Gordon to Russia?

Bulls restricted free agent Ben Gordon is reportedly in talks with Russian team CSKA Moscow regarding a one-year deal.  One report has said that the Russian club has offered Gordon a one-year deal worth about $5.5 million.  Gordon has been reluctant to sign the Bulls’ $6.4 million one-year qualifying offer as he’s seeking a long-term deal worth up to $80 million.  The Bulls have been reluctant to offer Gordon any contract that would put them in luxury tax range, but have offered the shooting guard reasonable compensation according to his perceived market value.  Gordon and the Bulls appear to be at an impasse.

It would be very surprising to see Gordon sign a deal with a team overseas for less money than the qualifying offer.  Any one-year deal would allow him to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, allowing him to seek a long-term deal with another team.  But why would he risk going to Europe?  It could be in search of a bigger role, but nobody is quite sure how scouts and GMs are going to value statistics and performance in European leagues.  Gordon knows there is a bit of a logjam in the Bulls’ backcourt right now and would perhaps go to Moscow in an effort to boost his value by showcasing his skills as a team’s primary offensive option.

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