3.5 assists per game and 3.2 rebounds per game. Hamilton is known for his work ethic and propensity to run around the court. He should be a seamless fit for Tom Thibodeau's Bulls.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Richard Hamilton Will Sign Two-Year, $10M Deal With Bulls, According To Report

Veteran NBA guard Richard Hamilton completed his buyout with the Detroit Pistons, has cleared waivers, and will now sign a two-year, $10 million deal with the Chicago Bulls that will be finalized on Thursday, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. Here is exactly what he had to say:

The Detroit Pistons agreement to a buyout of the remaining two-years and $25 million left on Hamilton's contract, freeing up the veteran to slide in at shooting guard next to Derrick Rose and give the Bulls a bit more offensive firepower than Keith Bogans offered in 2010-11. Signing Hamilton to a mid-level exception deal, which pays approximately $5 million in annual salary, will limit the Bulls' exposure to the penalties of the NBA luxury tax system. 

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Rumors 2011: Dwight Howard Trade Talks Ended By Orlando Magic, According To Report

NBA superstar Dwight Howard had been vocal about trade demands in the recent past, but now the Orlando Magic are pulling the impact center off the market, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. The most recent talks had centered around a three-team deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and New Jersey Nets that would have sent Brook Lopez and Gerald Wallace to the Magic and Howard to the Nets, but apparently that wasn't enough for Otis Smith and the Magic. Now they will presumably try to win now with Howard and hope to entice him to resign with the team during the summer. Then again, talks could always re-open near the deadline if things don't go too well for Orlando.

This news shouldn't exactly break the hearts of Bulls fans, because  Dwight Howard has said he would only consider signing long-term contracts with four teams -- the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers. For now, Howard will stay in the Eastern Conference as an obstacle to Rose and the Bulls on the road back to the conference finals.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Tom Thibodeau And Carlos Boozer Praise Richard Hamilton

The Chicago Bulls are in the market for some help at shooting guard, and one of their primary options could be veteran guard Richard Hamilton, who recently was bought out by the Detroit Pistons. For their part, members of the Bulls organization are doing what they can to talk up the free agent:

"He’s been a talented player in the league for a long time," said Thibodeau in his first comment about Hamilton. "He’s been around, has great experience. When we played against him, he was hard to guard."

Carlos Boozer called Hamilton "a great competitor" and said he'd be a "great addition" if he were to sign with Chicago.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Rumors 2011: Dwight Howard Will Not Go To The Chicago Bulls, According To Report

The Chicago Bulls have been active in trying to pry superstar center Dwight Howard away from the Orlando Magic via trade this offseason, but Howard would only consider signing long-term contracts with four teams -- the Orlando Magic, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles Lakers -- according to a report by Chris Broussard of ESPN. Notice that the Bulls are not on that list, which effectively eliminates them from consideration for a blockbuster trade. Let me allow Broussard to lay it out clearly:

There has been speculation that Chicago Bulls might be a possible destination for Howard since the Bulls offer a big city environment, a superstar in Derrick Rose, and plenty of talent to send back to Orlando. But Howard's refusal to sign there ends that possibility.    

As to why Howard would be against signing with the Bulls long-term, it's anyone's guess. Reigning MVP Derrick Rose is entering his prime, and although he has never been one to make a heavy pitch to players to come and join him, his play on the court should be enough to speak for itself. For Dwight Howard, apparently not. Stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago for all the latest on this story and other Bulls news.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Kurt Thomas Signs With Portland Trail Blazers

Veteran forward Kurt Thomas decided to leave the Chicago Bulls and sign with the Portland Trail Blazers, though Bulls GM Gar Forman says the organization wanted him to return:

"Obviously, we wanted Kurt Thomas back, and we offered Kurt Thomas a contract," general manager Gar Forman said. "He was a big part of what we did a year ago. But Kurt Thomas had to evaluate the situation from his perspective and obviously he must have felt that Portland presented a better opportunity for him."

Thomas averaged 4.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 22.7 minutes per game with Chicago last season. He received a two-year deal from Portland, though the second year is only partially guaranteed.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls Re-Sign Brian Scalabrine

The Chicago Bulls re-signed reserve forward Brian Scalabrine on Monday. He played in just 18 games with the team last season, averaging just 1.1 points per game, but head coach Tom Thibodeau liked what he brought to the locker room:

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau praised him throughout last season, noting Scalabrine was a solid presence in the locker room and helped players under the principles Thibodeau was trying to implement during his first season as coach.

