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Is the free agent Center market going to force the Bulls hand on Omer Asik?

[Note by your friendly BullsBlogger, 12/13/11 1:48 PM CST: IMPORTANT note on this, thanks to @MudderFudder77on Twitter: As Asik is an 'early-bird' Free Agent (i.e. a RFA after only 2 years in the league), teams are restricted as to how much money they can offer him. This was called the Gilbert Arenas Provision in the last CBA, and I don't think it's changed: Asik can command a deal that has to start at MLE-level money for the first couple years, then he can get raises. So it'd still be a potentially substantial contract and give Bulls pause, but it wouldn't be Deandre Jordan money -yfbb]

[From the FanPosts. I teased this question in reference to the Deandre Jordan contract yesterday, and with Kwame Brown signing for $7m today it's even more apparent: Omer Asik is going to get a big offer sheet as a restricted free agent next summer, and if the Bulls stay a non-tax or dip-toes-in-tax team going forward, they may have to make a decision soon. -yfbb]

The Bulls have a big dilemma in their hands with the Turkish Colossus: should they keep him or should they trade him?

Asik proved to be a very reliable player, playing great D even when matched against guys like Dwight Howard. Add to that Boozer's and Noah's injury record and our need for the Istan-Bull becomes even more obvious. And who knows how much better he can be putting some points in the paint in his Asik & Destroy mode.

On the other hand, we have to ask ourselves: how long will the team keep Asik? Just look how much DeAndre Jordan and Marc Gasol made this offseason. Both will enter this season will more than 10M/year, leading me to think that teams could easily put 8M/year in Asik's hand. And that raises the question if the Bulls would be willing to pay him that much. My guess? They wouldn't.

If we trade Asik now we get something of value that we can afford, but probably not as good. So we would run half the season with an Asik-less team but with an asset for the long run. Or we could keep him and try to win now risking to lose him later for nothing.

Surely that is not the only option. The Bulls could keep Asik and lose 2, maybe 3, of it's role players (Korver and Brewer most likely) to avoid the luxury tax... and then the face a similar problem with Taj very soon.

Star-divide

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via cdn2.sbnation.com


Wade blocked by the Asik Wall!!! (via ImadoggyDogg)


Poll
So, what would you do?
Keep Asik and deal with it later
756 votes
Trade Asik for a big before the season is over
93 votes
Trade Asik for a guard before the season is over
120 votes

969 votes | Poll has closed

FanPosts are user-created posts from the BlogABull community, and are to be treated as the opinions and views of that particular user, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

Comment 245 comments  |  3 recs  | 

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I say we keep him.

Hes gotten stronger in the offseason, I think he is going to become more of a beast as Thibs’ team works with him. Check out this video. Who needs Superman? We have our own “White” Howard.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcvtM8JqlnY

"We wish Jordan were 7-feet, but he isn't. There just wasn't a center available. What can you do? Jordan isn't going to turn this franchise around. I wouldn't ask him to. He's a very good offensive player, but not an overpowering offensive player." Rod Thorn, then Bulls general manager, after drafting Michael Jordan

by AerialAssault on Dec 13, 2011 7:25 AM CST via mobile reply actions  

What happenned to Turkish Sex Machine

Rated R?

I can predict the future using Norm Van Lier's crystal balls.

"Sam has a tendency to denigrate reports coming from any reporter who didn’t also cover the day Naismith first put up the peach baskets." - snley

by NBA Observer on Dec 13, 2011 12:57 PM CST up reply actions  

"The White Howard?"

nice pun ;-)

Cold, daring, no flies on me...

by Envy on Dec 13, 2011 3:10 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

more:
teamziller Tom Ziller
Seriously though, does everyone realize that DeAndre Jordan just set JaVale McGee’s price at $10 million/year? Everyone OK with that?

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 7:46 AM CST reply actions  

Those thrifty owners!

"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"

by ColonelFatheart on Dec 13, 2011 11:16 AM CST up reply actions   2 recs

eh...this is a bad market for big men

it may improve next year and beyond and drop some of these ridiculous prices

...and we're back

by paddyfairview on Dec 13, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

For a starting NBA center

No.

I can predict the future using Norm Van Lier's crystal balls.

"Sam has a tendency to denigrate reports coming from any reporter who didn’t also cover the day Naismith first put up the peach baskets." - snley

by NBA Observer on Dec 13, 2011 12:57 PM CST up reply actions  

I disagree

DeAndre Jordan is actually goo at defense and isn’t a pterodactyl moron like Javale. :P
But, his contract is a bit rich. …

Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live

by Prevenge on Dec 13, 2011 4:54 PM CST up reply actions  

One can only hope Washington starts to sign some of those guys to big money

One less contending team we have to worry about going forward

Recovering...

by Juiceboxjerry on Dec 13, 2011 5:25 PM CST up reply actions  

remember those 17 & 15 games last november?

if he can do that consistantly he’s underpaid

...and we're back

by paddyfairview on Dec 13, 2011 12:27 PM CST up reply actions  

we've seen those all-star flashes from Noah

but they’ve only been flashes. If the can do that on a consistent basis, against tough competition, he’s underpaid.

by JockstrapNoah on Dec 13, 2011 12:32 PM CST up reply actions  

If we compare someone healthy v unhealthy

can they really be considered flashes then?

light em up

by docks on Dec 13, 2011 1:10 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Yep that's the problem.

