Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls’ front office clearly have issues with each other.
The key question: How significant?
Thibodeau is an excellent coach, in spite of his tendency to run his players into the ground. He’s also under contract for two seasons after this one.
The Bulls could very well want him back next season – but that’s not a certainty. They’re reportedly even enamored with Fred Hoiberg as Thibodeau’s replacement.
So, Thibodeau is seemingly doing the responsible thing and having his people explore his options.
Ric Bucher of Bleacher Report:
The Magic, who fired Jacque Vaughn in February, will have an opening this offseason – and they should want Thibodeau. He’s better than the other coaches mentioned for the job: Brian Shaw, Scott Skiles and Billy Donovan.
But would Thibodeau want the Magic?
They just gave general manager Rob Hennigan a contract extension and a strong vote of confidence. That makes it unlikely Thibodeau gets front-office control, which he might seek after his issues in Chicago.
Beyond that, the Magic have a far less appealing roster than the Bulls, who 47-32 and have Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson and Nikola Mirotic.
As always, the best solution for everyone involved is Thibodeau and Gar Forman getting past their differences and continuing to work together.
