YouTube.com

Scottie Pippen

The Chicago Bulls announced today plans to unveil a bronze statue of Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen that will be displayed permanently in the United Center by the end of the season.

“Not only is Scottie Pippen one of the greatest players to ever wear a Bulls uniform, but he’s among the best players in history of the league to play the game,” said a Bulls Chairman.

“He had a tremendous impact in bringing six world championships to Chicago and there is no better way to pay tribute to him than with a permanent statue that honors his inspirational career.”

Real GM

Wilson Chandler

The Knicks are among the teams trying to acquire Rudy Fernandez from the Trail Blazers and they have offered forward Wilson Chandler.

A league source told ESPN.com’s Chris Sheridan that the Bulls and Celtics have each offered Portland a first-round draft pick in exchange for the Spanish swingman.

Real GM

Kurt Thomas

The Chicago Bulls have agreed to terms with free-agent big man Kurt Thomas, according to a source with knowledge of the deal.

Thomas, a 15-year veteran, averaged three points and four rebounds last season for the Milwaukee Bucks. He will back up Joakim Noah, essentially replacing Brad Miller’s role on the roster.

Thomas will undoubtedly serve as a mentor for Noah, as Miller did, and will help rookie center Omer Asik adjust to the NBA.

ESPN.com

Derrick Rose

As Cleveland Cavaliers fans continue to deal with the fallout from losing their hometown hero LeBron James, Bulls fans will be happy to know the mind set of Chicago native Derrick Rose on his future.

“I’m never [leaving],” he said, before punctuating that statement a few seconds later. “Never.”

The Bulls’ 21-year-old All-Star made that clear during a conversation with me on Wednesday afternoon before Day 2 of Team USA’s training camp. The South Side native does not want to ever play anywhere besides Chicago

HoopsWorld

C.J. Watson

The Chicago Bulls and Golden State Warriors have completed a sign-and-trade for C.J. Watson, according to sources.

Watson, who was a restricted free agent, will be dealt to Chicago in exchange for a second round pick.

He has agreed to a three-year, $10.2 million deal with the Bulls and Chicago holds a team option for the third year.

HoopsWorld

Tracy McGrady

The Bulls still have some room under the salary cap and sources indicate they have had discussions with representatives for Josh Howard, Shannon Brown, Rasual Butler and Tracy McGrady.

Once they turn their attention away from swingmen, the Chicago Sun-Times writes that they will likely focus on a big man.

Real GM

Kyle Korver

Shortly after wrapping their Carlos Boozer news conference, the Bulls struck again in free agency.

A league source said the Bulls agreed to terms with Kyle Korver, who played last season with Boozer in Utah. The three-year deal is worth roughly $15 million.

Korver, who has played for the 76ers, Raptors and Jazz in a seven-year pro career, led the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (.536) last season and averaged 7.2 points per game in 52 games.

HoopsWorld

Carlos Boozer

Carlos Boozer is the latest domino to fall, agreeing to a five-year, $80 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, according to a source close to the negotiations.

The Bulls are still in the running for LeBron James but the team would have to do some creative financing to fit the superstar under the cap after this deal.

Boozer average 19.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game for the Utah Jazz last season, his sixth with the team. In his eight-year career, he has averaged 17.2 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest.

ESPN.com

LeBron James

A league source told the Bergen Record that LeBron James is deciding between the Nets, Cavaliers and Bulls.

James is expected to make a decision by Wednesday or Thursday of this week. Thursday, July 8, is the first day that players can actually begin signing contracts with teams.

Some believe that the longer LeBron takes to decide, the more likely it is that he will leave Cleveland.

Real GM