Adrian Griffin is on his way back to the Bulls with a three-year contract.
To make room for Griffin, J.R. Smith must go.Smith, whom the Bulls acquired last week along with P.J. Brown in the Tyson Chandler trade with the Hornets, will be sent to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Howard Eisley and two future second-round draft picks, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The Bulls plan to waive Eisley to sign Griffin, sources said.
Bulls general manager John Paxson declined to comment except to confirm that the Bulls have reached an agreement with Griffin, a popular journeyman who was a co-captain for the Bulls two years ago.
Last season the Bulls passed on the 6-foot-5-inch swingman. Griffin, 32, signed a free-agent contract with the Mavericks in late November and averaged 4.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while starting in 45 of the 52 games he played. He helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals.
Griffin's agent, Tony Dutt, told the Dallas Morning News that the Bulls offered a three-year deal but didn't disclose the terms. By trading Smith, the Bulls would have a minimum of $1.39 million available.
The Bulls had about $17.5 million to spend in free agency but are using most of it on Ben Wallace, who signed a four-year deal worth $60 million.
To complete their deal with Griffin, the Bulls first need Smith to complete his physical exam. Smith and Brown are expected to undergo physicals Wednesday.
Then the Bulls can make their trade with Denver, but it will take a week for Eisley to clear waivers once the Bulls release him.
Smith, 20, is a 6-6 guard whose youth probably would not serve the Bulls. Paxson has made clear he is looking for veteran leadership. Griffin, Wallace, 31, and Brown, 36, balance a roster heavy with young players.
To make room for Griffin, J.R. Smith must go.Smith, whom the Bulls acquired last week along with P.J. Brown in the Tyson Chandler trade with the Hornets, will be sent to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Howard Eisley and two future second-round draft picks, according to sources familiar with the deal.
The Bulls plan to waive Eisley to sign Griffin, sources said.
Bulls general manager John Paxson declined to comment except to confirm that the Bulls have reached an agreement with Griffin, a popular journeyman who was a co-captain for the Bulls two years ago.
Last season the Bulls passed on the 6-foot-5-inch swingman. Griffin, 32, signed a free-agent contract with the Mavericks in late November and averaged 4.6 points and 4.4 rebounds while starting in 45 of the 52 games he played. He helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals.
Griffin's agent, Tony Dutt, told the Dallas Morning News that the Bulls offered a three-year deal but didn't disclose the terms. By trading Smith, the Bulls would have a minimum of $1.39 million available.
The Bulls had about $17.5 million to spend in free agency but are using most of it on Ben Wallace, who signed a four-year deal worth $60 million.
To complete their deal with Griffin, the Bulls first need Smith to complete his physical exam. Smith and Brown are expected to undergo physicals Wednesday.
Then the Bulls can make their trade with Denver, but it will take a week for Eisley to clear waivers once the Bulls release him.
Smith, 20, is a 6-6 guard whose youth probably would not serve the Bulls. Paxson has made clear he is looking for veteran leadership. Griffin, Wallace, 31, and Brown, 36, balance a roster heavy with young players.