Obviously he’s a good player…but worth the money paid now, consistently, probably not. He’s getting long in the tooth to be thinking we will see something change suddenly. We are spending a ton of money on our starters as a whole to end up with a team that has no fearsome scoring target save Rose. It’s difficult to say exactly where to go to change that when Boozer is signed for huge money and a long contract no one wants.

"Fast Don't Lie"

by Sandberg's evil twin on Dec 14, 2011 11:04 PM CST up reply actions  

starter or backup

I think some of it depends on if Asik would every be starter on the Bulls. You probably can’t pay too much for your backup C if Noah is going to be the starting C with his salary. Doubtful you can play both at same time much since neither has a jumper

For now I think you have to keep him this year if you can as over course of tight season they will diffidently need his mins (Bulls strength will be depth) and then make decision

I think Asik long term will be / is better player but Taj (or player like him) fits Bulls bench better as he can shoot a little and play next to Noah. At same time finding a guy with Asik size and D ability is hard, thats why most teams don’t have even 1 decent C, so if possible would be great to keep Asik but probably hard as some team will overpay

And just for record, my belief is Bulls will never pay lux tax under no circumstance

by NY Chicago Fan on Dec 13, 2011 8:30 AM CST reply actions  

I'm clueless when it comes to the rules regarding contract extensions, so I'm sure I'm over-simplifying this

but why not get ahead of the other teams in the NBA and offer him an extension at a price the org can live with?

If he declines, then you know that you wont be able to keep him.
If he accepts, then you continue being awesome

by darksmokepuncher on Dec 13, 2011 8:57 AM CST reply actions  

This is an important question, and why the tax is coming

I’m not sure how it’s not the most likely scenario where Asik gets a big offer sheet and walks, and we’re all told “well, he’s not really worth that much”….and they’d be right, and it still sucks.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 13, 2011 9:19 AM CST reply actions   2 recs

If he has another year like the last...

someone will offer him 5 per, no? Would the Bulls pay that?

by Dunker Von Smashalot on Dec 13, 2011 9:21 AM CST up reply actions  

I dunno, I could see teams offering more than that if he has another season like last year

His situation reminds me of Marcin Gortat’s, who got 5 years at 34 million.

thank god we just had a lockout. now we don’t have to worry about players being overpaid.
whew.

by darksmokepuncher on Dec 13, 2011 9:37 AM CST up reply actions  

Ok so 7 per?

Do the Bulls pay that? I am trying to think of comparable cases. I haven’t seen Deandre Jordan play much, but is Asik anywhere near his caliber?

by Dunker Von Smashalot on Dec 13, 2011 10:04 AM CST up reply actions  

comparable in that their both primarily defensive players

Deandre is more athletic and uses it to block shots all day.
I don’t think the Bulls match a 7 million per year offer for him and I don’t think they should.

by darksmokepuncher on Dec 13, 2011 10:07 AM CST up reply actions  

Yes

Jordan and Asik are comparable. Jordan is younger.

I can predict the future using Norm Van Lier's crystal balls.

"Sam has a tendency to denigrate reports coming from any reporter who didn’t also cover the day Naismith first put up the peach baskets." - snley

by NBA Observer on Dec 13, 2011 1:19 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah, things are crazy

but that also means the league gives good value. So if you can find a good trade he would count big too – in theory

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 10:51 AM CST up reply actions  

No wonder Miami couldn't get him

Even the scrub centers make 7 million a year. I guess they’re rolling with Curry.

by runningman on Dec 13, 2011 7:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Asik would have to be in a bigger package, of course.

I’d favor trading Jo if that were the choice, anyway. I love Jo, but a team built with Boozer, Iggy, Deng and Rose on offense wouldn’t really need all that much offensive production from the center position. Not that Jo is Shaq or even Brad Daugherty in that regard, but I think rolling with Asik for 30 mins a night at a lower cost than Jo would be a huge plus in such a situation.

"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"

by ColonelFatheart on Dec 13, 2011 11:21 AM CST up reply actions  

The redundancy with Iggy on the Bulls is okay,

but the redundancy of Noah, Asik, Gibson, and Boozer is bad?

He took his what to where?!

by hlac on Dec 13, 2011 12:04 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

That's unfortunately what happens when there are 7 C's in the league that are worth anything.

The lack of talent at the 5 is really overrating a lot of bad right now.

"What do you think, I just dunked my whole career?" Jordan asked Henderson after making a 3.
"You’ve got to miss eventually," Henderson told him.
"That’s what Cleveland said," replied Jordan

by MRubio52 on Dec 13, 2011 11:46 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

I want to agree, I really do

but there have been a lot of Euro flameouts, and not a whole lot of Euro successes. While I still think we have something – I think Mirotic, worst case scenario, will be solid – I’d still prefer to keep Asik & Taj and hope the Charlotte 1st rounder and some other 1sts can be package with expendable contracts for a real SG, or perhaps actually used for a SG in the draft(s).

Basically, I want to just say I love Taj. I just love Asik more..

A true friend stabs you in the front - Oscar Wilde

by dantheman3k on Dec 13, 2011 12:26 PM CST up reply actions  

plus Noah can play some 4, so they could play together and both get burn

I think you gotta pick asik if you’re choosing between both of them

...and we're back

by paddyfairview on Dec 13, 2011 12:35 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Pay (virtually) whatever it takes to sign him

If the Bulls are competing for titles like we all expect them to be, and if Asik is a big contributor, pay $10 million/per if you have to for the backup center.