This will be the 33-year-old's 11th season in the NBA and second with the Bulls. Prior to coming to Chicago, he spent five years with Boston and four with New Jersey.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Rumors 2011: Bulls Nearing Extension With Derrick Rose

It appears as if there will be no LeBron James/Carmelo Anthony/Chris Paul/Dwight Howard situation in Chicago anytime soon. The Chicago Tribune reported today that the Chicago Bulls and Derrick Rose are a mere "formality" away from agreeing to an extension that would pay Rose $94 million dollars over the span of five years.

As a provision of the new CBA, Rose is eligible to be paid upwards of $90 million thanks to him winning the MVP award last season. The extension will come as no surprise to many, considering that Rose is a Chicago native who played his high school ball at Simeon Career Academy in the South Side of the city.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Rumors 2011: Chicago Bulls Want In On Dwight Howard Trade Talks, According To Report

With free agency looming after the 2011-2012 season, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been a major focus of essentially the entire league. He recently requested a trade to one of three teams- the New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks- but Magic GM Otis Smith has insisted all along that he won't limit himself to only speaking with those teams.

One of the teams that will be making an effort to engage Orlando in talks about Howard will be the Chicago Bulls, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune. Sources have told Johnson that the Bulls believe they have the cap space, young talent and draft picks to build a reasonable package for Howard.

However, sources close to Howard insist that he's hesitant to sign a contract extension with any team, and his options are already limited now that the Dallas Mavericks have acquired Lamar Odom from L.A. to fill the trade exception they recently received from the three-team trade that sent Tyson Chandler to New York. 

Chicago is presumably a place that could appeal to Howard, though. He'd be able to team up with the league's youngest MVP ever as he enters his prime in Derrick Rose, as well as some other quality pieces depending on who Chicago would need to give up. It's pretty much a lock that any Bulls offer would be based around starting center Joakim Noah.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls Are Near Deal For Richard Hamilton, According To Report

News broke on Friday that veteran NBA shooting guard Richard Hamilton will be bought out of his current deal with the Detroit Pistons, and the natural progression was to for Bulls' fans to wonder about whether he will make his way to the Chicago Bulls when the process is finished. Now it appears the Bulls are indeed focused in on acquiring Hamilton, as the team is 'zeroing in' on him, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

The Detroit Pistons and veteran NBA shooting guard Richard Hamilton have reached a verbal agreement to buyout the remaining two-years and $25 million left on his current contract. Pistons' general manager Joe Dumars explains:

"Nothing is official," Dumars said, "but we have come to a verbal agreement. Once it's official, then I get more detailed about why buyout instead of amnesty. There's a reason, a definite reason."    

via Justin Rogers of MLive.com. The reason the Pistons and Hamilton are working on a buyout as opposed to an amnesty clause move is because Hamilton will be able to choose his new team after a buyout rather than having to go through the amnesty bidding process.

A buyout means Hamilton will not get the full value of his remaining contract (as he would under the amnesty clause), but the freedom to choose a contender like the Bulls might be more important to the 12-year veteran. Signing Hamilton to a mid-level exception deal, which pays approximately $5 million in annual salary, would limit the Bulls' exposure to the penalties of the NBA luxury tax system. It is believed the Bulls are preparing a two-year deal worth roughly $10 million for Hamilton.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Richard Hamilton Could Land With Chicago Bulls, According To Reports

A report out of Detroit on Friday afternoon indicated that the Detroit Pistons were going to waive guard Richard Hamilton, who is owed $20 million over the next two seasons. The Chicago Bulls are in the market for some help at shooting guard, and with Hamilton free to choose his next team, it did not take long for speculation to begin.

Pistons beat writer Vincent Goodwill is of the opinion that Hamilton will most likely sign with Chicago. Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski said that the Bulls and Hamilton "have long been an inevitable pairing," while the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson mentioned "lots of chatter" surronding Hamilton and the Bulls. Lastly, Celtics reporter A. Sherrod Blakely said he'd heard from a league source that Hamilton was likely headed for Chicago.

The 32-year-old Hamilton averaged 14.1 points per game with the Pistons last season and made 38.2% of his three-point attempts.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Chicago Bulls Pull Keith Bogans From Practice, According To Report

According to the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson, Chicago Bulls shooting guard Keith Bogans was pulled off the practice floor shortly before Friday's practice was set to begin. The Bulls have a $1.73 million option on Bogans, who started all 82 games for the team last season. But the Bulls are looking for an upgrade at that particular guard spot, and as Johnson notes, they don't want Bogans sustaining an injury in the meantime:

According to league sources, Bogans' contract officially is non-guaranteed and above the league minimum. With the Bulls exploring other shooting guard options, management is being careful and preventing Bogans from sustaining an injury.

