because he played well for them last season.. and its only a 5 mil a year deal.. seems pretty safe to me.. and cheaper than either jefferson does now or love will command soon.
Chicago is in a GREAT position, after years of bumbling in the post Jordan era, I must say they are now on track to compete for a championship at a very high level. They can easily offer Deng and Gibson (a surprisingly good rookie-PF last season) for Al Jeff, who will partner very well upfront with Noah, and they'd still have the $$$$ to go after 2 more premiere FA's.
Plus I am willing bet that Thibodeau is better coach that Del Negro who got the Bulls to back to back playoff runs even if it was in the 7th and 8th spots...
Darko's no fool...since he was the only member of the top 5 class of 2003 that didn't make the allstar team, he was for darn sure he would get signed to keep his name associated with that group.
And another big spread... Just think of how big the career earnings difference between the #1 and #2 picks of the 2003 draft will end up being. > $1B.
Now that Darko will be staying in Minnie, probably Bron will end up there so we can see the number 1 and 2 draftees on the same team ! Then Bron's got a chance at a ring, too. Seriously though, I wanted Lambs to coach Darko, and that will probably happen now. I wanted it to be in Detroit with Lambs as the head coach, but I guess beggers can't be choosers.
if Darko, Laimbeer and Rambis can convince Lebron and Wade to sign, then Bosh could sign for the min salary and they can trade Jefferson, Rubio's rights and KLove to Denver for Melo and then the proverbial super team with the top 5 picks of 2003 will all be together. Wade PG Melo big SG James SF Bosh PF Darko C The Bench would get about 5 mins each per game Jonny Flynn PG Corey Brewer SF Sasha Pavlovic SG Ryan Hollins C Brian Cardinal PF