We were endlessly promised that the luxury tax wouldn’t be a problem if the team was in contention for a championship. The Chairman has been lining his pockets with 15 years of luxury-tax free profits, and the CBA seems to allow a lot of leeway in signing your own free agents. I don’t want to see anyone walk due to luxury tax concerns.

I will never doubt the Chairman again.

by nateroth on Dec 13, 2011 10:13 AM CST reply actions   2 recs

yeah I think he was thinking something like

I would pay if Wade was here or Bryant decides to come

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 11:08 AM CST up reply actions  

I thought before last year

He said he would pay luxury tax for a final 4 team or something like that.

by tuluse on Dec 14, 2011 4:36 PM CST up reply actions  

We have a final-four team now

Every starter once played in the Final Four.

by jpx7 on Dec 15, 2011 7:32 PM CST up reply actions  

I would keep him unless you can package him with other players

for a significant upgrade at another position. At the end of the season when he is a restricted free agent I think you match whatever offer he gets. If his offer is too big or a problem (for the wealthiest franchise in the league) than you trade him during next season. The worse thing you can do is let him leave with no compensation. So the Bulls should match everything.

by Basketball Smurf on Dec 13, 2011 10:24 AM CST reply actions  

That's the problem: they should but would they?

Kwame just got 7M. Will the Bulls enter luxury tax territory for a backup center?

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 10:45 AM CST up reply actions  

right, that's the phrasing that worries me

if ‘dorf instead said ’we’ll go into the luxury tax for Derrick Rose’, it makes a lot more sense. I could completely see them letting Asik walk because he’s ultimately a backup, and not a ‘luxury tax type of player’.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 13, 2011 11:06 AM CST up reply actions  

That's fine,

and I probably agree, but if that’s their position they should be maximizing his value. And that probably means moving him for someone like Mayo (too late), Affalo, Lee, etc., or a pick from a bad team.

by tomas21 on Dec 13, 2011 11:09 AM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, that's the concern

Should the Bulls do this trade then? And who should the Bulls target for Asik? Now that we have Rip, Lee for Asik doesn’t sound too good to me. And should we really go for a guard or for another big?

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 11:11 AM CST up reply actions  

As valuable

as depth with bigs is, I think we still need more help at the 2/3, and more scoring. Personally, I’d be in favor of going after a potential lottery pick and a backup g/f.

Or moving Asik and Noah in a deal for Howard…

by tomas21 on Dec 13, 2011 11:14 AM CST up reply actions  

One name that came to mind is DeRozan

I don’t like him much but he is young and I think it would be possible to go for him, maybe adding a Bulls own pick

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 11:20 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Mayo could also be back in talks later
MikeWellsNBA Mike Wells
Memphis has decided not to trade guard OJ Mayo, according to sources

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 12:05 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

Looks like the Lakers got McRoberts.
SpearsNBAYahoo Marc J. Spears
F Josh McRoberts to sign two-year deal using mini mid-level exception with @lakers, source tells Y! Avg 7.2 pts, 6.2 rbs w/Indy last season.
2 minutes ago

That’ll placate Kobe …

"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"

by ColonelFatheart on Dec 13, 2011 2:28 PM CST up reply actions  

do the lakers even have a rhyme or reason to their moves anymore

i honestly have no idea what the hell they are doing…

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 2:31 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

They saved a lot of money

by exchanging Odom for McRoberts. I think the new CBA has finally pushed the Lakers to consider finances in their moves.

by runningman on Dec 13, 2011 7:58 PM CST up reply actions  

oh man

McRoberts always looks like he’s gonna cry anyway…whats he gonna do when Kobe yells at him?

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by ThorCo on Dec 13, 2011 2:31 PM CST up reply actions  

no way

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 2:36 PM CST up reply actions  

nah

deng for melooooooooooooooo!

by Geo4MVP on Dec 13, 2011 2:37 PM CST up reply actions  

go for broke

deng for Jerry Buss

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 9:15 PM CST up reply actions  

No Kobe wants to play WITH Deng

that’s the only way he’ll accept the trade (2007 Flashback).

by JockstrapNoah on Dec 13, 2011 6:19 PM CST up reply actions  

I've never understood how going into LT can be attributed to one contract.

I would think an owner would look at the entire team and ask the question-does going into LT make sense.

He took his what to where?!

by hlac on Dec 13, 2011 12:10 PM CST up reply actions  

Well, that's just it.

Of course, Reinsdorf knows that spending $3 million a back-up SF (for example) is why they can’t go into the luxury tax area. But if he said, “It’s because we have Derrick Rose and Luol Deng and Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer that we can’t go into it,” People would say, “Yeah, but they’re good!!! This team is worth the luxury tax.”

But I don’t think he really wants or has any plans to go into the luxury tax at all. So he spins it in a way that it’s making Ben Gordon the luxury tax guy (not Hinrich or Deng) or Asik the back-up center the lux tax guy, not Noah or Rose, or really, as you said, the whole team.

meh

by tyger1147 on Dec 21, 2011 1:15 AM CST up reply actions  

unfortunately i could see Asik walking, then becoming an all-star

and if he did that here, it would allow us to trade either him, noah, or boozer for somebody like Howard or perhaps even Bryant

by kpd on Dec 13, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions  

You can still sign him and trade him later. The luxury tax doesn't kick in the moment

you sign someone, it applies to the roster at the end of the season. Thus, if you matched an offer for Asik at say 4 years $36 million dollars you could than either bite the bullet and pay the luxury tax or trade him at the deadline to a bad team with cap space and get a high pick.

