Listening to some Rick Buker interviews, he seems to think that the Bulls issue with not getting D'Antoni and now Avery Johnson is a money issue.

Rick did not come to this conclusion based on his impression of poor media reports , but after talking to both men and other people who have spoken to the Bulls.

According to Jerry Reinsdorf, 'money was not an issue'. I might agree with his statement, as in Reinsdorf's mind the money he offered was not an issue, but it looks like the money he offered is an issue.

Why this topic is never taken seriously on the chicago sports fan station brings to mind many many questions and the first in my mind is the close relationship that Jerry Reinsdorf has garnered with Mike North and the Station in general.

Jerry Reinsdorf had a VERY long history of paying less than others because of a variety of reasons: Hometown discounts, annuities, 1 year deals.

Only one time did Reinsdorf pay through the nose and that was with Jordan because it was impossible to give the guy what he was worth and still no major sport athlete has touched the annual contracts Jordan got in his last 2 years of $33 and $35 million.

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I have none

Don't get me started!

But I do not doubt that money is an issue in hiring the Bulls coach.

Remember the Skiles scenario on his new deal, that didn't exactly go smoothly and he deserved every cent he got.

I see Tyrone Corbin or another Asst taking this job for a number of reason, one of them money. Which does piss me off knowing how much they make.

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"That's what the internet is for. Slandering others anonymously." Banky
“Been that way since one monkey looked at the sun and told the other monkey ‘He said for you to give me your fuckin’ share.’”

No doubt, Reinsdorf is not going to take another big coach contract and I almost wonder if they wont trade that first pick because of what he will have to pay out, almost 5 million?

Reinsdorf has always hated paying coaches and GM's. Even when he paid Phil it was one year deals almost because he had to. He knew if he didn't it would start falling apart quick.

He doesn't pay Ozzie much and he doesn't pay Kenny much either.

His comments regarding this topic are based on his own Theory that they are team employees and as such, they are not entitled to the same market rates as a player can achieve via a negotiation.

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"I am not saying, I am just saying"

I don't care what Reinsdorf pays his coach as long as the team wins. Doc Rivers was a bad coach when he didn't have any players. You can't tell me that the guy the Bulls eventually do hire isn't a better coach than D'Antoni or Johnson. It always comes back to the players.

Its not the money, it Reinsdorf saying many times that its never about the money, but when it comes down to it, it is and then he tries to turn it around on whoever he was dealing with. Its his business, I have no problems with that, I just think he should stop talking out both ends of his mouth.

Maybe it isn't about the money though. If he really wanted D'Antoni he'd have paid him. Of course, no matter what Reindsorf could pay him the Knicks could surpass it. Maybe Reinsdorf felt that D'Antoni was using the Bulls to squeeze more money out of the Knicks. Who knows?

OK, so then it is about the money

I think D'antoni was looking at both teams, both had pros and cons.

Fact is that a $1 million or more in salary is a big deal.

Reinsdorf does alway say it is never about money, but it is always about money.

I think his meaning in all his statements is that he CAN PAY but chooses not to. Well THEN IT IS ABOUT THE MONEY, especially when the reason he does not sign certain players and coaches is that in his sole opinion that particular deal is too much.

Once again, fine. it is his business, but stop blowing smoke up everyones ass, then getting yours kissed by Mike North.

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""I am now done at the Score."
Mike North, June 24, 2008

Money is the reason why JR insists on negotiating directly with coach/gm candidates.

Why should Ric Bucher be trusted on anything he says. The only thing he has proven to me over the past few years with his constant trade rumors is that he's usually wrong.

I don't think money will be the main issue, and in D'Antoni's case, I think the Bulls were just slow to react, and got beaten to the punch by the Knicks.