"Whatever jersey I'm wearing, I'm still here," Wade said. "I'm still in the community, I think I'm doing something impactful and bigger than the game of basketball. It had nothing to do with Chicago. It had nothing to do with the Chicago Bulls. It had everything to do with Miami and what we had a chance to do down there."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Joakim Noah, Derrick Rose, and the Chicago Bulls would've been nice; however, Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and the Miami Heat is better -at least for Dwyane Wade.

So the superstar said thanks, but no thanks to his hometown. This is just another storyline in the developing rivalry between Chicago and Miami.

Both clubs competed for big-ticket free agents this summer. Miami won the battle landing the Three Kings, but Chicago with Carlos Boozer, Noah, and Rose could still win the war for Eastern Conference supremacy.

And Bulls fans will have plenty of chances to heckle Wade for picking Miami over his native Chicago.

--Oly Sandor.

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When speaking with the media, Rose was about a potential rivalry brewing with the Miami HEAT. ``I am not worried about the HEAT; I am just worried about the Bulls. I know that my team is ready.``

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HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: The late John Wooden would have liked Derrick Rose.

Coach Wooden always told his UCLA teams not to worry about their opponents and to focus on playing, which is the approach Rose is taking with the Miami Heat.

Instead of worrying about Chris Bosh, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, instead of worrying about the attention the Heat are getting, Rose is punching the clock, putting in work, and extending his three-point shot.

Of course, this will make him unstoppable.

Rose has always been able to get to the basket. Defenders have such respect for his athleticism they back off him and concede the jumper.

If Rose can consistently knock down three-pointers, defenders won`t be able to back off him,  which will make it easier to penetrate and create scoring opportunities.

The third year point guard should head into 2011 as a pick-your-poison player. And it will be because he took a ‘Wooden’ approach to this summer. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

"My future will be known when Toronto and my agents make a decision," Calderon said. "They are working daily for the best solution for me and the franchise. Now, there isn't anything new to say."

Calderon is Toronto's highest-paid player with the departure of All-Star Chris Bosh. He'll make $9 million this coming season, but his contract increases to $9.7 in 2011 and $10.5 million in 2012.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: One man's junk is another man's, well, junk.

It's no secret Toronto Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo is having difficulty trading Jose Calderon and the remaining three-years and $30 million on his contract.

After all, Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Bobcats exposed Colangelo and Calderon when 'His Airness' pulled an audible in mid-air and cancelled a trade to acquire the Spanish point guard in July.

For a variety of reasons, Calderon could be staying put:

1) The recession is lingering. A lockout is coming next July. In this economy, few teams have the resources or desire to assume Calderon's big-ticket.

2) The teams that can afford Calderon want better value. For instance, he's earning star money but - with his poor defense and health - is really a reserve.

3) The league is stacked with point guards. Last year, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, Jrue Holiday, Eric Maynor, Ty Lawson, and Darren Collison entered the league, and proved they could start or come off-the-bench.

Two years ago, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook, D.J. Augustin, Jerryd Bayless, George Hill, Mario Chalmers, and Goran Dragic were drafted and have also shown they can play.

These young table-setters, who are tied to cheap rookie contracts, have killed the trade market for expensive veterans like Calderon.

4) Calderon thrived when Toronto played an up-and-down system. Back then, offensive basketball was enjoying a brief renaissance.

Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns aside, the renaissance is over. Defense is in demand, which means Calderon - the NBA's worst perimeter defender - is not.

So Colageno could be stuck with Calderon, a player he supported, paid, and has turned on. Things could get awkward if Calderon is in Toronto for 2011.

All will be noted by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the wealthy holding company that owns the Raptors, when Colangelo's contract expires next summer.

And the organization will not have any of these difficulties cutting ties with their underachieving executive.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below. 

From what I've heard it's in Portland's hands now for what they want. I've heard the Bulls have a pretty good shot, but nothing matters until it's done. Let's not overstate Fernandez, who always has sounded better than he has performed. But he'd be an excellent addition, and as I wrote Monday the No. 1 guy I'd still pursue.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: They're already contenders, so why risk it?

The Chicago Bulls have had a terrific summer, signing Ronnie Brewer, Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Kurt Thomas, and CJ Watson. The six-time world champions already had Luol Deng, Taj Gibson, Joakim Noah, and Derrick Rose.  

These new additions plus the old nucleus should position the club to compete in the Eastern Conference. Adding the wrong piece - like a talented but temperamental perimeter player - could be disastrous, though.

Why roll the dice on Rudy Fernandez, who performed and pouted through two up-and-down seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers?

Fernandez, a star in Europe, couldn't handle sitting behind All-Star Brandon Roy. It didn't matter that he was a key reserve on a promising squad. And it didn't matter that he was in a terrific market, either.

There wasn't enough shine in Portland, which led to Fernandez recently taking his trade requests public, something European publications had hinted at for months.

