Whether the Chicago Bulls choose to entertain trade offers for coach Tom Thibodeau could depend, in part, on where New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony signs in free agency. If Chicago loses out on the Anthony sweepstakes, they may be more open to trading Thibodeau to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Chicago is expected to pursue Anthony this summer in free agency. Anthony considers Thibodeau a "great" coach, and the possibility of playing under the proven coach is one chip the Bulls can use to lure Anthony.
The Bulls reportedly believe they have a chance to sign the perennial All-Star, so dealing Thibodeau before Anthony makes his decision would never happen. If, though, Anthony signs elsewhere, Chicago may become more receptive to the idea of trading their coach.
Past reports have indicated friction between the Bulls' front office and Thibodeau, which could make trading Thibodeau for a first-round draft pick -- like how the Celtics traded coach Doc Rivers for the Clippers' first-rounder -- appealing if they don't land Anthony.
The Lakers' front office is already making noise about wanting to court Thibodeau, who's reportedly No. 1 on Lakers star Kobe Bryant's wish list for coaches. ESPN reported on Thursday the Lakers plan to request permission from Chicago to interview the 2011 Coach of the Year.
For Thibodeau's part, his willingness to go to Los Angeles likely depends on what shape the Lakers' roster is in by the end of the summer.
The Lakers' own a lottery pick in this year's draft, and they have enough salary cap space to make a splash in free agency. Because Chicago won't consider trading Thibodeau until after Anthony's free agency decision, the Lakers could get away with keeping their 2014 lottery selection and trading a future draft pick.
Anthony is eligible to become a free agent on July 1.
