Thaddeus Young addressed a recent report from the Chicago Sun-Times claiming he is “not thrilled” with his role with the Chicago Bulls and would be willing to ask for a trade if it continues that way.
Young, who signed a three-year, $41 million deal this summer to play for Chicago, was quick to note he wants more playing time, but won't let them get in the way of the team.
“Everybody wants to play 30-40 minutes a game,” he said, according to Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. “Everybody wants to play especially when they feel like they can help the team. Whatever coach sees fit to do, I’m falling in line and I’m rolling with it.”
There might be truth to both stories, as Young's minutes have taken a massive dip from the 30.7 he averaged as a member of the Indiana Pacers to the 21.6 he's receiving under Jim Boylen with the Bulls.
The veteran forward hasn't made any of these grievances public, though the report claims one of the sources pointing to his unhappiness includes one of his own teammates.
“Of course,’’ Young said when asked about wanting to be on the floor in the final minutes. “I’ve been closing for years. But like I said, if Coach decides to go with a different unit, different guys, then I have to go with that and try and be one of the guys that’s ready to go when my number is called.’’
Boylen has struggled to find the right combination after Otto Porter Jr. went down with a foot injury, which has left his role in limbo. Young's role with the team has rapidly diminished to no fault of his own.