The Bulls have been in contact with free agent guards Jason Richardson and Jamal Crawford, among others.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Cross Brandon Roy Off Any Secret SG List You Had, He Is Retiring

The Chicago Bulls have been in the market for a talented shooting guard to pair with Derrick Rose, but if you secretly had been holding out hope Brandon Roy would be cut using the amnesty provision and then come to the Bulls for a shot at a championship, you can officially cross him off the list now. Roy will formally announce his decision to seek a medical retirement from the Portland Trail Blazers, according to a report by ESPN's Chris Broussard. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports has confirmed this report as well, via Twitter:

Roy was severely limited last season for the Trail Blazers, and the compressed schedule for the 2011-12 season would certainly have been an even bigger stress on a man who has had three knee surgeries in the past 18 months. Under the medical retirement exception, the Blazers can remove the $64 million owed to Roy over the next four season from their cap figure starting next season, as long as Roy doesn't return play before that time and a league-appointed doctor certifies that the he is no longer able to play for medical reasons.   

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

For more on Roy's decision and the impact on the Blazers, visit Blazer's Edge. 

2011 NBA Free Agency: Caron Butler To Sign With Los Angeles Clippers

The Chicago Bulls, despite being considered favorites earlier in the day, will not be signing free agent small forward Caron Butler. According to David Aldridge of TNT, Butler will be heading to the Los Angeles Clippers:

Both the Bulls and New Jersey Nets were capable of offering the 31-year-old Butler contracts beyond the nearly $6 million per year mid-level exception, but the Bulls -- given their present financial constraints surrounding reigning MVP Derrick Rose -- seemed unlikely to offer the highest bid.

Butler, who averaged 15.0 points per game last year, despite playing a career-low 29.9 minutes per game, will now earn about $8 million per year with the Clippers. With Butler now unavailable, the Bulls may have trouble filling out their bench as hoped because the Detroit Pistons have re-signed the Bulls' backup target, Tayshaun Prince.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls In The Lead For Caron Butler, According To Report

Free agent small forward Caron Butler met with the Chicago Bulls on Monday, and at this point the Bulls are the front-runner for his services, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports. Butler also had meetings with the New Jersey Nets, San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers this week, and the Nets are the only team that can offer Butler something beyond the $5 million per year mid-level exception. 

However, it appears Butler is interested in joining a contender like the Bulls, even if it means taking a discount from the best available offer, and he has expressed a strong respect for Bulls' head coach Tom Thibodeau. The one interesting alternative suitor is the San Antonio Spurs, who recently used their amnesty clause on small forward Richard Jefferson and have targeted Butler to replace him.

Here is what SB Nation's Tom Ziller had to say about Butler in his free agency preview:

Butler remains a capable scorer, but should be limited to a bench role at this point (and paid accordingly). The saving grace of his pre-injury 2010-11 season in Dallas was that Rick Carlisle's offense is a bit difficult to grasp quickly; he seemed to be getting comfortable when he went down around New Year's. The Mavericks survived (and as such shouldn't prioritize re-signing him), but if he's healthy, teams could reasonably expect a Butler that is better than his numbers looked in 56 games with Dallas.

That said, he's pushing 32 and his three-point shooting last season (43 percent) screams "fluke!" when compared to his career (32 percent).

In his career, the 31-year old Butler has averaged 16.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists a game.    

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls And LA Lakers Pressing Nuggets On Sign-And-Trade For Arron Afflalo, According To Report

The Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers are both in a very tight salary cap situation, preventing them from signing restricted free agent Arron Afflalo to a competitive offer sheet in a direct offer, but this hasn't stopped either team from exploring sign-and-trade options. Both teams are been pushing the Denver Nuggets to consider a possible sign-and-trade that would land the 26-year old guard in Chicago or LA, according to Mark Stein of ESPN.

Other more cap-solvent teams like the New Jersey Nets and Minnesota Timberwolves are among multiple teams expected to consider extended an offer sheet to Afflalo in the near future as well, so perhaps the Nuggets will be forced to make a decision between matching a competitive offer sheet or figuring out a swap that would bring back value. If the Bulls could add someone like Afflalo to put alongside reigning MVP Derrick Rose, their starting five would be that much stronger for a championship push.

SB Nation's Chicago Bulls Blog blog, Blog a Bull, takes a serious look at whether pursuing a better SG will actually make the team stronger, considering the potential costs of acquiring a meaningful talent:

I'm not saying the Bulls shouldn't pursue adding a shooting guard because of some mystical chemistry risk or illusion of the purity of living and dying with guys brought up in the NBA through the franchise.

