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The Bulls have only 13 players under contract, and two are point guards. They may be looking for a third.
ESPN's Marc Stein reports the Bulls, seeking to add a third point guard after waiving camp invites John Lucas III and Kyle Weaver yesterday, may opt to sign Chicago native Patrick Beverley, whom the Heat waived despite awarding him a guaranteed deal:
But they appear increasingly likely to add Beverley as a third point guard once he does clear [waivers].
"Looking that way," said one source close to the situation.
Indeed, the Bulls must wait for Beverley to clear waivers, which will happen Thursday, before signing him. Otherwise, as Stein notes, they would assume the responsibility of paying the guaranteed contract he received from the Heat.
K.C. Johnson adds that representatives for veteran Anthony Johnson have contacted the Bulls, and that Chicago may bring Lucas back.
From the Bulls press release:
The Chicago Bulls announced [Monday] the team has exercised its fourth-year option for the 2011-12 season for guard Derrick Rose and its third-year options for the 2011-12 season for forwards Taj Gibson and James Johnson. By exercising the respective player options, all three players will be under contract with the Bulls for the 2011-12 season.
The Bulls open the 2010-11 season on Wednesday against the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Via press release from the Bulls:
The Chicago Bulls announced today that the team has requested waivers on guards John Lucas III, Kyle Weaver, and forward Roger Powell.
Lucas III (5-11, 165) saw action in five preseason games with the Bulls and averaged 2.2 ppg and 0.8 apg in 6.4 mpg.
Weaver (6-6, 201) played in three preseason contests and posted averages of 2.3 ppg, 2.3 apg, 1.7 rpg and 8.7 mpg.
Powell (6-6, 225) appeared in one preseason game and recorded two points and one board in two minutes of play.
The Bulls' roster now stands at 13:
Omer Asik, Keith Bogans, Carlos Boozer, Ronnie Brewer, Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, James Johnson, Kyle Korver, Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Brian Scalabrine, Kurt Thomas, C.J. Watson
The assumption is that Boozer will be placed on the injured list before the season opener next Wednesday vs. the Thunder and have 12 active players.
Bulls Work Out Two Point Guards, But No Decision Made Yet
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune updates us on the Chicago Bulls’ search for another point guard:
Beverley, a Chicago native, became available when the Miami Heat waived him before the season started. He has no NBA experience.
Gaines appeared in 32 games last season for the Utah Jazz as a D-League call-up, averaging 3.3 points and 1.2 assists. The Jazz declined to bring him back for a second season.
At present, the Bulls’ only point guards are Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson.
Nov 11 11:51a by Evan Dunlap - 0 comments