Chicago Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau has been linked to the Orlando Magic coaching vacancy, but that's no longer an option following a report Orlando plans to hire Scott Skiles this week. The likeliest options for Thibodeau now appear to be either the New Orleans Pelicans or staying in the Windy City for another season.
All reports have indicated a Thibodeau-Bulls split is imminent this summer. Orlando was one of the names tossed around as a possibility, likely in part because of its head-coach vacancy, but that door may have just closed. According to longtime NBA writer Peter Vecsey, the Magic plan to hire Skiles sometime before next week.
"Not surprisingly, Skiles will be named Magic coach this (week), I am informed," Vecsey tweeted Sunday night.
Although reports had pegged Skiles, the former coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, as a favorite to land the Orlando job, Thibodeau was considered a candidate for it. It's uncertain how serious the Thibodeau-Magic rumors were, but the price it'd cost to trade for Thibodeau, the subsequent payday the fifth-year head coach reportedly wants, and his close relationship with ex-Magic coach Stan Van Gundy all were - or would have been - likely obstacles in anything coming to fruition.
As of now, the two likeliest things to happen are either Thibodeau going to New Orleans or staying in Chicago. Thibodeau and New Orleans reportedly had a mutual interest in each other, but it's uncertain how much the Pelicans would be willing to trade for him, how much they'd be willing to pay him, and how much personnel control - something he reportedly wants - they'd be willing to give up to him.
Thibodeau's competition in New Orleans reportedly includes Kentucky coach John Calipari, whom reports indicate has similar wants as Thibodeau, and Golden State Warriors assistant Alvin Gentry, who'd be a cheaper option.
The other possibility is nothing happens at all. The friction between Thibodeau and the front office reportedly is bad, but neither side appears willing to blink in the standoff. Chicago would have to eat the purported $9 million it owes Thibodeau over the next two seasons, making firing him outright an undesirable option. It doesn't help Chicago that Thibodeau likely is unwilling to agree to a buyout, nor does it help that he has some control in where he goes in any trade - if a team traded Chicago for him, it would still need to reach a separate deal with him.
Given the report New Orleans balked at paying Calipari a big salary and at relinquishing some personnel control, it doesn't seem likely Thibodeau ends up there. As of now, it looks like the drama between the Bulls' front office and Thibodeau will continue into next season.
