Bulls sign backup point guard Brooks
Backup point guard for the Bulls has been a coveted position in recent years.
While there has been plenty of opportunity with Derrick Rose's two knee surgeries, several players have excelled in the role and earned good contracts elsewhere. C.J. Watson, John Lucas III, Nate Robinson and D.J. Augustin are among the success stories.
Aaron Brooks is the next point guard looking to revive his career under coach Tom Thibodeau. He officially signed with the Bulls on Tuesday for a one-year deal likely worth $1.15 million.
During the 2009-10 season, Brooks started all 82 games for the Houston Rockets, averaging 19.6 points and 5.3 assists. He won the NBA's Most Improved Player Award for that performance.
Early the next season, though, Brooks suffered a severe sprained ankle when he landed on Manu Ginobili's foot and his career has never been quite the same. Kyle Lowry took over the starting point guard slot for the Rockets, and Brooks was traded to Phoenix in February 2011.
Brooks bounced around after that, joining Sacramento, spending the lockout season in China and adding two more stints with the Rockets. He finished last season in Denver, averaging 11.9 points and 5.2 assists.
Brooks, 29, is a native of Seattle who played in college at Oregon. He was drafted by Houston with the 26th pick in 2007.
McDermott in the fold:
The Bulls also announced the signing of rookie Doug McDermott on Tuesday. Based on the NBA's rookie pay scale, McDermott will collect $2.28 million this season.
The 6-foot-8 forward from Creighton did well at the Las Vegas summer league, averaging 18 points in four games. McDermott and Tony Snell were both named first-team all-summer league.
Since the Bulls had cap space this summer, it's typical for NBA teams to use the cap room first, before signing first-round picks. The Bulls officially re-signed Kirk Hinrich on Monday and inked second-round pick Cameron Bairstow, a 6-10 forward from New Mexico. They used the cap space to add Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic.
After signing Brooks, the Bulls will have 12 players under contract for next season. They have three potential point guards with Brooks, Rose and Kirk Hinrich, although any of the three could play the two guard.
Chasing Love:
Espn.com reported Tuesday the Bulls are still involved in trade talk for Minnesota's Kevin Love, supposedly offering a package involving Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler.
A couple of thoughts here: If Cleveland is willing to give up Andrew Wiggins and Anthony Bennett — the No. 1 overall picks in the last two drafts — for Love, the Bulls will have trouble beating such an offer.
Also, it doesn't make much sense for the Bulls to have Love, Gasol and Joakim Noah, because those three can't play together, but would cost nearly $35 million in salary this season, with Love looking for a raise and contract extension.
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