(WSCR) The Rockets can’t officially sign Omer Asik to the 3-year deal worth roughly $25 million until July 11.
After Asik signs the deal reportedly agreed upon by both parties, the Bulls will have 72 hours to match the offer. Don’t expect any meaningful comments on the matter until then.
“In regards to Omer, obviously I’ve seen reports of an offer,” Bulls GM Gar Forman said Monday. “But we haven’t seen anything yet. I don’t want to speculate until we actually we see something. We’ve made it clear we value Omer and it’s been our goal that Omer would stay with the Bulls. I’m not going to talk about any type of negotiation or anything contractually until we see something.”
The Bulls have maintained their desire to retain Asik for months, but with the third year of his deal worth a reported $15 million, the team may not be able to afford the Turkish center.
“When teams win, the value of the players goes up,” Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “And he’s done a great job for us. Obviously, his defense, shotblocking and rebounding is obvious. He anchors our second unit defensively with Taj (Gibson). Offensively, his ability to run the floor, screen, get to the offensive board, that’s what makes him so valuable to us. We certainly value all that he brings to our team.”
