Sources: Thibodeau, Bulls resume contract negotiations

[JosMin]

Link from Nick Fridell at ESPN.com

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf and coach Tom Thibodeau have resumed negotiations about a contract extension for Thibodeau, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The Bulls picked up Thibodeau's option for the 2012-13 season after last season. General manager Gar Forman repeatedly has stated that it is the organization's intention to lock up Thibodeau for the long term, even though talks stalled earlier in the summer.

Thibodeau, who won 100 games faster than any coach in NBA history, was hired two summers ago after serving as an assistant for the Boston Celtics under Doc Rivers. The Bulls have led the league in regular-season wins both years under Thibodeau, who won coach of the year honors in his first season and finished second last season.

Reports surfaced last season that Thibodeau was unhappy he did not have an extension secured. Forman then appeared on "The Carmen, Jurko & Harry Show" on ESPN 1000 and stated that talks had begun before last season and would resume after the season.

Thibodeau and Forman did not immediately return phone messages.

Bulls players, notably Derrick Rose, have been vocal in support of their coach. While Thibodeau has a hard-charging mentality, Bulls players respect the way he prepares and appreciate his work ethic.

ESPN analyst and Thibodeau friend Jeff Van Gundy recently told ESPNChicago.com's Melissa Isaacson that Thibodeau's potential new deal "seems like the easiest negotiation of all time."

"If I was (the Bulls) and Tom agreed to what (Oklahoma City's) Scott Brooks got (a reported four-year deal worth approximately $18 million), the whole thing would take 25 seconds," said Van Gundy, who hired Thibodeau as an assistant with the New York Knicks. "It's a no-brainer ... My thing is he's an elite coach and should be paid like one."

Really like the Brooks/Thibs comparison, in terms of contracts. Obviously, Brooks' coaching ability isn't on par with Thibs. He was blessed with a once-in-a-generation scorer in Durant and three other supremely talented young players who have excellent chemistry and a competent GM who's willing to be patient, build through the draft and other teams' desperation (think the Jeff Green/Perkins swap). I would imagine the kind of deal Brooks received (4 years/$18 million) is close to what the Bulls should and will offer Thibs. I rarely agree with Jeff Van Gundy, but saying these negotiations should take 25 seconds is spot on -- sign the damn coach. He's worth every penny.

 

[Crystallas]

Thibs has the potential to be a HOF coach. Don't F this up, and don't blow everything on one head. He still needs to have a good staff, which includes conditioning and medical.

 

[Scoot26]

If I were the Bulls I'd get this done, they lock up a good coach for many more years. If I were Thibs are definitely want this done so there is no lower pay for the Bulls having a set back this year. While Thibs still needs to learn a few things (such as how to manage his players playing time better so they're not worn down for the playoffs), he deserves this extension.

 

[Chi-Town Brahma]

Please FO ray: .....get a good deal done for this man.

 

[Nillz of The Bulls Show]

I think it's completely reasonable to assume that Bulls management read my post and were inspired to get a deal done ASAP... absolutely no coincidence at all, haha: http://www.chicitysports.com/2012/09/04/tom-thibodeau-should-be-the-richest/

Maybe the Bulls have more money to offer now that Scalabrine has denied them... but then again, the Bulls will need to find a new replacement if an extension doesn't get done and Thibs walks next year. https://twitter.com/TheBullsShow/status/243771444952186880/photo/1

 

[Crystallas]

There are no coaching vacancies. From what I understand, Scalabrine's position was going to be created as the 6th assistant, when 3-4 assistants is pretty standard. It's not like he's a specialty developmental coach, he was just a Thibs confidant.

 

[ChicagoDawg1991]

They better get this done!!

 

[scottiepippen1994]

Glad Thibbs will be resigned.
Now maybe someday, management can put a real team together for him to coach.
I'm pretty sure if Thibbs wanted to coach in the D-League, he would of done so.