Tyrus Thomas: Long-Term Bull?

From Hoopsworld:

While many have already traded Thomas in whatever deal strikes their fancy – to Phoenix in a package for Amar’e Stoudemire is a popular one – the Bulls are committed to Thomas being part of their future. The word on the street is the Bulls will open contract extension talks with Thomas’ agent this summer – he is eligible for an extension that would kick in for the 2010-11 season this summer – to keep him in Chicago. That’s where Thomas wants to be and that’s where the Bulls want him to be.

I would be all for that — depending on the money. Most Bulls fans are banking on landing one of the big free agents next year. As long as that is not inhibited in any fashion, get it done. I suppose Dwyane Wade is the name I read about the most. Coupling him with Rose would be insane, and like Rose, Wade is a Chicagoan too.

And is not Tyrus Thomas a perfect accompaniment to those 2 stars? If we are looking for Tyrus Thomas to be one of the main players in the next championship run, we might be waiting for quite some time. But as one of the main “supporting players” he’s a tremendous asset.

Thomas can run the court, jump out of the gym and block shots. Those things aren’t going away anytime soon. His offensive game has improved immensely, if not his shot selection. And yes, he is a “tweener”, but with proper coaching and strategy, couldn’t that actually play in the Bulls favor?

I’m good either way. Some team wants him in part of a deal to brings us a star, great. Or we sign a star and keep Thomas as some sort of Tayshaun Prince/Horace Grant hybrid, that’s fine too. He’s going to help us win either way.