By K.C. Johnson, Chicago Tribune –
The Bulls completed the trade of Kyle Korver to the Hawks reported last Friday, however the Timberwolves dropped out of the thoroughly discussed three-team deal.
Korver’s $5 million contract becomes guaranteed for the 2012-13 season and slides into the Hawks’ trade exception created when they dealt Joe Johnson to the Nets. The Bulls received a $5 million trade exception and cash.
That cash was originally headed to the Timberwolves, who were going to send a second-round pick to the Bulls, a source said. A trade exception allows the Bulls to acquire a player whose contract is up to $5 million without sending out any salary. They expire after a year if unused.
“I think there will be playing time available if I go out and earn it,” Korver said by phone of his new situation. “They’ve made trades and a lot of minutes at the positions I play are open. So that’s exciting. It’s also exciting not to be frozen in January and February, but I obviously loved Chicago a bunch. Atlanta has good pieces and they’re still trying to add to it.”
Linsanity: The Bulls’ three-day clock to match Omer Asik’s three-year, $25.1 million contract doesn’t begin until general manager Gar Forman receives the paperwork from the Rockets. Most involved in the situation expect that to happen Wednesday in Las Vegas after the Rockets hear back from the Knicks on Jeremy Lin’s offer sheet.
If the Bulls match on Asik, they will enter luxury tax territory for the first time. They are expected to pursue minimum-salary-type big man like local product Nazr Mohammed if they don’t match.
Layups: The Bulls open summer-league play Tuesday night against the Celtics in Las Vegas. Their game Friday against the Warriors and Saturday against the Clippers will be televised on NBA TV. … Though he has drawn interest from other teams, John Lucas III still could re-sign with the Bulls, who have shown strong interest in the veteran guard.
