A week ago, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban urged the Chicago Bulls to consider Vice President of Basketball Operations Michael Finley for their vacated Executive VP of Basketball Operations job. That did not come to pass as the Bulls quickly zeroed in on Denver Nuggets GM Arturas Karnisovas. A move Cuban applauded during his recent interview with 670 The Score.
However, this doesn’t mean Chicago didn’t have Finley on their radar. According to Cuban, he might’ve received an email regarding the possibility of an interview with Finley for their GM position, recently opened up by the dismissal of Gar Forman. The man is a Chicago-area native. He grew up idolizing Michael Jordan. Since arriving with the Mavericks in 2015, he’s helped rebuild the team from the end of the Dirk Nowitzki era to a Western Conference contender again under Luka Doncic.
The only question is would Cuban give permission?
“You know what, I don’t know,” Cuban said. “I got an email, but I’m so far behind. Maybe.”
Maybe?
“I’ve been so caught up in this other stuff, I don’t know,” Cuban said, referencing his role on President Donald Trump’s sports advisory committee. “I don’t know. I hope so. It’s only because I’ve been so behind (that I don’t know).”
Cuban would grant the Bulls permission to speak with Finley.
“Of course, I love Michael Finley,” Cuban said. “He’s great at what he does. He’s had such a positive impact for the Mavs. It’s incredible.”
Mark Cuban could be doing the Bulls a major solid
One thing about Cuban is he’s always looked to do what’s in the best interests of the NBA. He’s never been known as the type of owner who will hold down his own people from furthering their careers. He knows Finley has deep roots in Chicago. The possibility of working for his hometown Bulls would seem to be a dream come true. A good owner would rob one of his people from seeking such an opportunity.
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From the Bulls’ perspective, this feels like such an obvious move. Finley brings tons of credibility to the table. Aside from helping rebuild the Mavericks so rapidly, he’s also a former player himself. He played 17 seasons in the NBA, reaching two All-Star games and winning a championship with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007. Karnisovas can relate to players overseas. Finley can relate to those in the U.S. It would be a perfect blend.
