Myers won't be on Bulls bench this season

The Bulls' latest personnel decision was a little surprising and could prove to be unpopular with the players.

They chose to end the coaching tenure of Pete Myers, who had been an assistant with the Bulls since 2003. No explanation was given, but it may be a case of new coach Tom Thibodeau wanting to bring in someone he's worked with before.

The Bulls don't have a specific target in mind to hire as an assistant and recently put a list of candidates together. There is an obvious need for a former NBA player on the staff, which currently includes Ron Adams, Andy Greer and advance scout Mike Wilhelm. Thibodeau was hoping to hire Maurice Cheeks, but he couldn't escape the last year of his contract in Oklahoma City.

Myers is highly regarded by the organization and will continue to work for the Bulls if he chooses. Myers was a scout before joining the coaching staff.

The timing was odd, since Myers coached the Bulls' summer league entry earlier this month. He's well liked by the players, who see him as someone they can talk to about any issues or problems.

Randy Brown, another former Bulls guard, is expected to stay in his role as player development coach. His job is mainly to work with players away from practice to help improve their skills.

Thibodeau brought in retired guard Rick Brunson to help with player development during summer league. He would be an unlikely choice for a full-time assistant coach since he has little experience.

On Rudy's trail: The Bulls were mentioned as a possible trade destination for Portland's Rudy Fernandez by the Oregonian newspaper. The third-year Spanish shooting guard is unhappy with his limited role and reportedly requested a trade.

The Bulls have engaged in trade talks about Fernandez before and the Blazers were never ready to make a move. It remains to be seen if Portland is serious about a deal this time around.

There are reports the Blazers are looking for a first-round draft pick in return, which the Bulls would likely be willing to give up. Portland is not interested in Bulls forward James Johnson, while the Bulls would not consider trading Taj Gibson without getting much more in return.

The 6-foot-6 Fernandez, 25, showed promise as a rookie, averaging 10.4 points while shooting 42.5 percent from the field. He dropped to 8.1 points and 38-percent shooting in slightly fewer minutes last year.

House in South Beach: Miami signed free agent guard Eddie House on Thursday. The long-range shooting specialist finished last season with the Knicks.

The Bulls had some interest in House, but were never that excited about the 10-year veteran, whose career 3-point percentage is .390.

The Bulls continue to pursue guards Keith Bogans and Roger Mason, and haven't closed the door on signing Tracy McGrady. There could be other candidates as the Bulls look to add more outside shooters, but they might sit tight for the next week or two before settling on the next move.