They certainly would have been had Detroit drafted Carmelo over Milicic.

While they chase Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol, the Chicago Bulls may be close to landing what they believe is a major addition to their roster as they work to secure 2011 first-round draft pick Nikola Mirotic, sources told ESPN.com.

The Bulls traded for Mirotic's rights in 2011 when he was the No. 23 pick in the draft and have watched as he's developed into one of the best forwards in Europe. Known for his shooting touch, the 6-foot-10 Mirotic secured a buyout Thursday for $3 million with Real Madrid, according to several reports in Europe. He is now free to join the NBA.

Starting the process of bringing Mirotic, 23, over to play now will require the Bulls to make some roster moves. Because he was drafted three years ago, Mirotic is not subject to the rookie salary-cap scale and the Bulls likely will need to use some of their cap space to contribute to his buyout and sign him to a long-term contract.

The Bulls can pay up to $600,000 toward Mirotic's buyout, but anything over that amount would be considered a signing bonus and be charged to the Bulls' cap. Such a move would not preclude the Bulls from acquiring Anthony as a free agent, but that route would almost certainly mean they would have to do it with a sign-and-trade using Carlos Boozer. That would require the New York Knicks' cooperation.

After meeting with five teams this week and getting a verbal five-year, $129 million max contract offer from the Knicks on Thursday, Anthony is expected to decided his future over the weekend, sources told ESPN.com.

The Bulls' plans to go forward in the process to bring over Mirotic makes it clear they will be moving on without Boozer next season. He will be released via the amnesty provision to create cap room or traded.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

And as far as the idea of Lance Stephenson to the Bulls, a call was made last week just to check in. According to sources, Stephenson priced himself at $10 million per year, which the Bulls are reluctant to pay.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

That's a fair price. Why are they balking? Someone is going to sign a really good player at a steep discount.

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

I can see why you think he's good, but he's really not as good as you think. Not consistent enough for $10+mil.

He's 23 and he's been really good and consistent for a year and a half. Frye just got $8M a year and Gortat just got about $15M. I personally believe that is a bargain for his potential. He can score and he's a willing defender. Noah was immature at one point too.

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

He was the only Pacers player that showed up every game against Miami. I expect for him to grow out of the immature stuff. Long term he could be a better choice than Melo. He has another 10 to 12 years to play.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

The Bulls should definitely pursue him if they can't get Melo.

They already know they can't get Melo. I think that is pretty obvious.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

The Bulls should definitely pursue him if they can't get Melo.

I would honestly go after him now. I'm not buying the talk about the Bulls being one of the teams Melo is still considering. They should give Stephenson his $40M for 4 years. It may not be as sexy as a Melo signing but it has the potential to be just as effective.

The crisis consists precisely in the fact that the old is dying and the new cannot be born; in this interregnum a great variety of morbid symptoms appear.

Agreed.

Whatever money they conceivably could devote toward Stephendon seems to be allocated toward Gasol. Woj tweeted that the Bulls are still near the top of Gasols list. I don't know if they could afford both. If no Melo or Love I'm inclined to just say forget it all and roll with the same crew plus the rookie and Mirotic.

The Bulls have the ability to sign Stephenson and bring over Mirotic. I have absolutely no idea why they want Gasol. He doesn't fill any need they have.

I am not a legal expert, how many times do I have to say it?

I agree. I'm high on Stephenson.

I'm glad to see people coming around to the Lance bandwagon. Born Ready.

ESPN'S bulls guy had a story about potentially pursuing Parsons.

MY GUY!!!

But I'd still rather have Stephenson

He was the only Pacers player that showed up every game against Miami.

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

Fortunately he isn't a 1 dimensional player. He played great defense and rebounded the ball. I never questioned his effort.

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

Besides the game where Lebron was in foul trouble, did Lance really play great defense on the perimeter players for the Heat?

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/1987/dwyane-wade

http://espn.go.com/nba/player/gamelog/_/id/1966/lebron-james

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."

Roy Hibbert was the only Pacer who lacked a solid effort throughout that series (And playoffs for that matter). I think you are downplaying Paul George and David West.

They had moments but from beginning to end Stephenson competed. Granted he is an immature idiot but I believe that in the right environment and with age he can grow out of it. There aren't any lingering injury concerns with him either. Gasol and Melo have injury issues.

My wife said 2 things about Bernstein today:

"He sounds like a man that was never challenged to be a man."
"He gives a lot of opinions without probably having many life experiences."