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rosemayo Chicago Bulls Pursuing O.J. Mayo
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo! Sports reported today that the Chicago Bulls are one of four teams interested in free agent shooting guard O.J. Mayo.  Mayo became a free agent after the Memphis Grizzlies did not extend a qualifying offer to the 4 year guard.  According to his report, the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks are the three other teams with interest.  Mayo met with the Suns yesterday who are said to be the front runners in signing after New Orleans matched a 4 year offer of $58 million to restricted free agent, Eric Gordon.  Courtney Lee and O.J. Mayo are said to be prime targets for the Suns now who will have the most money.  Mayo was said to be looking for a salary in the $7/$8 million range.  Realistically, the LA does not seem like a likely destination as they don’t have the money – and Mayo would be playing behind Kobe Bryant.  The Mavericks have already made a lot of noise in FA with the acquisitions of Chris Kaman, Dahntay Jones, Darren Collison and Elton Brand – do they have enough left to make a push for Mayo?

Then there is the Bulls, who have been rather quiet in free agency aside from a verbal agreement from Kirk Hinrich (who has yet to be officially signed) and the release of Bench Mob members Ronnie Brewer, C.J. Watson and Kyle Korver. Angry Bulls fans reacted harshly towards the team’s front office, criticizing them for diminishing the roster for only one purpose: stay under the Luxury Tax.   With Derrick Rose out until at least January, many believe the team is gearing up for a wash of a season with the undesirable moves they’ve made.  However, could the Bulls decisions thus far be part of a much grander plan? The Chicago Tribune is now reporting that the Bulls have been shopping Richard Hamilton’s  $5 million deal. According to a source, the Bulls are highly interested in O.J. Mayo – and will meet with him in Las Vegas next week. The fact that they are trying to free up more space to potentially offer the 24 year old more money further proves that sentiment.  Is the feeling mutual?  Chatter indicates it is…and a Derrick Rose/ O.J. Mayo backcourt has the potential to be very special. Mayo’s decision, which he said will be made within 10 days, could make or break Chicago’s off-season.