John Salmons' contract could affect Bulls' options for 2010 free agents

It's impossible to definitively predict the Bulls' salary cap situation for next summer, but one very important moving part is John Salmons' player option.

Should Salmons exercise his $6.7 million option, the speculation is the Bulls wouldn't be able to offer a maximum contract to any of the big names in the most decorated free agent class in NBA history.

That isn't entirely accurate. But if Salmons opts in, achieving that optimum financial flexibility becomes more difficult and might involve renouncing the rights to restricted free agent Tyrus Thomas.

"I didn't even know my situation had that big an impact and don't look at the numbers like that," Salmons said.

This marked the first time Salmons has spoken publicly about his decision-making process.

"I'm happy here," Salmons said. "My agent and I will sit down after the season and talk and see what the reality of the market is and pray on it. ... I don't have any pressure and I don't have to have a great season to opt out. I have another year if I want it."

For starters: Coach Vinny Del Negro reiterated his preference to use Thomas off the bench for now. Thomas played his second game after missing seven weeks following surgery to repair a fractured radius in his left forearm.

"Nothing is permanent, but we need bench production," Del Negro said. "Tyrus can play the [small and power forward] and that gives us more versatility."

Del Negro said he would approach the situation on a game-by-game basis and that Thomas becoming a permanent reserve or returning to the starting lineup are both possible.

"Whatever's best for the team and gives us the best chance to win," Del Negro said.

T-Mac time? The Rockets granted Tracy McGrady an indefinite leave as they work to trade the disgruntled guard and his expiring $23.2 million contract. McGrady is scheduled to make Chicago his home base as he trains with Tim Grover.

Word around the league is Houston is seeking expiring contacts and a young asset. The Bulls are one of many teams to have talked generally about acquiring McGrady, but core players Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah never would be included.

Typically, asking prices drop as the February trade deadline nears.