As the Chicago Bulls trade away Derrick Rose, sign Rajon Rondo and are now going after Dwyane Wade, many wonder what the front office is doing.
This past season marked a new beginning for the Chicago Bulls, but unfortunately it was not a positive one.
After the front office fired former head coach Tom Thibodeau (and in such a classless way to boot), things seemed to spiral out of control for the organization.
Between newly appointed head coach Fred Hoiberg‘s style obviously not being a good fit with the team, big man Joakim Noah turning his back on the franchise, star Jimmy Butler being labeled an egomaniac and … oh yeah … missing the playoffs, 2015-16 was a disaster through and through for the Bulls.
And unfortunately, it seems as though things are continuing in a similar direction.
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For starters, Chicago dealt away their hometown hero, and well, got an interesting group of guys on the return.
Derrick Rose has certainly not been the same player post-injuries. Besides obviously missing time on the court, his overall demeanor has been much more subdued; seemingly gone is the guy whose world revolved around basketball.
But even so, Rose is a name brand. An icon whose career will be written about in the record books forever. He revived the Bulls in 2008. Led them to postseason appearance after postseason appearance. Won Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player of the Year.
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Rose is not someone you trade for just anyone.
But apparently in general manager Gar Forman’s eyes, he is. Because as the guard is getting ready to start a new chapter of his career in New York with the Knicks, Chicago is left with Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon.
Because the organization is looking to get both younger, and more athletic.
Which of course is why they recently signed Raging, excuse me Rajon, Rondo.
At 30 years old, the hot head is seemingly the opposite of what the Bulls want, in just about every way possible. Forget about the fact that he is almost three years older than Rose.
And that although he certainly has his strengths as a player, his athleticism is not something people generally speak on.
Plus never mind the fact that he demands the ball more than Rose ever did, which should make things interesting on the court, both alongside Butler and under Hoiberg’s leadership.
Rondo is more trouble than just about anyone in this league currently. And for a front office who cannot stand too much of a departure from yes-men, it is easy to see why both fans and media personalities alike are scratching their heads over this move.
But then there is also the fact that Chicago is reportedly trying to go after Dwyane Wade.
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Yes, the Wade that promised the organization a meeting in 2010, with absolutely no intention of leaving the Miami Heat. Just like how now, he is blatantly only taking meetings to gain leverage over Heat president Pat Riley.
Is it impossible to think that Wade will leave Miami? No. Somewhere down the line, things have clearly taken a wrong turn in regards to the relationship between the superstar and the franchise. But will he ever join the Bulls? Not a chance.
However, suppose Chicago was a realistic destination for Wade. Why, if the team’s new tagline is “younger and more athletic,” would Forman try and pursue him?
Although he had one heck of a year, falling only one game short of the Eastern Conference Finals, the 34-year-old is nearing retirement. And he also has a history of dealing with multiple ailments and injuries.
Not exactly younger or more athletic, eh?
Realistically, the offseason just began. So the Bulls still have plenty of time to get themselves together. But the direction they have gone in so far this summer is not helping their case of disputing that the front office is operating in complete and utter chaos.
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How much longer will they ride with this new catchphrase? And what is their next move? Time will surely tell.