Rumors

Jerry Reinsdorf and Justin Ishbia reached a long-term investment agreement that establishes a framework for Ishbia to obtain a future controlling interest in the Chicago White Sox, the team announced Thursday.

Chicago Tribune

The Sox said that in the event of any such transaction, all limited partners would have the opportunity to sell to Ishbia at that time. Ishbia’s brother, Mat, and father, Jeff, also will be significant investors.

Chicago Tribune

The other piece of important business he addressed came when he reiterated that his job was safe. He said the Bulls’ plan to escape from mediocrity is shared by the entire organization, including Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf. “We have a very good relationship with Jerry and Michael,” Karnisovas said. “We take pride, especially in this building, in everybody being on the same page. It’s very hard to accomplish, but that’s how it is in this building between the ownership, front office, coaching staff, performance staff, so they have always been very supportive of my decisions, my thoughts, about this direction.” Then he went into detail about that “direction,” and that’s when it felt like things went off the rails.

Chicago Sun-Times

The owners of the NBA's Bulls and NHL's Blackhawks got the go-ahead to transform the area surrounding the United Center on Wednesday after the Chicago City Council approved a $7 billion plan to replace the parking lots with green space, mixed-income housing, a music hall and more. The 1901 Project, touted as the largest private investment in Chicago's West Side, is being spearheaded by the Reinsdorf and Wirtz families, who own the arena. It is to be built in phases on more than 55 acres of privately owned land over about a decade-long period.

ESPN

“Derrick is both a hometown hero and a symbol of an entire era of Bulls basketball,” Reinsdorf said in a statement. “Retiring a jersey recognizes a player’s impact beyond on-court achievements. It honors individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the organization and forged deep, lasting connections with fans. It recognizes that emotional bond and the great influence a player has had on the team and organization’s identity.”

Chicago Sun-Times

KC Johnson: In new wrinkle, Bulls are moving shootarounds from Advocate Center practice facility to United Center across street. At various times over past 30 years, Bulls coaches have had select shootarounds at UC to get acclimated to sightlines, etc. But this is first permanent switch.

Twitter

KC Johnson: Of course, much of this time span (my time on beat) featured Bulls practicing in Deerfield at the Berto Center. So holding shootaround downtown was a big deal. This is merely across street move. Advocate Center opened in 2014.

x.com

With a report surfacing that chairman Jerry Reinsdorf was “open to selling” the Sox, the question around the United Center was if it was true – a fact that some in the know have strenuously dismissed – what would it mean for the Bulls? Very little. The Sun-Times reported last year that both Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf see owning an NBA team as an investment to keep in the family, not only because it’s a salary-capped league, but one that continuous to grow in value with the national television deals and expected expansion coming in the next few seasons.

Chicago Sun-Times

In a recent season, while addressing new employees, Reinsdorf was asked which matters more: the Bulls or White Sox winning? Rather than answer diplomatically, Reinsdorf, without hesitation, said the White Sox. A baseball-obsessed Brooklyn native, he fills his office with autographs and sports memorabilia and loves chatting with scouts, talking about the game and its history. Reinsdorf will proudly tell you he went to Jackie Robinson’s first game in a Dodgers uniform, and he values his friendships with Hall of Famers such as La Russa, Dennis Eckersley and George Brett.

New York Times

KC Johnson: Bulls Chairman and fellow Hall of Famer Jerry Reinsdorf on Doug Collins’ induction.

Twitter

“Jerry Krause is a six-time NBA champion and two-time NBA Executive of the Year. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame for his accomplishments and is an incredible part of our history. His legacy deserves to be celebrated and respected,” Reinsdorf said, per K.C. Johnson.

Clutch Points

KC Johnson: Jerry Reinsdorf said only way the night could be better would be if Jerry Krause were here.

Twitter

With Jerry and Michael Reinsdorf’s history of employing Jerry Krause for 18 years and John Paxson for 17 until Paxson initiated his exit plan, not to mention Artūras Karnišovas’ contract extension, Karnišovas has been given the green light to try to fix the current mess. Same goes for Billy Donovan, who is liked and respected by both ownership and management and also has multiple years left on his extension. While it has happened in recent situations like Fred Hoiberg and Jim Boylen, the Reinsdorfs typically don’t like paying coaches not to work for them. So Donovan is safe, although it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his staff tweaked moving forward.

nbcsportschicago.com

“I’m excited to continue my journey as a Chicago Bull,” said Vučević. “Since I have arrived in Chicago, everyone in the organization has been incredibly welcoming to my family and me. I am motivated more than ever to achieve our mutual goals as a team. I want to thank the Reinsdorf family and Artūras for continuing to believe in me. I also want to thank Bulls fans for the constant support, you guys are the best part about playing in Chicago. We will work harder than ever to bring success to the city of Chicago.”

NBA.com