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What Bulls News Did You Miss Over Fourth of July Weekend?

By Michael Whitlow

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While many celebrated in front of their grills and swimming pools over the Fourth of July weekend, the Chicago Bulls actually made a few headlines. Sure, they weren’t that big, but hey, it’s news, and you might have missed them. Let’s recap, shall we?

The Fourth of July weekend is one of the more exciting spans of the year. Between warm weather, grilling out, swimming, and for some like myself, watching some baseball, the weekend of the Fourth is arguably the best weekend of the summer.

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While I spent some time in the heart of the Windy City eating discounted hot dogs and watching Chicago’s baseball team on the South Side, I happened to notice that the Chicago Bulls made some headlines during the extended weekend.

If you’re like me, you’re a little delayed on the news, and need to catch up. That’s what I’m here for!

Let’s take a look at the weekend that was for the Bulls:

Jimmy Butler gets his money and addresses the big rumor

It was before the Fourth of July weekend, but in case you hadn’t heard: Jimmy Butler is a very rich man. The fourth-year wing from Marquette agreed to a five-year, $90 million deal to stay with the Bulls six days ago.

Along with getting a brand new paycheck, Butler took the time to address the rumor that he and point guard Derrick Rose have some tension building between them.

In an interview with Rolling Stone Magazine, Butler was asked about the rumored tension:

"“I don’t think we have any issues. I think we’re fine. I think we’re two basketball players that want to win games. That’s where I’ll leave it at. I think we just wanna win, bring a championship the city, to the organization. I think that’s our job. And I think we’re gonna do whatever it takes to make that happen. I have a lot of respect for the guy.”"

Boom. Rumor squashed.

Sure, we’ve yet to hear Rose’s side of the situation, but knowing how meek Rose is, there’s probably not much more this that needs to be said. Both are tremendous players and both were probably frustrated on how this past season ended. You can definitely expect both to bounce back for big seasons next year.

Goodbye, Ed Pinckney

When former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau arrived in Chicago for the 2010-11 season, one of the folks that joined his staff was former Villanova star and NBA veteran Ed Pinckney.

After five seasons in Chicago on Thibodeau’s staff, Pinckney has departed and will join Mike Malone‘s staff in Denver with the Nuggets next season.

Pinckney is one of the more respected assistants in the game today, which has caught the eye of teams looking for a new head coach recently. In 2013, the defensive-minded Memphis Grizzlies were looking for a new head coach. One of the top candidates for the gig? None other than Ed Pinckney.

Bobby Portis and Fred Hoiberg visit the South Side

As a White Sox fan, seeing new draft pick Bobby Portis and new head coach Fred Hoiberg in Sox jerseys was pretty cool on Monday night.

The duo participated in the pregame festivities and also spoke to Ken “Hawk” Harrelson and Steve Stone in the Comcast SportsNet Chicago booth during the 4-2 win for the White Sox.

Bulls sign Portis (and Aaron Brooks)

The Bulls made it official on Tuesday with two signings: 22nd overall pick Bobby Portis and last year’s bench spark, Aaron Brooks.

Along with the Portis signing, the Bulls brought back Brooks on a one-year deal.

*Reminder: Free agent deals cannot be signed until July 9 when the free agency moratorium period ends.

Bulls announce Summer League roster

On July 11, the Bulls will kick off their NBA Summer League slate against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Bulls will play in three games (vs. Minnesota, Toronto and Brooklyn) over a four-day span, then will be reseeded for the tournament to determine the SL champion.

Here’s a look at this year’s roster:

Next: Smart move by Fred Hoiberg to coach Bulls SL roster

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