In the ever evolving drama between the Chicago Bulls and coach Tom Thibodeau, the latest report indicates at this point the team is seriously considering just firing the fifth-year coach and eating the remainder of his $9 million contract.
"The Chicago Bulls are giving increasing consideration to firing coach Tom Thibodeau and absorbing the corresponding financial hit, according to league sources," ESPN's Marc Stein wrote Wednesday afternoon. "Sources told ESPN.com that the prospect of Chicago simply terminating its highly successful but often contentious relationship with Thibodeau, as the days pass, is growing in likelihood, even with nearly $9 million left on the coach's contract over the next two seasons.
"The reality, sources say, is that the Bulls believe there is little chance they would have to pay that whole amount, since league rules on coaching contracts would inevitably see that figure reduced by set-off provisions once Thibodeau lands a new job."
K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported earlier that Thibodeau's contract had offset language - something usually standard in coach contracts - that would allow the Bulls to fire him and to pay less than the $9 million remaining on his contract, provided Thibodeau landed a new coaching job within the next two seasons.
Stein reported earlier in the week the Bulls were waiting for all the current head-coaching vacancies - the New Orleans Pelicans, the Denver Nuggets and the Orlando Magic - to fill up before they fire Thibodeau, seemingly in a petty move to limit his chances of landing a job for next season. More on that HERE.
