Bulls Set To Sign Free Agent Tracy McGrady
The Chicago Bulls didn’t win the big prize in this summer’s free agent sweepstakes, with LeBron James opting to sign with the Miami Heat. They’ve made some nice acquisitions despite that, however, and appear to be on the verge of signing well traveled shooting guard Tracy McGrady. McGrady is very receptive to joining the much improved Bulls, though there are a couple of contingencies that need to be worked out before a deal is finalized. ‘T-Mac’ has met with several other teams, but a move to Chicago would likely be the best fit for all concerned.
At this point, the major issues to be worked out before a deal is made concerns McGrady’s health and his role with the team. McGrady played only 30 games with the New York Knicks last season as he recovered from microfracture surgery on his left knee. These issues will be addressed on Monday, with McGrady working out for the team and having a physical examination.
The secondary issue concerns McGrady’s role on the team and this could be an even greater concern than the condition of his knee. McGrady has butted heads with coaches and management at various points in his career over playing time and his role on the team. Chicago wants to bring McGrady off the bench, and obviously a contract offer depends on his willingness to accept that role. Indications are that McGrady is willing to accept a reserve role with the team, but the trick is to convince the Bulls of that fact. Two things that aren’t a concern to McGrady are money and the length of his deal-he earned $23 million (US) with New York and Houston last season.
McGrady has a high profile advocate in Bulls’ star Derek Rose. Rose reportedly was a big fan of ‘T-Mac’ as a teenager and is strongly in favor of bringing him to the team:
“I think that if he comes along, he could help our team. A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think it would help us. He’s a player. If he just gives us half of what he’s got, we’ll be all right.”
“But I know a player like him, he’s going to go out there and give us his all, but he’ll definitely help us if we get him on the team.”
McGrady would be Chicago’s sixth pickup of the off-season, joining Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson and Kurt Thomas. There’s also reports that the Bulls have been talking to Shaquille O’Neal about joining the team but that would be contingent on him accepting a mid level salary exemption.
Ross Everett is a widely published freelance writer who covers travel, poker and NFL football handicapping. He is a staff handicapper for Anatta Sports where he is responsible for providing daily free sports picks. In his spare time he enjoys fine dining, fencing and scuba diving. He lives in Las Vegas with four dogs and a pet coyote.
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