If you don’t match, you get nothing.

by Basketball Smurf on Dec 13, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions  

it's true but that limits a bit the trade possibilities

Either we would have to trade only with teams with cap or we would be absorbing a lot of salary anyway.

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 12:20 PM CST up reply actions  

well the alternatives don't look better to me

You have limited options

1. You trade him in a package for a major upgrade right now. Depending on the upgrade, this may be the best solution. This is also the least likely solution as packages for all-star difference makers don’t come around very often.

2. You trade him during the season for a player you can have long term. In this scenario its hard to know if you are going to get equal talent for Asik. Is trading Asik for Mayo equal? I don’t think so. Is Afflalo?

Plus Asik plays such an important position, he is the Bulls best post defender. You are likely going to want to keep whatever player you just traded Asik for so you are going to take on long term salary in this situation anyway.

3. You wait and match and than either trade him, trade Boozer or Noah or pay the tax. This way you get him for a full season and possibly next season and you get guaranteed value. You have more ability to pick and choose your deal. This gives the Bulls options with how they are going to use their big men, even if in the short term they have to take on more salary.

4. You don’t match and lose him for nothing. The worse case scenario imo but something that could happen. Losing a quality young big man to avoid paying the tax would be one of the most disappointing things this franchise has ever done. I don’t think they would do it. They managed to get a lottery pick for Tyrus Thomas – I think they can get value for Asik.

by Basketball Smurf on Dec 13, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

i have a feeling it'll be option 3 or option 5

if it’s option three, somebody is getting traded as soon as possible.

Option 5: trade him during the season or next offseason for a marginal downgrade, likely a PF or SF, on a one year contract, then re-sign them for the MLE or minimum while staying out of the tax.

by kpd on Dec 13, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions  

If we have to choose

I think we’d keep Taj before Asik, given Boozer’s injury history, late-game/season ineffectiveness, and the amount of money that center’s command.

If we could get an early pick for him in next year’s star-studded draft, that might be worth more than a season of insurance/bench improvement. If they think they could lock him up then great, but if they aren’t going to match offers next off-season now would be the time to send him to a lottery team.

by tomas21 on Dec 13, 2011 10:59 AM CST reply actions  

This makes sense for next year as well.

Pay Asik, keep Taj for one more very very cheap year, and then trade him at the deadline next year.

by JockstrapNoah on Dec 13, 2011 12:31 PM CST up reply actions  

They need to trade either Asik or Noah very soon (like, this season)....

It should be accepted fact that the Bulls will not pay the tax. Rather than let Asik walk for nothing, they need to deal him…even if it’s just for a second round pick. They have to get some value for him. Dealing Noah would be the seemingly riskier move, but with his injury history and trouble defending the post it might be a good idea to deal him instead. Plus that would save the Bulls more money.

by hitlesswonder on Dec 13, 2011 10:59 AM CST reply actions  

Any trade ideas? That's another challenge

I’ve been trying to think of a good trade for Asik or Asik+role players and didn’t come up with something of importance.

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 11:03 AM CST up reply actions  

Honestly, I'd trade Noah

Noah for Iggy straight up works. Even with boozer in the starting lineup, I’d love to see teams try to score against Rose-Iggy-Deng-Boozer-Asik. That said, I would wait until the deadline before doing anything.

"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight

by DRose01 on Dec 13, 2011 12:28 PM CST up reply actions  

You have a good point...

But in the time he did play last year, he was substantially more effective than Noah

by Basketball on Dec 13, 2011 1:01 PM CST up reply actions  

trade watson

Noah for backup PG!

Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live

by Prevenge on Dec 13, 2011 4:57 PM CST up reply actions  

And anyone who doesn't understand this...

….just needs to ask themselves how many starting Centers can a:

a) Dribble the ball the full length of the court (most)
b) while running at full speed (some)
c) while shoulder-to-shoulder with someone 6’7", 225-ish pounds (few)
d) and still go for the dunk and get fouled (very few)
e) and make the dunk (any)
f) all in crunch time in the playoffs (one)

Noah is an extremely skilled big man. He’s just skilled at different areas than most centers.

meh

by tyger1147 on Dec 21, 2011 1:20 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

It does put more pressure on the other offensive options to perform.

But the on court off court numbers for Asik last year were absurd. If he can’t replicate that, then sure he needs to improve in an overall sense…

But when the impact is shown to be that high, it doesn’t matter how poor you are on the other end, it’s not like he’s going to be demanding the ball, he’s not a terrible offensive rebounder either.

by Basketball on Dec 13, 2011 2:02 PM CST up reply actions  

"But the on court off court numbers for Asik last year were absurd."

Sample size is pretty damn small for those numbers, though.

by jpx7 on Dec 13, 2011 2:56 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Truth.

