The Chicago Bulls are somewhere between a rock and a hard place heading into free agency this offseason. The team is pushing up against the luxury tax with several key members of the self-proclaimed "Bench Mob" due up for new contracts. Chicago's top priority is believed to be retaining restricted free agent Omer Asik. After that, the Bulls will see if they can keep C.J. Watson, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver.
Chicago holds a $3.2 million option on Watson, which would appear like a reasonable deal for the point guard. Given that star Derrick Rose is slated to miss at least half of next season while he recovers from ACL surgery, Watson's return would give the Bulls a capable replacement who is familiar with the system. Due to finances, though, Watson may not be welcomed back.
Related: Chicago Bulls News: C.J. Watson Has Surgery On Both Feet
Watson told ESPN Radio on Wednesday that he hopes to return to the Bulls.
"I had another meeting (Wednesday) with (GM) Gar (Forman), it went well," Watson said Wednesday on "Chicago's Gamenight" on ESPN 1000. "Met with (coach Tom Thibodeau). And they both explained how they want me back. Especially with the circumstances with Derrick being out for however long, but it's the business side of basketball, and it's up to the owner (Jerry Reinsdorf) if he wants to (go into) luxury (tax) with Omer (Asik) and whoever else we bring back. So I don't know."
The guard also underwent surgery on both feet this offseason to repair plantar fasciitis.
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