When the Bulls decided against trading Tyson Chandler or Eddy Curry before Thursday’s NBA trade deadline, they essentially committed to the two big men for the long term.
That’s one of the many details Scott Skiles must consider as he and the Bulls try to negotiate a contract extension.
The Bulls have a team option for Skiles to return next season, and general manager John Paxson consistently has said he wants his handpicked coach around “for a long time.”
Paxson said not to read anything into the delay for Skiles’ extension.
“It’s a non-issue,” he said.
Skiles wouldn’t comment on it, other than to deny a claim from two league sources that he has badgered Paxson about it. Such a claim could lead observers to believe Skiles is seeking more security than the Bulls are willing to offer.
It’s not uncommon for players to have more security than coaches and that could be the case if Chandler and Curry sign long-term extensions this summer.
Bulls Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf isn’t known for long-term, big-money deals to coaches, like the four-year, $20 million deal Boston gave Doc Rivers. Phil Jackson worked on one-year deals during the dynasty days.
Keith Glass, Skiles’ agent from his playing days and adviser since 1986, said Skiles is happy in Chicago.
“He really likes his team,” Glass said. “He respects the fact they work. He’s into teaching and he usually talks to me about how well this team practices.”
Glass and Skiles talk frequently by phone.
Glass supported Skiles’ stance that the lack of an extension at this point of the season isn’t a worry.
“I don’t think it’s bothering him,” Glass said. “He’s going to do his job, period. Turning this around isn’t easy, and Scott is very focused. When he signed on, they didn’t promise an extension. They promised to pay him. Last I checked, they’re paying him.
“This isn’t his decision to make. I think they’re happy with what he has done.”
Glass also scoffed at the theory Chandler and Curry won’t re-sign with the Bulls because of Skiles.
“Either Scott or Eddy and Tyson should be up for best actor or there’s really some kind of affinity for each other there,” Glass said.