Which is why I think it’s pretty good we have another year to see him play.

by Basketball on Dec 13, 2011 3:11 PM CST up reply actions  

Yep

It also makes the Bulls’ current Kurt-less-ness more palatable (and understandable).

by jpx7 on Dec 13, 2011 3:28 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, I have to question how much we can put in those numbers

I would bet Asik was playing against other backups the majority of the time.

by tuluse on Dec 14, 2011 4:43 PM CST up reply actions  

Not only can only dunk

but can’t hit free throws. You’re starting center is going to be playing fourth quarter minutes and you’d like him to be able to do that.

by JockstrapNoah on Dec 13, 2011 6:21 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

…but what if the dunks are like, super cool?

light em up

by docks on Dec 13, 2011 10:27 PM CST up reply actions  

With Kurth Thomas gone

I think we’ll find out soon enough how effective Asik can be with (presumably) more playing time. If Asik shows improvement defensively (making him even more awesome) and offensively (lowering TOV% would be nice) the first few months of the season, then the organization will certainly have an interesting decision to make re keeping Noah or Asik.

by bryield on Dec 13, 2011 1:17 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Obviously true

I did say I’d wait until the trade deadline. Also, this was based on the premise that we would need to trade either Asik or Noah, which I don’t agree with. So, basically I responded simply because I feel like playing the what if game. And my opinion could change after seeing both in action for another season.

"Mental toughness is to physical as four is to one." - Bob Knight

by DRose01 on Dec 13, 2011 3:25 PM CST up reply actions  

Personally, I LIke

our current starting 5 much better. If we are looking for more offense this group would be hard on the eyes.

by Cherry Pie Eye on Dec 13, 2011 12:59 PM CST up reply actions  

Keep him!

I gotta see one more year of Asik & destroy, esp since last yr he had a lot of growing pains..i want to see if he’s durable too (esp with Noah)…i say after the yr, the Bulls will know who’s a better fit long term: asik or noah (even with noah already gettin paid)

plus if he balls this yr, maybe we get a better trade

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 11:57 AM CST reply actions  

Don't forget we have Mirotic in the wings plus

I would rather have Boozer be the odd man out.

He took his what to where?!

by hlac on Dec 13, 2011 12:14 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

i hope boozer proves me wrong this yr and has career highs..atleast in games played

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 12:17 PM CST up reply actions  

I say the Bulls just have to trade him, as much as it pains me to say

You cannot afford to just let the man walk for nothing, when he could be centered around a deal that could bring the bulls either their SG of the future, or another key piece to this team..,I love Asik, and I think he could very well become a top 15 Center in this league, but like I said you have to do what you have to do, in terms of what is best for the team in the long-run, and if you are not going to pony up the money for him then trade him and get great value while u still can.

Sometimes I wake up grumpy; other times I let her sleep.

by chicagobullies on Dec 13, 2011 12:13 PM CST reply actions  

It would work but

I think we would miss Boozer scoring ability

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 12:30 PM CST up reply actions  

could do that

I’d hope they would only amnesty Boozer if he drops off or is injured again, which is not good for anyone. It’s not like they’d be under the cap next summer doing so. They would likely get their full MLE back

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"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 13, 2011 12:49 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

I seriously doubt Reinsdorf would pay for two starting centers.

But 7 million (if that is the going rate) is a paltry amount for the anchor of the best defensive second unit in the league. Given that Rose is unwilling to lobby for players outside of the organization, I hope that he will at least have the strength to ask for Omer to be resigned (if it comes to that). I’d like some indication that his company man shtick has some benefits.

by Dunker Von Smashalot on Dec 13, 2011 12:36 PM CST reply actions  

You have to keep him

I think unless there’s a great return. I don’t see anyone available now that makes us even marginally better. Most 7+ footers are hot garbage and Noah/ Boozer injuries are possible to likely. You also have the amnesty in hand if you need to cut the fat someday.

by Cherry Pie Eye on Dec 13, 2011 12:38 PM CST reply actions  

if you trade him you'll end up getting junk in return

Asik doesnt make much right now. id rather give up Taj.

Headbands not allowed

by ALmighty1080 on Dec 13, 2011 12:40 PM CST reply actions  

yeah this is true. what kind of value are we really going to get?

it’d be a package deal if we wanted to make a big move.

...and we're back

by paddyfairview on Dec 13, 2011 12:44 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

We need him

Unless we can land an excellent SG or Dwight were going to need Asik playing well to win the title this year. Maybe if Booz and Taj are really killing it and Noah is healthy and playing well you consider it. But outside of Rose, the Noah, Asik duo is one of the Bulls top competitive advantages.

I’ll feel better if the Bulls conservative approach to the 2 guard this off season is in anticipation of trying to keep Omer. It wont shock me at all if Jerry holds firm on any tax payments and gets super cheap. But if we wont pay for a SG or a strong 3 deep big man rotation, its highly likely that we wont be winning a title in the next 4 years unless the NBA lets rob some team ‘for basketball reasons.’ So that is not how I’m going to armchair manage the team.

by reprisal on Dec 13, 2011 12:48 PM CST reply actions  

heh

essentially

im not sure which of our big is more healthy out of boozer, noah, and asik. Boozer i expect to be injured if not this year than surely next year. Noah constantly plays his heart out against bigger foes, and i wonder if its doing his body worse. I figure moving noah to the pf spot helps him in both his health and he provides enough production that despite not being a classic post up guy, he will work well with rose on pick and rolls. Ditto for asik, although asik has one very unique skill set, he is taller and longer than noah, has the potential to be just as strong, but then also has incredible foot speed that you could play him down to power forward. In that sense, defensively, i think hes greater than noah. But again, if his health is as such where he can never really do starter minutes…then it becomes an issue

Whoever we lose, mirotic will easily take the bench job. as you said…flexibility..

