Bulls fans are still waiting for word on any developments of the negotiations between the front office and restricted free agent Nikola Mirotic. The veteran power forward hasn’t generated much interest on the market, and latest reports have the Bulls trying to play hardball. Mirotic reportedly wants a multiyear deal earning close to $20 million per season. But if he can’t find any such offers from other teams to bring back to Gar Forman and John Paxson, the front office will have the upper hand in negotiations. If they can keep Niko on board for closer to $10 million per season on a three year deal, they’d consider that a big win.
JaMychal Green
Meanwhile, and perhaps as a backup plan to re-signing Mirotic, the Bulls are reportedly eyeing another veteran stretch four on the restricted free agent market. According to Sean Deveney of Sporting News, Chicago management is keen on JaMychal Green.
Here’s the excerpt from Deveney’s column:
JaMychal Green, Grizzlies — The Grizzlies are still planning to keep Green, and their payroll is such that they really can’t afford to let him go. Green is 27 and coming off a breakout year, with impressive per-36 numbers (11.8 points, 9.3 rebounds). There has been interest from the Bulls, sources said, and he is a backup plan in San Antonio depending on what happens with Simmons. There is a chance something could get worked out without an offer sheet (the Hawks and Suns will be monitoring the situation), but the Grizzlies can bide their time and see how the remainder of the market for RFAs plays out.
Green has made a strong name for himself in recent seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies after going undrafted in 2012. He started 75 games for the Grizzlies last season, setting career highs with 8.9 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. He’s a strong shooter for the power forward position, averaging 50% from the floor and 38% from downtown. That’s the kind of stretch four Fred Hoiberg needs for his offense.
But if the Bulls succeed in bringing Mirotic back, the need for adding Green lessens. They also used the 7th overall pick in the draft to acquire 7-foot shooting phenom Lauri Markkanen, and Bobby Portis is still under contract. With those three fighting for minutes at the four, there wouldn’t be much room for Green.
It also appears the Bulls might have some competition for Green. If a bidding war arises between several teams trying to buy him away from the Grizzlies, the Bulls might decide to err on the side of fiscal frugality.
We’ll keep you up to speed with any further developments of the Bulls’ interest in Green.
