Any smart leader of an organization makes it his mission to acquire the very best for his team. Arturas Karnisovas is no different in that regard. The new Chicago Bulls Executive VP of Basketball Operations isn't one of those types who brings in people he has personal connections to for his front office. His goal is to acquire the best and brightest around the league wherever possible. Already he secured renowned Pelicans cap specialist J.J. Polk.
However, his biggest fish remains out there.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Karnisovas is hoping to secure an interview with Oklahoma City Thunder VP of Basketball Operations Troy Weaver about becoming the Bulls' new general manager.
"That’s why the Thunder’s Troy Weaver and the Nuggets’ Calvin Booth are on the wish list. Weaver has been considered for multiple jobs the last few years, and being a disciple of Thunder executive Sam Presti only enhances his value. Booth would be a solid get, as well, but there’s growing speculation out of Denver that he’ll stay put and assume Karnisovas’ vacated position.
Also look out for the Magic’s Matt Lloyd and the 76ers’ Marc Eversley."
Weaver is considered a rising star in the business.
He was part of the Thunder front office when they drafted future superstars James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Not to mention longtime defensive stud Serge Ibaka. Having him at the right hand of Karnisovas would be absolutely huge. Unfortunately, the odds of it happening appear long. The Bulls didn't exactly get off on the right foot with Weaver when they tried to interview him for their VP of Basketball Ops position.
Arturas Karnisovas will likely find his GM elsewhere
So even if the Bulls manage to secure an interview with Weaver, which the Thunder could block, Karnisovas would have to be one hell of a salesman to convince the man to leave the comfortable job he's held for years to take essentially the same position in Chicago. Just with a different title. The only way that seems possible of happening is if the Bulls offered a substantial pay raise. That isn't impossible. Word is COO Michael Reinsdorf is willing to spend whatever it takes to build the best front office possible.
Truth be told, the odds of getting Weaver appears low. Karnisovas would have to pull off a major coup for it to happen. Odds are he will end up finding his new GM elsewhere. That's not to say there aren't other qualified candidates. There most definitely are. It is merely that Weaver is definitely one of those highly-respected names that could be an instant jolt of credibility to an organization.
There is absolutely no shame in making a play to grab him.