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 1:17 PM CST up reply actions  

yeah, i would like to see the bulls resign asik and trade off gibson

i think that may be the best option for the bulls as of this pt.

by Geo4MVP on Dec 13, 2011 1:28 PM CST up reply actions  

heh

if you are given something, its a shame not to use it. Its not like the bulls can hold onto the amnesty forever and ever. They have just two years to decide if they want to use it. So i think its important to consider scenerios when using it will occur, since once next year is over, we will probably no longer be able to do so

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 1:38 PM CST up reply actions  

A team can use the amnesty once

until the 2015-2016 season
link

I miss Brad Miller

by Lucas S on Dec 13, 2011 1:56 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

interesting

did they add that rule when they ratified the new cba, cuz i could have sworn at some point they were talking about it only being eligible for two years

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 2:06 PM CST up reply actions  

yea

i’m pretty sure it’s new to this one I think the last one there was only a month long period or something like that

I miss Brad Miller

by Lucas S on Dec 13, 2011 5:55 PM CST up reply actions  

didn't understand your reply I guess

thought you were talking about the old cba and the amnesty in 2005. I think that the 2015-2016 came around late in the lockout talks but not before it was immediately ratified. I remember a bunch of pundits predicting the “amnesty frenzy” and then when they realized the rules the crossed out a lot of amnesty candidates, like boozer!

I miss Brad Miller

by Lucas S on Dec 13, 2011 6:02 PM CST up reply actions  

How long does the amnesty clause last?
Until an org uses it one time?

light em up

by docks on Dec 13, 2011 1:40 PM CST up reply actions  

I don't think

we would need to amnesty joakim as he is young and I’m sure there would be a trade market for him considering he is all star level at best and quality center at worst

I miss Brad Miller

by Lucas S on Dec 13, 2011 1:54 PM CST up reply actions  

Keep em

With Noah and Boozer having injuries we’re gonna need em. Plus he’s probably gonna need another good year before commanding that kinda money. Great rotation/depth and can step in and start if need be. Why would we get rid of that? We’re not getting Dwight, lets keep building this TEAM! DA BULLS!

by KCinIL on Dec 13, 2011 1:08 PM CST reply actions  

What is Asik worth

in Turkish broadcasting rights? Doesn’t his presence put the Bulls on Turkish television?

I can predict the future using Norm Van Lier's crystal balls.

"Sam has a tendency to denigrate reports coming from any reporter who didn’t also cover the day Naismith first put up the peach baskets." - snley

by NBA Observer on Dec 13, 2011 1:35 PM CST reply actions  

theyre just going to let omer or taj walk

then we’ll do this whole let the market come to us bullshit again to sign vet big men year after year to fill his spot

being cheap sucks

Should've traded for Melo.

by sin on Dec 13, 2011 1:40 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

POW!

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 1:50 PM CST up reply actions  

Nice!

Would still put it over the luxury tax but now it would be much more manageable

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 1:48 PM CST up reply actions  

So, then could the Bulls re-sign him for three years, and then ...

… trade him before the third for potential cap relief to a team looking to unload talent?

"Smith stripped. Smith stopped! Smith stopped again by Pippen!"

by ColonelFatheart on Dec 13, 2011 1:49 PM CST up reply actions  

well a team could offer him a 4-year deal still forcing the Bulls to match

and I don’t know how the new CBA changes those raise figures, as the 5-year deal example isn’t possible, the max is 4 years for another team to give an offer sheet.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 13, 2011 1:55 PM CST up reply actions  

So most likely it would look something like 4 years for 30 million

First two years at 5 and the last two at 10

But I guess if a team really wanted to get nuts, they could offer 4 years for 40 millions and back load the last two years at 15 each

by Option27 on Dec 13, 2011 2:03 PM CST up reply actions  

aren't yearly raises

restricted by some percentage? i didn’t think jumping from 5 to 15 would be possible in a contract like that.

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Dec 13, 2011 2:53 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

ahh thanks

i didn’t get a chance to read the whole thing.

Look
I didn’t want to offend anyone by saying the "f" word or generalizing my statement to any particular sex by saying "gays" or lesbians" or "bi’s" so "homos" is the most "politically correct" term. I’m just trying to be more tact in a tactless blog.

by Hindut Patrol on Feb 15, 2011 2:51 PM EST

by Jaina on Dec 13, 2011 3:27 PM CST up reply actions  

Great info

That means that even the third and fourth years of his salary will be cost controlled unless some team that’s far under the cap makes him a monster offer. I’m most worried about the Rockets. Hopefully they get the center they want this year.

by runningman on Dec 13, 2011 8:32 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

After those first two years

Boozer will be on the last year of his contract, and Mirotic will be coming over if he hadn’t come over the year before. I think it’s a no-brainer for the Bulls to match any deal, with the knowledge that waiving Boozer’s salary for Mirotic’s will give them the ability to get under the luxury tax. There’s no reason to unload any of their players, except in moves to improve the team.

As the 23rd pick in the draft, Mirotic’s salary is locked at just over a million dollars, which would give the Bulls a 14 million dollar salary reduction from Boozer. If the Bulls truly like their team, there is no reason to make any panic or salary relief moves, even to avoid the luxury tax.

by runningman on Dec 13, 2011 8:29 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Who is that guy the Bulls have that is their salary cap ace?

