Michael Reinsdorf reportedly has been keen on the Heat's operations modelNBAE/GETTY IMAGES
The Bulls’ search for a "big-name front-office executive who could give the team a new voice and better direction was always going to be underwhelming," according to Joe Cowley of the CHICAGO SUN-TIMES. The Bulls have pursued both Raptors GM Bobby Webster -- who is "close to landing a new deal to keep his current role" -- and Heat VP/Basketball Operations & Assistant GM Adam Simon, who also is "staying put." The Simon news was the "bigger blow" because Bulls President & COO Michael Reinsdorf reportedly has had his "eye on the Heat's operating model." One exec said that "poaching Simon would have been the best way for the Bulls to go, giving them instant credibility as they restructure their front office" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/7). In Chicago, Rick Morrissey wrote it is "difficult to get too enthused about the possibility of change" for the Bulls. But at least the team is "pursuing change," which is a "massive development, one that didn’t seem possible even a year ago." Still, Morrissey wondered, "What are the odds they’ll get the right man?" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 4/6). Also in Chicago, Mike McGraw wrote Bulls Exec VP/Basketball Operations Jon Paxson and GM Gar Forman had a "pretty good run for most of their tenure together, but the Bulls are ready for a new voice" (Chicago DAILY HERALD, 4/5).