I'm saying that the Bulls are a great team as is, without the illusion they're any better than a fringe title contender. I'm just also saying that most shooting guards getting their names dropped don't change that and a lot of trade scenarios sacrificing combinations of size, quickness, and defensive I.Q. make the team worse. 

When free agency begins in earnest on December 9th, all of this will start to crystallize beyond the haze that exists now.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Dwight Howard Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls In The Running For The Orlando Magic Forward, According To Report

According to a report from Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, the Chicago Bulls may have a shot at acquiring Dwight Howard:

What’s more, the Chicago Bulls are still a sleeper for Howard, several league executives believe. "Chicago may tell Orlando to take any two players – or three – besides Rose," one GM said. Howard isn’t keen on the cold weather, but the Bulls would have the best point guard-center combination since Magic and Kareem.

(Via.)

The price would be steep. Wojnarowski believes that Joakim Noah would have to be a part of any package offered to Orlando and wonders if Noah, along with Luol Deng or Carlos Boozer, would be enough to convince the Magic to part with Howard.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For more NBA news and notes, visit SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Caron Butler To Meet With Chicago Bulls On Monday, According To Report

According to ESPN Dallas' Jeff Caplan, free agent forward Caron Butler is planning to meet with four teams this week, including the Chicago Bulls:

Butler will visit with team officials from the Chicago Bulls on Monday morning, followed by trips to sit down with officials from the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night, the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, the New Jersey Nets on Wednesday and possibly the Detroit Pistons on Thursday, a source close to the situation confirmed Sunday night.

The nine-year NBA veteran averaged 15 points and 4.1 rebounds with the Dallas Mavericks last season. His year was cut short when he ruptured his right patellar tendon on Jan. 1.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls Interested In Guard Jamal Crawford, According To Report

According to HoopsWorld's Alex Kennedy, the Bulls were one of a bunch of teams to reach out to shooting guard Jamal Crawford on Wednesday, which was the first day that clubs could begin to talk to free agents:

A number of teams made calls to Crawford’s camp on Wednesday including the New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources close to the situation.

(Via.)

Crawford has been an outstanding contributor off the bench for the Atlanta Hawks over the last two seasons, averaging 18.0 points per game in 2009-10 and 14.4 PPG in 2010-11. He is a career 35% three-point shooter.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls Interested In Caron Butler, Tayshaun Prince

Reports continue to grow about the suspected mutual interest of the Chicago Bulls and free agent forward Caron Butler. On Thursday, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported Butler was working out in Chicago and did not seem interested in going elsewhere:

Butler's interest in the Bulls reportedly stems from the presence of reigning MVP Derrick Rose, but, interestingly, Rose's presence may actually make the signing more difficult as the new CBA has ensured Rose will fetch a mighty payday this season, constraining the Bulls' budget.

The Bulls have also shown interest in free agent forward Tayshaun Prince, who -- along with Butler -- is also being courted by the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers currently have more spending ability, so the Bulls may be hard pressed to get either forward.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Chicago Bulls Schedule: Afternoon Game Avoids Christmas Conflict With Chicago Bears

CSNChicago reports that the NBA has finalized its opening day schedule, giving the Chicago Bulls a 4 p.m. CST tip off at the Staples Center on Christmas Day. The Bulls will begin their season facing Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers on December 25.

There were concerns that the game might be scheduled during the Sunday night NFL football game between division rivals the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, but the NBA avoided that by giving the Bulls a late afternoon start. The Bears games will not begin until 7:20 p.m. CST, so the Bulls and Bears will only overlap if the Bulls go into overtime.

Also playing on opening day, the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks face off in Dallas, the Boston Celtics play the New York Knicks, and the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Orlando Magic.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Chicago Bulls Speak With Nick Young's Agent

Everybody knows that the Chicago Bulls are trying to upgrade at shooting guard before the beginning of the season on Christmas, and they've reached out to restricted free agent Nick Young as part of that search. Young's agent, Mark Bartelstein, spoke with reporters today, stating Young's interest in staying in Washington.

He's got a great situation in Washington. They've been great to him. It's not a spot where he's looking to leave Washington, but part of free agency is you have to look around.

Some would likely view Young as a good fit for the Bulls given his scoring abilities. The 26-year-old averaged 17.4 points per game for the Wizards last season, and he could potentially drive attention away from star point guard Derrick Rose when the Bulls are on offense. He likely wouldn't come cheap and Washington can match any offer, though, so a move isn't particularly likely, though.

