Asked about his future with the Bulls, Tom Thibodeau said, “Until they tell me I’m not, I expect to be here. So, that’s the way I’m approaching it.”
They might tell him he’s not sooner than later, but they’re following a plan.
And Thibodeau might have his own ideas
There are many competing agendas and incentives for Thibodeau, the Bulls and other teams to bluff.
Would Thibodeau really sit out the season and pass up a substantial raise? Maybe. He’d still get paid by the Bulls, and he could get a head-coaching job in 2016-17 with ease. Spite would be a poor reason to take that approach, but it’s also a powerful desire.
It’s unclear whether the Bulls could unilaterally trade Thibodeau, but it seems they can’t. Past examples of coach “trades” involved a team sending the coach’s current team compensation to let the coach out of his contract. Then, the coach signed a new deal with his new team.
The Magic are willing to go that route for Thibodeau, and considering the Pelicans’ interest, they surely know they would too if they want him. But they might not get the chance.
Right now, it seems we have a standoff in Chicago.
