Bulls coach Scott Skiles is heading home to Bloomington, Ind., forsome rest and relaxation, but he's going to be back.
Point guard Kirk Hinrich is going to the Bahamas for some rest andrelaxation, but he's going to be back.
Beyond that, it's not certain who's going to return to the Bullsnext season.
The biggest uncertainty revolves around Eddy Curry, Tyson Chandlerand Jamal Crawford. "It's highly unlikely all three will return," ateam source said.
Bulls operations chief John Paxson wants to shake things up aftersix disastrous seasons. He believes the culture of losing has been adevastating influence, especially on young players who never haveexperienced success.
"I'm frustrated and not happy with where we're at afterexpectations, but I'm not discouraged at all," Paxson said. "I dohope and believe over time we can make some changes to get us back toa real competitive level. That's the goal, and I think we can do it.
"I just want to effect change the best we can. I think we made theright kind of start with Scott, because Scott is the right kind ofperson who's needed for our team. We've found out as much about thecharacter of our guys in the last four months as we've seen in theprevious couple of years. That's a good thing. It's because of theway Scott demands and doesn't waver in what he expects.
"I think it's very clear to everybody what we're trying to do, andit's not a bad thing. We've taken some hits for not winning, and Iaccept those and understand them."
Paxson will attempt to acquire a quality player, perhaps an All-Star, but one who has the mental toughness and character he andSkiles demand. That's a tall order, and considering the demand forBulls players was minimal before the Feb. 19 trading deadline, it'slikely Paxson will have to settle for a role player.
Players such as New York's Kurt Thomas, San Antonio's HedoTurkoglu and Seattle's Vladimir Radmanovic aren't All-Stars, butPaxson admires their games, and both could be available. The Sonics'Rashard Lewis also might be available.
A lot will depend on the May 26 draft lottery. The No. 1 pickcould sweeten any trade package, though Paxson is high on Connecticutpower forward/center Emeka Okafor.
The Bulls' position of need is small forward. Stephen Jackson isavailable and both sides are interested, but the Bulls wouldn't bewilling to pay much more than $3 million. Jackson will be looking formore.
As far as Skiles' staff, look for the Bulls to hire Atlantaassistant Jim Boylan, who worked under Skiles in Phoenix.
It's possible Johnny Bach won't be back on the bench next season.
Here's a look at the Bulls' current roster and the chances of eachreturning:
Tyson Chandler (40 percent): He'll be shopped, but back problemshurt value. Seattle interested?
Jamal Crawford (50 percent): If he's offered more than $7 million,could be gone. Sign-and-trade possible.
Eddy Curry (90 percent): True centers are rare and warrant alonger period to develop.
Antonio Davis (80 percent): He has two years and $25 million left,could be part of trade package.
Ronald Dupree (10 percent): Charlotte may be interested; otherwisewill look for camp invite.
Marcus Fizer (1 percent): Possible sign-and-trade, otherwise signwith another team.
Kendall Gill (10 percent): Free agent not ready to retire.
Kirk Hinrich (100 percent): The team's only untouchable.
Chris Jefferies (30 percent): Charlotte should be interested inexpiring contract.
Linton Johnson (70 percent): Bulls like his toughness, reboundingand defense.
Jannero Pargo (60 percent): He'll be shopped as part of packagesbut could be Hinrich's backup.
Scottie Pippen (1 percent): He should have retired after lastseason.
Eddie Robinson (70 percent): If Charlotte doesn't take him, couldspend entire season on injured list.
Paul Shirley (1 percent): Could be used to match salaries intrade.
Jerome Williams (90 percent): Four years, $25 million left, couldbe part of trade package.
