Bulls Resume Contract Talks With Thibodeau

Thibs and management go back to the negotiating table

The Chicago Bulls reportedly have resumed negotiations with head coach Tom Thibodeau on a new contract extension. The issue has been ongoing since talks broke off in late June when the two sides were still far apart. 

Re-signing Thibodeau is one of the Bulls' priorities heading into the 2012-2013 season, the other being locking up reserve power forward Taj Gibson to a long-term contract extension before he becomes a free-agent next summer. Gibson would most likely become the starting power forward if Carlos Boozer is removed from the roster under the amnesty provision as many have speculated. 

As it relates to Thibodeau, the coach has plenty of leverage in these negotiations, namely Derrick Rose and the rest of the players who believe in him and his philosophy. Also on his side are his record over the past two seasons, his coach of the year award and the fact there aren't many coaches out there who could effectively replace him. 

It's unclear how much money Thibs is asking for, but Oklahoma City Thunder head coach Scott Brooks just inked a four-year extension at roughly $18 million, or $4.5 million per year.

No one knows how much the Bulls are willing to pay him, but the Brooks signing has essentially set the mark, and now it's just a matter of both sides agreeing on a number. 

Contact Us