Chicago must tread carefully with Fernandez. The Spanish swing's athleticism and shooting could fit; however, he may struggle as a blending piece behind Boozer and Rose.

Unfortunately, they may not have a choice. The Eastern Conference is in arms-race mode, with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Orlando Magic outdoing each other with signings and trades.

To keep pace in the Eastern Conference, to have any chance of advancing to the NBA Finals, Chicago will have to take the risk and acquire Fernandez.

He better make it worth their while.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

The Bulls are prepared to sign free-agent Tracy McGrady if he proves to be healthy and willing to accept a bench role, according to a source. McGrady is scheduled to workout for Chicago on Monday.

"Nothing is done until it's done, but I expect the Bulls to sign McGrady later this week," the source said. The length and value of the contract McGrady could sign is yet to be determined.

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: His role must be clearly defined before both parties sign a contract.

In other words, the Chicago Bulls must politely tell Tracy McGrady he'll complement stars Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer, not vice-versa.

The Bulls should also call 'RaptorsTV' and ask for video of McGrady's final season in Toronto. They should then remind him how effective he was when using his length and athleticism to defend and facilitate for others.

If these expectations aren't laid out, McGrady and the Bulls could be a difficult pairing.

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

I think that if he comes along he can help our team," Rose said Friday. "A player like him, with his experience and how he plays, I think he'll help us."

McGrady's effectiveness will depend on his left knee. He had microfracture surgery about a year and a half ago.

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose has no plans of ever leaving Chicago. "I'm never [leaving]," he said, before punctuating that statement. "Never."

Bulls point guard Derrick Rose claims that his three-point shot is vastly improved. "It's there; I have a consistent 3-point shot now," Rose said. "You'll see. I just have so much confidence in my jump shot now. It's coming along so good. It's past even my expectations at this point."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: If true, if he has improved his three-point shot, defenses will have to pick their poison with Derrick Rose in 2011.

Consider opposing defenses' dilemma. If defenders back off Rose, he'll use his newly extended range to hit from the outside. If defenders apply pressure, he'll attack the basket to create for himself and teammates.

Of course, signing Carlos Boozer also helps. The power forward will provide a much needed presence down low, which will draw double-teams and create space for the Chicago Bulls' perimeter players.

So Rose will get his share of catch-and-shoot opportunities off Boozer. And the former Utah star is the kind of skilled big he can effectively run pick-and-rolls with.

Look for Rose - with his revamped jump-shot - to headline a strong Chciago squad next year and for the foreseeable future. 

--Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

HoopsVibe’s Very Quick Call: They’re putting ‘in work and watching their status escalate’.

While some players enjoy ‘The Life’ during summer, Tyreke Evans,OJ Mayo, and Derrick Rose,  – three rising stars in the NBA - are refining their skills in a hot, dusty Los Angeles gym with trainer Rob McClanaghan.

Kind of refreshing when compared to the hoopla (pun intended) of the last few days, right?

Take a peak at the video below provided by Dimemag.com and get at HoopsVibe News with comments and thoughts.

--Oly Sandor.

Wade and Bosh are expected to announce their decision on Wednesday, according to the source, and continue to lobby James, along with Heat president Pat Riley, to join them in Miami, despite the financial complexities involved for the Heat to make room for all three.

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: I know it. You know it. Most importantly, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade know it, too.

LeBron James probably isn’t leaving his home of Cleveland, Ohio to join the NBA’s newest dynamic duo, Bosh and Wade, in Miami.

Simply put, James is The King. While he’s a rule-by-consensus, constitutional monarchy type of king, he still has to be the undisputed first option.

He’s the lead dog. He’s the Alpha Male. And he’s the Michael Jackson of whatever group he`s in -minus the white glove, interviews with Martin Banshear, and threats of dropping a child over the balcony.

It’s always been this way. Always will be, too. So James probably won`t ink a deal with the Heat, where he would have to share the rock with another ball dominating guard in Wade.

Bosh and Wade knew this, but still, reportedly, signed in Miami. Now they must win with a limited supporting cast, which isn`t easy in a competitive Eastern Conference.

Instead of gambling on James, they should have, perhaps, hedged their bets and signed with the Chicago Bulls.

After all, young Derrick Rose is one of the NBA’s best point guards, while Joakim Noah is a nasty, blue-collar post. And Taj Gibson had a promising rookie campaign.

Best of all, the parts –unlike a Miami team with or without James – would fit together. So why didn`t Bosh and Wade give greater consideration to The Windy City?

And it may be a decision they regret.

-- Oly Sandor.

Got thoughts? Well, get at HoopsVibe News in the comment box below.

Derrick Rose reportedly preferred the Bulls to sign Joe Johnson instead of LeBron James, according to multiple people that spoke with Brian Windhorst.

