D'Antoni, Bulls Crushing On Each Other?

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 7, 2008 4:31PM

Rumors spread through the NBA world like spring fever through a high school yesterday, as ESPN.com reported that current Phoenix Suns coach Mike D'Antoni wanted to coach the Bulls, followed by reports that the Bulls liked D'Antoni, too.

But John Paxson hasn't quite settled on his date for the prom just yet. The Bulls GM is still trying to arrange to meet with former Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson before moving forward with any decision.

Chicagoist believes that's a smart move. While D'Antoni has an impressive track record in Phoenix, he runs a more offense-oriented system that wouldn't mesh as well with the Bulls. And if he couldn't get along with Suns GM Steve Kerr, how well can he get along with Paxson, Kerr's close friend?

Avery Johnson, on the other hand, is a defensive-minded coach like Bulls management wants, yet he's more of a "players' coach" than Scott Skiles was.

Ultimately, it may come down to money. With Skiles still owed $6 million by the Bulls, don't expect Jerry Reinsdorf to spend top dollar for a coach. And if D'Antoni leaves the Suns, he may be subject to a buyout or the Suns may demand draft picks as compensation. Are the Bulls in love with him, or simply in like with him?