It would be a mistake to use the word “tank” with any Tom Thibodeau coached team, because he would not allow his teams to roll over like that.
However, with the trade of Luol Deng it is clear Bulls management has moved on from trying to win this year (they brought the band back to make one run at the Heat, which blew up when Derrick Rose’s knee did) to planning for the future.
They are going to strip down this roster even further.
Which means Kirk Hinrich could get moved, reports Sam Amick at the USA Today.
First and foremost, Hinrich is an expiring contract ($4 million this season) so he can be an affordable rental. Hinrich is a guy who in the past could do a little bit of everything — defend, knock down shots, set up the offense, shoot — but his game has started to drop off the past couple years. Maybe it’s injuries aging the 33-year-old’s body, but he is shooting just 34 percent overall and 28.6 percent from three this season.
Golden State continues to look for a replacement for Jarrett Jack — Toney Douglas is not it. During the regular season the Curry/Douglas combo has been fine but the playoffs might be another matter and the Warriors have consistently looked for depth. Hinrich could fit that mold and not cost them much.
There likely will be other teams in that mix as well, and all those teams may be talking to Denver about Andre Miller as well.
The bottom line is look for the Bulls to be making a few more moves now that they have committed to this path.
