Bulls, Thomas discuss buyout
February 23, 2006
DEERFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Unable to trade Tim Thomas before Thursday's deadline, the Chicago Bulls are discussing a contract buyout with their banished forward, general manager John Paxson said.
Thomas, earning approximately $14 million in the final year of his contract, hopes to join a playoff team. Players waived after March 1 are not eligible for the postseason.
*"We are working on a way to resolve it," Paxson said. "My only issue is I don't want Tim to go to a direct compe or with us -- someone we're chasing, whatever."
Acquired in the Eddy Curry trade in early October, Thomas averaged 4.3 points and 1.3 rebounds in three games and was sent home after he complained about a limited role. He has averaged 11.9 points and 4.0 rebounds in his career, but hasn't met expectations that accompanied him from Villanova to the NBA in 1997.
Paxson said he would like to reach an agreement with Thomas by March 1.
"I respect the fact that he wants to play," Paxson said. "We're also paying his contract, and we have the right to make sure it's the best thing for us. If we can get some financial relief out of the deal, then we'll certainly look into that."
When asked if there was any chance Thomas would rejoin the team, Paxson said, "No."
After winning 47 games and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 1998 last season, the Bulls are 24-29 and ninth in the Eastern Conference.
If Tim Thomas had any type of championship aspirations then the Nets shouldn't even enter the equation, but even though he's already made millions I'm sure he'll go where the money is.*"We are working on a way to resolve it," Paxson said. "My only issue is I don't want Tim to go to a direct compe or with us -- someone we're chasing, whatever."
Would the Bulls consider the Nets a rival?
Hmmmmm...
Translation: he goes to the Spurs or he sits at home on our payroll the rest of the year. Sorry Nets.*"We are working on a way to resolve it," Paxson said. "My only issue is I don't want Tim to go to a direct compe or with us -- someone we're chasing, whatever."
Direct compe or = division rival, or eastern conference rival?
Could the Bulls possibly negotiate into the buyout where and where not Tim Thomas can sign? That would seem highly unusual.
Maybe there are other teams interested in him that we haven't heard about, but if not then I would think the Nets would be more of a rival than the Spurs based on the conference.Direct compe or = division rival, or eastern conference rival?
I think it was a direct reference to the Sixers who are eighth in the East.
When he's waived, he's waived. The Bulls cannot have any input on where he goes after that. If they're that concerned about where he ends up, all they can do is not waive him at all.
The Nets would definitely qualify as "direct rival," since Chicago still has a chance for a playoff spot.
But it'd be impossible to enforce that. See, Mark Cuban and Michael Finley.
All signs point to Thomas going to NJ when he's waived. They have more minutes, it's home for him, he's been hanging in Jersey this season, etc.
I'd be surprised to see the Bulls waive him before Mar. 1. They might do it afterwards and the Nets might still pick him up with next season in mind. At least that would keep him from hurting the Bulls directly in the postseason.
Spurs are on the outside looking in unless Thomas thinks that highly of Newman or the Spurs could sell him on a future in SA. Right now you have Manu and Bowen as the guys whose rotational spots are set in stone.
But one would think that Thomas is looking for serious PT over the remainder of the season to get him some interest after that contract runs out. At age 29, the next couple of years are his last chance to really cash in on the NBA moneytrain.
Exactly.
I'd be surprised if he signs here. He's too young to just be thinking about a championship. He has one more decent contract in him if he can end the season well.
Yeah. It's hard to see him supplanting Finley in the rotation. That would be the only way he'd get major minutes in SA. The Spurs do have the MLE next summer, so they would have the capability to put together a decent deal for him, but I think the Spurs would be wary of committing so much to a swing role player, even if they projected him as an eventual starter. NJ is the easier and more appealing path for him now. Can't fault him if he goes with that.
This is tangentially related to Thomas but more in general to the Spurs' personnel moves from here on. If they were that concerned about Malik's deal, are they really going to sign anyone to a significant deal from here on? Or are they going to do what they can to keep team payroll in the current ballpark (w/annual increases)? They have the Big 3 locked up for 5 more seasons or so.
[insert scoobey-doo rruuuhh?] DAMN! I had no idea Tim Thomas was 29. I thought he was like 25, 26 tops.
He has made his money. He should beg for Horry to mentor him; otherwise, no thanks. - says the man on the internets.
That's funny. You thought he's 25. Some other posters thought he's 35.
I guess that many people don't know exactly who he is.
I hope Holt and co. do what it takes to keep this team a winner. It wouldn't be pretty if they tried to make this team Tim, Tony, Manu and 9 cheap/expiring contracts.
It's not that I did not really know him; more like, time flies.That's funny. You thought he's 25. Some other posters thought he's 35.
I guess that many people don't know exactly who he is.
At the moment that's the vibe I'm getting. The amount of salary tied to those under contract past this season is increasing at around 10% per annum. Mohammed's contract coming off the books kinda keeps the overall payroll steady. Perhaps they'll be able to continue to go to the Euro well to replenish that cheaply. Still, opportunities like this don't come around often for a NBA franchise. Now is no time for Holt to turn Red.
One interesting side note about the Euros is that Sanikidze is still in town and has been for months.
Just notin'.
Dynasty forum.
What in the world is he up to? I was really excited about this kid when we traded for him. They must of thought very highly of him to do that, and everything I read says he is one of the best shooters over there.
But he can't work out with the team, right?? How bout with the coachs?
I have no comment in regards to what he's been doing here
I have no comment in regards to what he's been doing here
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