Dec0111:26a

NBA Free Agency News: Chicago Bulls Looking At SGs Redd, McGrady and Young, According To Reports

It is no secret the Chicago Bulls are in the 2011 NBA free agent market looking for a starting shooting guard to pair with star point guard Derrick Rose, and now reports are surfacing that the team is looking into Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady and Nick Young as potential additions. Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that McGrady "wants to play for the Bulls...and coach Tom Thibodeau has a relationship with him," while adding in this nugget about Nick Young:

Young hasn't been much beyond a scorer in the NBA, and privately believes the chance to play for coach Tom Thibodeau could round out his game. Still, Chicago doesn't have the cap space to make him an offer outside of Washington's willingness to match the deal. The Bulls could find a way to be creative, however, but they'll keep talking to several shooting guards and explore trades.    

Meanwhile, Gery Woelfel of the Racine Journal Times is reporting that Michael Redd is drawing "keen interest from a slew of teams," including the Chicago Bulls.

What do Bulls fans think of these options at SG? SB Nation's Chicago Bulls blog, Blog a Bull, has this take on the chance of landing the youngest and most talented player of the group, Nick Young:

Until we know all of the rules regarding the luxury tax and exemptions, the practicality of actually getting Young rates as incredibly slim. He isn't under the radar. He's young, athletic, aggressive, and can shoot you out of the gym. That's a guy who can financially benefit from being a salary cap albatross on a lot of bad NBA teams. 

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011 News: Reinsdorf Willing To Pay Luxury Tax If It Makes Chicago Bulls A Contender

With NBA free agency open for talks and soon to be open for deals to be signed, Chicago Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf spoke through a team spokesman to say that he is willing to spend above the luxury tax line for new players if it helps the Bulls become a legitimate contender for an NBA Championship in 2011-12, according to K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.

The luxury tax penalty is set to become more onerous under the new outlined CBA, especially in 2013-14 for repeat offenders, but the willingness shown by Reinsdorf to spend above and beyond the salary cap is an important development for a team hoping to extend reigning MVP Derrick Rose's contract by five-years and $100 million in the near future. 

As for exactly which players the Bulls may target, they have reportedly been looking at Caron Butler and still need to add a quality shooting guard to pair with Rose. Head over to SBNation.com, where Tom Ziller has compiled a full list of restricted and unrestricted free agents.    

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Chicago Bulls Rumors: Caron Butler A Possible Target For Chicago?

We already knew that the Chicago Bulls would be looking for help on the wings, and at shooting guard in particularly, as they hope to upgrade before the beginning of the abbreviated 2011-2012 season. According to Ken Berger of CBS Sports, that has them looking at Caron Butler.

Butler, 31, received an NBA championship ring as a Dallas Maverick last season, but he missed essentially the entire second half of the season. Shawn Marion took his place in the Mavericks lineup and turned out to be a major cog as the Mavericks made their run to the NBA title.

In addition to the Bulls, the Miami Heat, New Jersey Nets, Los Angeles Clippers, San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks are also reportedly looking at Butler. He made $10.5 million last season, average 15 points and four rebounds a game when healthy. In his career, he averages 16.6 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists a game.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

Derrick Rose Contract Rumors: Bulls View Deal For Star As Top Priority

The Chicago Bulls have set a top priority as they begin to contact players and agents for the upcoming free agency period, and that's to set up the framework for a new contract for star point guard Derrick Rose, according to Nick Friedell of ESPN Chicago.

Rose, whose contract runs out after the season, is coming off a historically great season. At age 22, he become the youngest MVP in the history of the NBA, led the Bulls to a league-leading 62 wins, and then almost had them in the NBA Finals before the Miami Heat stifled the Bulls' Rose-led offense. And given all that he's accomplished, he should be in for a huge raise next season, especially given the implementation of the new "Derrick Rose Rule" in recently agreed-upon CBA.

That new rule states that players who meet certain requirements, like winning the MVP at age-22, can enable a player to make up to 30 percent of a team's salary cap space, instead of the standard 25 percent. Under these new provisions, that means that Rose will likely qualify for a five-year, $100 million contract, instead of a four-year, $74 million one. Friedell added that the team's next order of business will be upgrading the team's other guard position, after Keith Bogans started all 82 games in that spot last season.

For updates on free agent moves, stay tuned to SB Nation Chicago. For in-depth coverage of the Bulls, visit Blog a Bull. For up-to-the-minute coverage of all of the key personnel moves, check out the SB Nation NBA free agency StorySteam.

NBA Free Agency 2011: Free Agent Period Set To Begin Dec. 9

Free agency begins on Dec. 9.