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.
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