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Adrian Wojnarowski: ``Source briefed on meeting with Bulls Friday tells Y! that Dwyane Wade`s interest in Chicago is for real``.

(Yahoo Sports, Twitter)

HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Of course, his `interest is for real`.

Dwyane Wade grew up in Chicago. The Windy City has a certain hometown appeal for the athletic two-guard.

The Bulls` supporting cast also gives them an edge on every other suitor. After all, Derrick Rose is a superstar point guard, capable of creating for others and getting his own shot, while Joakim Noah is a physical, blue-collar post.

Keep in mind Chicago can offer Wade and another superstar a maximum contract, so the 2006 NBA Finals MVP will have help in the form of Chris Bosh or maybe even LeBron James.

When conisdering all the angles, it`s easy to see why Wade`s `interest is for real`.

-- Oly Sandor. 

Got thoughts? Well, get at us in the comment box  below!

"I’d obviously like to play for a winning team and win something. I got two boys and a wife and our home base is Miami so anywhere up and down this east coast would be a great fit for me."

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: There are two reasons Raja Bell - an unrestricted free agent - has interest in suiting up for the Miami Heat.

First, as Bell mentioned South Beach is home. He grew up in Florida. He went to college in Florida. And his family lives in Florida. So there's a sentimental attachment to the area.

Second, Bell is aware of a rumor making the viral rounds: Chris Bosh and LeBron James will join Dwyane Wade and sign with the Miami Heat instead of the Chicago Bulls.

James reportedly has concerns about the Bulls: owner Jerry Reinsdorf is always reluctant to spend on winning; Derrick Rose may struggle off the ball next to The King; there's no three-point gunner to spread the floor and keep opposing defenses honest; and Tom Thibodeau is a rookie coach.

(Of course, this could be conjecture and speculation. Chicago still has much to offer free agents.)

So Bell knows Miami could well become a contender -and surely wants in.

The Heat - after the dust settles with James and Bosh - should add Bell. His defense, intensity, and three-point stroke is perfect for a contending team. And he’d likely give oil-slick GM Pat Riley a hometown discount.

Right now, Miami is looking to make major moves, which could land them a useful veteran in Bell. 

Got thoughts?

An NBA executive told The New York Times that, based on discussions with other team officials, he believes that LeBron James and Chris Bosh have already decided to sign with the Bulls.

In that case, James' meetings with teams this coming week would be merely a formality.

"I think it's a done deal," the executive said about James departing Cleveland for Chicago and taking Bosh with him.

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To listen to World Wide Wes, LeBron will never look back on Cleveland. “He’s up out of there,” is the way he tells it to people, but LeBron’s Akron crew has to tsk-tsk such public talk because they all live in Northeast Ohio, and maybe always will. "We're going to Chicago," WIlliam Wesley tells people," "and Chris Bosh is coming, too." 

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HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: 'World Wide Wes', one of the NBA's great power brokers, believes the Chicago Bulls are poised for a big off-season. And he's right.

After dealing Kirk Hinrich and their 17th pick in Thursday's draft and getting nothing but cap space back, the Bulls have the financial flexibility to tender two max' contracts.

So The Windy City could sign LeBron James and bring in Chris Bosh, too. 

Other clubs - the Miami Heat and New York Knicks - can also offer a pair of max contracts, but the Bulls distinguish themselves by already having a star point guard in Derrick Rose and an established four-man with Joakim Noah.

Such a supporting cast may be enough for James to turn his back on the Cleveland Cavaliers -even though they can offer the most money, longest term, and he grew up in nearby Akron, Ohio.  

Even if James gets sentimental and re-signs with the Cavaliers, the Bulls could turn to superstar Joe Johnson, which isn't a bad plan-B.

Bottom line: Chicago is the team to watch this summer. 

Got thoughts?

Jalen Rose: ``It is almost CERTAIN that LEBRON JAMES WILL NOT be returning to the CAVS!”

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HoopsVibe`s Very Quick Call: Rose, an analyst for ESPN, also tweets that the Bulls, Clippers, and Heat are the top three destinations for James.

Of course, all these organizations have issues: the Bulls - a contender because of Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah - have unstable management with GM John Paxson going all 'Fight Club' on former coach Vinny Del Negro; the Clippers have talented players, but an awful owner in Donald Sterling; and the Heat may prefer a big like Chris Bosh as a sidekick to Dwyane Wade.

The Cavaliers aren't out of the sweepstakes, as they have a financial and personal advantage over the competition.

For instance, they can offer James $30 million more than any team. They can also offer an extra year on his max' contract.

And don't forget that James, who can afford to live anywhere in the world during the summer, makes his off-season home in nearby Akron, Ohio, where he grew up.

Clearly, James is comfortable in Cleveland. And clearly, he`s connected to Ohio. This loyalty will be a huge factor in his decision.

Rose may be right: James could still bolt on the Cavaliers. But it`s far from a certainty.

Got thoughts?