Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chicago Bulls could be thrust in a rebuilding situation with all the intrigue surrounding them.
Once thought of as the Eastern power that could challenge LeBron James, a tight-knit band of brothers who could conquer the adversity of injury, they are now a laughing stock of an organization.
The ship fell under after Tom Thibodeau was fired although the issues that preceded his ouster brewed earlier than that. Now, that Thibs is in Minnesota with a full mandate on personnel decisions aside from being the head coach, will he try to surround himself with familiar faces?
While Thibodeau respects the Timberwolves organization recognizing the young talent that the team already has (which was one of the reasons why he chose them over other teams), the question still intrigues-what if Thibs had the chance to acquire Derrick Rose?
There will be a disconnection as Chicago is looking to rebuild and fill up the roster with players who would match the "Hoiball" offense of Fred Hoiberg which was disastrous in the first season. Ironically, Rose was one of the players who thrived on that offense so why should he be traded?
Simply because he has one foot out the door with the unlikely chance that he would re-sign with the Bulls (and vice-versa). The already classic remark in the season opening press conference is the basis for this, as recounted in CSN Chicago.
"And focusing on those two things(working out every day and spending time with his son). Making sure my family is financially stable, as far as seeing all the money that they're passing out in this league. Just telling the truth. Just knowing that my day will be coming up soon, and it's not for me. It's for P.J. (his son) and his future, so that's what I'm thinking about now.''
While these are your normal fatherly remarks, it ended Rose's status as the hometown hero. He did mention that it's "Here" referring to Chicago when he was reminded of it, but the impression already stood. Bottomline is that the Windy City fans would not mind if Rose walked away at the end of the 2017 season.
However, if the Bulls had the chance to improve by using Rose, that would be a perfect situation. In team site Pippen Ain't Easy, there's a trade rumor for Derrick Rose on a regular basis.
One destination they considered was the Minnesota Timberwolves on the underlying premise of Rose reuniting with Thibodeau. They suggest packagins Tyus Jones and Shabazz Muhammad for him, along with exchanging picks T-Wolves 5th for Bulls 14th, -but that would be excessive.
The curious question is that Thibodeau is still on the fence on Ricky Rubio at the point. On the hypothetical situation that Rubio doesn't pan out with Thibs and Rose performing well on a contract year, Thibs would probably consider as he of all people could get a commitment from Rose to re-sign in Minny.
As of now, Thibs probably won't make major changes to his new team and give the core players a chance. But his system is not easy (ask Derrick Rose) and perhaps not for those who don't share his competitiveness. Will Thibodeau trade for Derrick Rose? Not now.
