Chicago Bulls Have Difficult Decisions to Make: A Fan's View

Here's a quick run-down of some personnel decisions the Bulls have to make during the next few days:

Omer Asik - The Bulls will have three days to match once Asik signs his $25 million offer sheet from the Houston Rockets. It may not be the right move, but I'm expecting the Bulls to match. That's a lot of money to pay a backup center, but then there are few backup centers that can change a game, at least defensively, like Asik. Let's just pray that the $25 million man's hands get better.

C.J. Watson - According to a tweet from Chicago Tribune beat reporter K.C. Johnson, C.J. was informed Sunday afternoon that his team option for the upcoming season will not be picked up. That's too bad: He's a capable backup point guard - in fact, I'm still not sure how Hinrich is an upgrade - with definite value, and the Bulls let him walk for nothing.

Kyle Korver - The Bulls also hold a team option with a July 10 deadline on Korver, and there's been zero indication of what they might do with the streaky three-point specialist. The roster as currently composed is short on scoring, especially from the perimeter, so it's possible Korver could be retained. He's another guy with value around the league.

Ronnie Brewer - The general consensus is that Ronnie will not be offered a new contract, and that second-year man Jimmie Butler will be able to fill in nicely.

John Lucas III - A JL3 tweet on Sunday referred to the Bulls in past tense ("Just read the bulls sign Kirk Hinrich back that's a good pick up for them."), so one must assume he will not be offered a new contract. Bulls fans should wish JL3 the best and hope he lands a multi-year contract.

Scoring - The Bulls still need a scorer, but may have to wait to see what free agents are available after July 11. Management met with Gerald Green over the weekend, but that was before the Hinrich deal was announced. I'd expect that Green, and other options like Michael Redd, whom the Bulls have also contacted, will fetch more than the Bulls have to offer.

Back-up point guard - There is speculation that the Bulls may be looking to add a backup point guard at the veteran's minimum. That's probably a wise move, as draftee Marquis Teague is but a year removed from high school, and it's difficult to envision coach Thibs giving him much crunch-time PT.

Sources: Report: Chicago Bulls will not exercise option on C.J. Watson, SI.com; Kyle Korver in limbo while Bulls decide whether to pick up option, Chicago Sun-Times.