The Memphis Grizzlies reportedly may plan to pursue a trade with the Chicago Bulls for coach Tom Thibodeau. Chicago would consider the offer as a way to gain more assets for a potential trade for Minnesota Timberwolves star Kevin Love, according to ESPN's Bill Simmons.
Memphis, who announced on Monday the departures of CEO Jason Levien and assistant general manager Stu Lash, reportedly is the next team in line to ask Chicago for permission to contact Thibodeau.
"Hearing that, if the Grizz totally clean house, the Memphis owner will look to trade for Tom Thibodeau (and) give him an SVG/Pistons-type deal," Simmons tweeted on Monday. "... Bulls need assets for a run at Kevin Love, an extra 1stt round pick would help. They'd hire Fred Hoiberg if Thibs got traded."
The "SVG/Pistons-type deal" refers to Stan Van Gundy, whom Detroit hired last week to be both the head coach and the president of basketball operations. Thibodeau, who reportedly isn't on great terms with Chicago's front office, could be enticed by Memphis' reported willingness to give him control over the roster.
Hoiberg, who coaches the Iowa State Cyclones, appears to be flirting with the idea of jumping to the NBA. The Mercury News reported last week Hoiberg had spoken with the Golden State Warriors about their coaching vacancy prior to the hiring of Steve Kerr.
Trading Thibodeau wouldn't be the first time a front office parted with a winning coach because of a tenuous relationship (SEE: Mark Jackson). For Chicago, dealing Thibodeau would net them at least one first round pick, which would be extra ammunition for their expected pursuit of Love.
ESPN reported over the weekend that Love's representatives told Minnesota their client planned to opt out of his contract next summer and become a free agent. The Associated Press reported Minnesota's stance on trading Love has "softened," and Chicago was listed as one of Love's preferred destinations.
Chicago would likely have to amnesty forward Carlos Boozer and trade a contract -- like forward Taj Gibson's -- to make room for Love.