The one that got Rose at the draft. The Bulls structuring of the salaries of the players they currently have is becoming shear genius with each passing day.

It is a thing of beauty.

He took his what to where?!

by hlac on Dec 13, 2011 10:16 PM CST up reply actions  

steve schanwald

http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/person.asp?personId=34051178&privcapId=34051125&previousCapId=34051125&previousTitle=Chicago%20Bulls

but i dont know if hes the cap guy, when rose was drafted i believe he was head of the marketing dept, i guess thats still his job (just sounds fancier in the link?)

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 10:31 PM CST up reply actions  

they're different guys

Schanwald is the one who was at the Rose draft lottery. Their cap guru is Irwin Mandel

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 14, 2011 8:32 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

A couple of points

1) Great subject to the author

2) I love me some Asik, he is young (though not that young), has great size, and the ability to move that size effectively, this rare combination of traits leads me to believe he will be a defensive stallworth where ever he goes.

3) I think we are all forgeting how atrocious Asik’s offense is. He is a terrible foul shooter, can’t make anything beyond 5 feet (save one fade-away elbow shot), doesn’t finish strong at the hoop (in spite of being bigger than anyone), and didn’t show good awareness when receiving passes.
…Meaning that before we start trading away players or paying fat checks to Asik, I think he needs to prove he has a better offensive game. I don’t think he needs to be great, but he has to prove he is not an offensively liability.

by chowder on Dec 13, 2011 1:55 PM CST reply actions  

If he can replicate what he did last year...

With a bunch more PT… Then he doesn’t even need to improve offensively

by Basketball on Dec 13, 2011 2:00 PM CST up reply actions  

yea often under rated is the fact that

getting to the file line is often times more important than actually knocking down your free throws. if you are down 10, 10 successful free throws will only tie the game, but the 5 fouls you receive completely hinder a teams defense and often times throw a monkey wrench in their rotations.

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 2:04 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

There's still the issue

of can he stay long enough on the floor to actually become a threat defensively. We only usually see him play at short bursts for a reason, fouls. Maybe now the PT is there, but can he manage his fouls better?

by Wake on Dec 13, 2011 2:17 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Rookie big men typically take some time to find themselves on O

for example, Noah.

Asik was becoming more aggressive on offense late last year. He should improve this year. Plus he was a great offensive rebounder (ORB% of 13.7). I think he added a lot on offense.

I will never doubt the Chairman again.

by nateroth on Dec 13, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Knowing that Asik is an early bird FA (meaning he can't get more than the MLE in the first two years of the new deal) means one of two things imo

1) Doesn’t matter. Org wouldn’t pay MLE to Richardson, Crawford, or Butler because of the tax. Somebody is still getting traded.

2) Org plans on paying Asik, at least in his next contract, and this is one of the reasons they preferred Hamilton at two years over Richardson/Crawford/somebody at four.

by kpd on Dec 13, 2011 2:11 PM CST reply actions  

So Asik, really what are his projections? I know everyone loves him here

Can he stay on the floor?

I’ve come to the conclusion, offensively he is what he is. Dudley, Kwame, Pryz, etc…..Bigs either have good O skills or they don’t.

He has NEVER played 2 games in a row of 25 minutes or more. Think about that.

Not even a smidgen of enough sample size to even think he can replace Noah. (people are calling for this!)

In 36 minutes per game, he committed about 5.5 fouls

As a starter, I see about 6 pts 8 rebounds in 30 minutes a game. I’ll let the market decide how much that is worth. I’d like to see him get about 20-25 mpg this year and we can really gauge his progress, or lack thereof.

Kwame FUCKEN Brown.

by Trey23 on Dec 13, 2011 2:21 PM CST reply actions  

*pukes*

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 2:29 PM CST up reply actions  

no it is

its the kwame part that makes me wanna double puke

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 2:36 PM CST up reply actions  

oh yeah, just to be clear, i dont mean Omer = Kwame

I meant Kwame is tilting the market.

Damn you Mark Jackson!

by Trey23 on Dec 13, 2011 2:38 PM CST up reply actions  

not that I think they used that logic but
BQRMagic Evan Dunlap
$7 million for Kwame Brown in a 66-game season = $8.9 million for Kwame Brown in an 82-game season.

by JustAnotherFan on Dec 13, 2011 2:39 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

now that’s a grown man move!

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 2:46 PM CST up reply actions  

In my opinion, Korver is replaceable. So it Watson and Brewer. But a 7ft 250lb Turkish beast? No

Our frontcourts is a huge factor in our wins. In the era of the quick slashing guards, a strong defensive frontcourts neutralizes them. Not only that…but Asik is improving. I would only consider letting him go for Howard.

"Bud Light."
--Chris Carpenter, asked to name his favorite pitcher

by Brigade17 on Dec 13, 2011 2:39 PM CST reply actions  

There are of course many better than Asik

I mean that in the sense of it would take something special to really make me consider it. Now, why don’t you point out what you really disagree with instead of the simple “dude, you’re dumb” comment.

"Bud Light."
--Chris Carpenter, asked to name his favorite pitcher

by Brigade17 on Dec 13, 2011 3:01 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

You're not wrong.

