Rose, Thomas sit as Bulls fall
With Derrick Rose and Tyrus Thomas on the sideline, the Bulls lost 84-68 to New Jersey on Thursday at the Orlando summer league. Rose skipped the game as a precaution because of a sore right knee. He will not play in the Bulls' summer finale today against Oklahoma City and is planning to have an MRI exam when he returns to Chicago.
"It's just tendinitis and nothing like super bad with the knee," Rose said in an interview with ESPN.com. "They say it keeps happening because I'm young and my legs aren't strong enough and they have to work on (strengthening) my legs."
After Thomas averaged 18.0 points and 7.7 rebounds in the first three games this week, the Bulls decided there was no reason for him to play again. Guard Demetris Nichols led the Bulls (2-2) with 15 points, while forward Cedric Simmons added 10. The Bulls hit just 2 of 15 shots from 3-point range.
Rookie center Brook Lopez, a player the Bulls may have drafted had they not moved up in the lottery, led the Nets with 23 points. Chris Douglas-Roberts added 15 for New Jersey (3-1).
Curry draws suspension: Bulls guard JamesOn Curry was given a one-game suspension by the NBA on Thursday. The punishment stemmed from an arrest in Boise, Idaho last winter for resisting arrest and public urination. Curry was on a D-League assignment at the time. He'll have to sit out the opening game of next season if he is on the roster, but there is no guarantee the Bulls will even bring the second-year pro to training camp.
Maggette joins Warriors: The Golden State Warriors acquired free agent Corey Maggette on Thursday, signing away the Los Angeles Clippers' scoring leader.
Davis officially a Clipper: Free-agent guard Baron Davis officially joined the Los Angeles Clippers, one day after Elton Brand spurned the team's offer to re-sign and joined the Philadelphia 76ers.
Spurs, Mason reach deal: The San Antonio Spurs and unrestricted free agent Roger Mason have agreed to terms on a two-year deal worth more than $7 million.
Pietrus joins Magic: The Orlando Magic introduced free-agent Mickael Pietrus after signing him away from Golden State.
Kings' Miller suspended: Brad Miller of the Sacramento Kings was suspended for five games by the NBA on Thursday because the center violated the league drug program.
No more Durant this summer: Reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Kevin Durant won't be making a return appearance in summer league play Thursday night in Orlando. Durant made a surprise appearance Tuesday, scoring 22 points in a 100-77 exhibition win over the Orlando Magic.
Jazz signs Koufosa: The Utah Jazz signed first-round pick Kosta Koufosa 19-year-old center from Ohio State, to a contract that will pay him around $1 million a year.
Associated Press contributed