Nocioni back with the Bulls
By K.C. Johnson
Tribune staff reporter
July 6, 2007, 12:17 PM CDT
The Bulls will make a Friday afternoon announcement that Andres Nocioni has re-signed with the team, the Tribune has learned.
The deal is for five years, with a team option for a sixth season.
Earlier Friday, Bulls general manager John Paxson confirmed that the team was optimistic about their chances.
"We've made progress," Paxson said at the Berto Center. "We're pretty confident. I'm hopeful that in the next day or so we can hammer this thing out with him."
The Tribune and Memphis Commercial Appeal reported in their Friday editions that Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace isn't willing to increase a verbal offer that is in the same neighborhood as the Bulls' offer.
The Tribune reported Paxson has offered a five-year deal worth approximately $38 million. It's rare for teams to make a proactive offer for a restricted free agent instead of letting the market dictate his price.
"I felt the area we started talking about was a legitimate, fair offer," Paxson said. "So I never have problems throwing that out there. We're at the stage where we know our young players have value. I just felt it was appropriate to try to work something out. We want him here. He fits in with what we're trying to do."
Indeed, Nocioni, 27, has become a Bulls fan favorite with his manic intensity and floor-burn style.
"He's one of those guys who have helped change a lot of things around here in terms of how we go about business," Paxson said.
The Grizzlies flew to Nocioni's native Argentina to personally woo him. That they didn't follow with a bold offer raised eyebrows.
But Nocioni, who is resting the plantar fasciitis in his right foot, always stated his No. 1 priority was to return to the Bulls.
He got his wish.
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....ulls-headlines
Props to Bruno for breaking the story in the other thread.
Man, that's a steal. Freakin' Jason Kapono get $24M over four years and Nocioni gets $38M over five years? Nicely done by the Bulls.The Tribune reported Paxson has offered a five-year deal worth approximately $38 million.
I guess it's on to the next target for the Spurs . . .
James Posey?
Doesn't sound like it.
Hmmmm... I'm stumped.
Next target for the Spurs, I think, is nothing. Not even sure Nocioni was a target. I'm not even sure Zabian Dowdell is a target.
Hunt down that scout that screwed up Nocioni's birthday and shoot him.
Who might be their next target? (If they have one) Travis Outlaw?
Should have signed him instead of Barry in '04.
When did Fabricio have a center named after him?
I think it is obvious the Spurs are staying put.
RC has mentioned all along that he plans on keeping the team intact.
I expect the last roster to go to Williams, and then we shall roll into the season with the same crew.
Last roster spot goes to Marcus Williams. We're done for the summer.
Not necessarily. He doesn't rate a "no trade" clause, does he?
If Paxson likes Scola as much as has been said on these forums, then maybe the Spurs work something with the Bulls since they got Nocioni so cheap. Who's to say that hasn't already been discussed, as in: "If you can sign him for under $40mil, we'll trade you Scola's rights plus....
you can not be serious? Just face it Nocioni signed with the bulls and is not coming to the spurs and not for scola and trash
How does that song go "another one bites the dust. another one bites the dust"
How does that song go "another one bites the dust. another one bites the dust"
Yeah..they usually play it after we win the le.
I don't disagree with you as far as the Nocioni pursuit being over, but there's something comedic about a Mavs fan calling our trade offerings 'trash' when your owner thinks he can get KG with a package of Dampier, Stackhouse, Mbenga, and scraps.
Both Nocioni and Paxson apparently wanted him to stay with the Bulls according to the reports.
I haven't seen anyplace that either Paxson or Nocioni ever stated they wanted to do something with the Spurs.
This has all been nothing but wishing on the part of Spur fans.
False, but nice try. Nocioni is on record as saying he'd like to play with the Spurs (even if Chicago was a diplomatic first choice). It's the barbeque comment.
So much for a repeat.
Well, get ready for them to pursue an "old fart". Isnt' next off season suppose to be the lively one for the Spurs?
There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
