CLEVELAND --- The Chicago Bulls group led by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman, and coach Tom Thibodeau left their meeting with LeBron James and his associates on Saturday in an optimistic mood. After meeting with James for nearly three hours, the Bulls contingent departed the IMG parking garage in two...
Chicago Bulls executive vice-president of basketball operations John Paxson outside of IMG headquarters as the Bulls prepare to meet with free agent basketball player LeBron James on Saturday July 3, 2010, in Cleveland. In the foreground on a cell phone is Bulls general manager Gar Forman. (AP Photo/Phil Long)CLEVELAND --- The Chicago Bulls group led by owner Jerry Reinsdorf, vice president of basketball operations John Paxson, general manager Gar Forman, and coach Tom Thibodeau left their meeting with LeBron James and his associates on Saturday in an optimistic mood.
After meeting with James for nearly three hours, the Bulls contingent departed the IMG parking garage in two SUVs. A crowd of fans booed as the SUVs wheeled off and headed back to the Bulls' hotel.
Once the Bulls arrived back at their hotel, Paxson was succinct when asked about the meeting.
"It was good," said Paxson to The Plain Dealer.
The Bulls hope to make things even better in their quest to add James and or Bosh. Dwyane Wade, however, is also in the Bulls' mix. He had two meeting with the Bulls.
The Bulls were the last team in a series of meetings conducted by James in his office. James is the top free agent in a class that includes Bosh, Wade and Amare Stoudemire.
The Cavaliers met with James earlier in the day.
For what it is worth, interviews with the Bulls and the Miami Heat took three hours each. The Los Angeles Clippers' one-hour meeting with James on Friday was the shortest.