The Chicago Bulls are ready to waive Tim Thomas, and his next stop might be Phoenix, according to the Newark Star-Ledger.
According to a league official, Thomas is headed to Phoenix, which has a frontcourt shortage because of the recent loss of Kurt Thomas, who might miss the rest of the season with a stress fracture in his foot.
Another league official who spoke with agent Arn Tellem yesterday said the Nets were Tim Thomas’ first choice.
But on Sunday night, Chicago GM John Paxson told Tellem he wouldn’t release the 6-10 forward to a team in the East because it could affect the Bulls’ playoff ambitions. After three days of negotiations, Tellem agreed to accept Paxson’s terms or risk the possibility that the Bulls wouldn’t let Thomas out of his contract.
It’s an interesting bit of cat and mouse by John Paxon, not allowing Thomas to go to an Eastern Conference team, where he might affect the Bulls’ playoff chances. Thomas has always had loads of physical talent, but he doesn’t play much defense and he has a reputation for being soft offensively. With their up-tempo play, Thomas might thrive in Phoenix, especially since there should be plenty of minutes to go around in their depleted frontcourt.