But “hear” for “here,” plus the reply-fail, sort of erodes your intellectual high-ground.

by jpx7 on Dec 13, 2011 3:04 PM CST up reply actions   1 recs

should've been "your not wrong"

come on, get with the running joke

...and we're back

by paddyfairview on Dec 13, 2011 11:12 PM CST up reply actions  

OK, so would a scenario like this work

He plays the year with the Bulls. Plays well. After the season, but before the draft, the team makes a sign and trade. Sending him to one of the teams that missed out on the big man frenzy this offseason. You get an expiring contract and a 1st for him and Korver.

I know he’s a restricted free agent, but what would stop him from signing an extension if he wanted to, and just bypass the free agency altogether. It’s the player’s choice right?

by Ceasaleo on Dec 13, 2011 3:41 PM CST reply actions  

nope

he’s not a free agent until 7/1 (after the draft), so he can’t be dealt between the deadline and then.

BaB on Twitter | BaB on Facebook
"Don't nag, flag!"

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Dec 13, 2011 3:47 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

flexibility!

we can now trade that expiring contract to a team tryin to save money like that cheap ass team in chicago

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 4:11 PM CST up reply actions  

BG-ology?

I lay puzzled as I backtrack to earlier times/Nothing's equivalent, to the Bogans state of mind

by Belize on Dec 13, 2011 6:03 PM CST up reply actions  

The flexibility was one reason

And I know I spoke in general terms, but I had Houston and Kevin Martin’s expiring contract in mind, specifically. Monta Ellis and GS is another one, even though I think he has either a player or team option the year after.

by Ceasaleo on Dec 13, 2011 4:34 PM CST reply actions  

Well why didn't you say so?

There’s a pretty damn big difference between “an expiring contract” and “Kevin Martin’s expiring contract”.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Dec 13, 2011 5:55 PM CST up reply actions   2 recs

guys

Korver alone makes 5mil a year and his contract next year isnt guaranteed if we draft well and our picks produce like role players (jimmy butler) well have enough money to resign Asik

by MartyMondays on Dec 13, 2011 4:47 PM CST via mobile reply actions  

the luxury tax is at 70 mil this year

is it really expected to remain in about the same next year….?

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 10:12 PM CST up reply actions  

Yeah, there's a good chance the tax level goes up to the point where we could sneak by under it

I’d rather we didn’t though, because that’d mean we’d have shitty backcourt depth.

Pat Riley is the devil.

by Poloplaya14 on Dec 13, 2011 10:18 PM CST up reply actions  

is there like an estimate of what it could it be

is their like an annual predicted growth, or is it something we can only really figure out after the season comes to an end (end of cba season?) after all monies are divided up and such…

I dont care what the D.N.A. Says, the Guy wearing number 12 Cannot be Kirk Hinrich, he is definetly Kurt. Kirk can actually play basketball!

by piccolomair on Dec 13, 2011 10:32 PM CST up reply actions  

If we did

That would mean that our overall team strength was so high that our slight deficiencies at SG wouldn’t matter.

He took his what to where?!

by hlac on Dec 13, 2011 10:32 PM CST up reply actions  

I hope we can keep him

I really believe in Mirotic. And he’s more of a perimeter bigman. Him and Asik can be our own version of Dirk/Chandler combo

by trig on Dec 13, 2011 11:09 PM CST reply actions  

Mirotic

The Bulls essentially drafted him to hold onto his rights. At the time of the draft they were saying he’d be hard to get to the NBA.

by 2883 on Dec 14, 2011 1:29 AM CST reply actions  

Please link to any quote from the front office that implies this

Everything I read said they fully expect him to come over, and everything I read from him said that he wants to come.

by runningman on Dec 14, 2011 10:57 AM CST up reply actions   2 recs

You must keep Asik

Good centers always have value we should sign him for 8M per and if were not winning championships by year 2 of the contract we can still trade and get a draft or a good player in return. We should sign Asik to an extension now before he has a great season and demand more money and sign Chuck Hayes to the Vet minimum to be our third Center he’s undersized but is a great defender who fits Thibs defense.

by pdiddy990 on Dec 14, 2011 1:55 AM CST reply actions  

A few things

We can’t sign Asik to an extension now, and the first two years of his contract cannot be more than around 5 million.

Also, Chuck Hayes wouldn’t sign for the minimum to be an end of the bench guy. As a matter of fact, he just signed a 4 year contract with Sacramento for 21 million to start next to Cousins.

by runningman on Dec 14, 2011 11:05 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

Maybe sigh Craig Smith instead lol

We have to get a productive 3rd center Noah and Asik are injury prone and with all the back to back games were gonna need any good cheap bigs we can get. Any suggestions on who we should sign?

by pdiddy990 on Dec 14, 2011 1:45 PM CST up reply actions  

Craig Smith is a pile of garbage

Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live

by Prevenge on Dec 18, 2011 5:38 PM CST up reply actions  

Maybe we can get the Big Pasty [Aaron Gray].

I think he’s still with the Hornets or something though?

Rose decides not to go 1-on-2 and I was thinking, "what are you doing?! You've got the numbers!" -Zach Harper, Daily Dime Live

by Prevenge on Dec 18, 2011 5:39 PM CST up reply actions  

Nene is good but he’s a PF who is playing C. Never made an All-star team, not a true gamechanger. It just shows how overpaid big men due to the lack of skilled bigs in the league. It’s always been like that. I remember the likes of McIlvaine and Geiger getting big contracts back in the 90s

by C Smoove on Dec 14, 2011 10:09 AM CST up reply actions   1 recs

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