HoopsHype.com Rumors

John Lucas III has kept up with the rehabilitation of Derrick Rose, his former Chicago Bulls teammate and close friend. In Lucas’ mind, Rose could return from his torn ACL as dominant as Adrian Peterson did for the Minnesota Vikings this NFL past season. “I think he might come back better than AP,” Lucas told RealGM. Ultimately, Lucas is hoping for Rose to make a full recovery, both physically and mentally. When Rose does come back, however, Lucas is confident in the 2011 NBA MVP being a better all-around player – with elevated athleticism. RealGM

Chicago Bulls, Derrick Rose, Injuries, John Lucas III 

Shams Charania: Raptors appear close to landing Sebastian Telfair, who'll provide depth but isn't expected to immediately supplant John Lucas III as backup. Twitter @ShamsCharania

Phoenix Suns, Toronto Raptors, Sebastian Telfair, John Lucas III, Trae 

ESPN.com's Marc Stein first reported the talks, which a source told the Tribune were initiated by the Bulls and initially dismissed because of the Raptors' desire to land the Lakers' Pau Gasol. Though talks are not currently active, a source said the Raptors know the trade is available and could expand to include Nate Robinson and John Lucas III. Another source suggested it's unlikely the Raptors would take on Boozer's contract, which has $9.1 million more than Bargnani's over the next two seasons. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Trade, Carlos Boozer, Nate Robinson, Andrea Bargnani, John Lucas III 

Lucas has kept in regular contact with Rose, checking on his rehab from surgery in May to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. “Knowing him, probably at the All-Star break, though it might be into the next month, March, but I just want him to come back 100 percent because the game needs him,’’ Lucas said. “Not just the Bulls, but the NBA as a whole needs him, too.’’ Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, Derrick Rose, Injuries, John Lucas III 

Ryan Wolstat: Source confirms John Lucas III to Raptors report from Marc Stein/ESPN Twitter

Toronto Raptors, John Lucas III 

The next Heat target in free agency could be point guard John Lucas III. His agent, Bernie Lee, said he will talk to Heat president Pat Riley when the two are both soon in Las Vegas. "We’ve agreed that we’re going to talk at the summer league in Las Vegas,’’ Lee said. “You definitely listen if it’s Miami.’’ Yes, that would be the same John Lucas III who LeBron James hurdled for a dunk in a January game and clobbered while setting a pick in an April game. Sulia

Miami Heat, Free Agency, John Lucas III 

Besides Miami and Chicago, where he played last season, other teams looking at John Lucas III are Washington, Boston, Minnesota and Toronto. The Wizards, Celtics and Timberwolves all have offered more than the veteran minimum. Sulia

Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards, Free Agency, John Lucas III 

Michael Lee: #wizards have reached out to Cartier Martin, Roger Mason Jr., James Singleton, Maurice Evans, John Lucas III & Kirk Hinrich, among others Twitter

Washington Wizards, Free Agency, Kirk Hinrich, Roger Mason, Cartier Martin, John Lucas, James Singleton, John Lucas III, Maurice Evans 

The Bulls also were in discussions to re-sign John Lucas III for a veteran's minimum, sources said. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, John Lucas III 

The Bulls have given no official word to the camps of Brewer, C.J. Watson or Kyle Korver regarding their team options, which carry a July 10 deadline. But management has given signs they are pursuing less expensive options, discussing internally the prospect of re-signing John Lucas III as an alternative to Watson. A draft pick also could plug the point-guard hole until Rose returns from knee surgery. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Free Agency, Draft, John Lucas, John Lucas III 

Bernie Lee: Happy to announce that Client John Lucas III has signed an endorsement deal to join the Nike Basketball family! Twitter

Sneakers, John Lucas III 

They must decide whether to exercise their $1.73 million team option on starting shooting guard Keith Bogans, while Jannero Pargo's team option won't be picked up and John Lucas III is on a fully non-guaranteed deal. Chicago Tribune

Chicago Bulls, Keith Bogans, Jannero Pargo, John Lucas III 

The Chicago Bulls have not yet officially ruled Derrick Rose out of Friday's game in Denver because of neck spasms, but they are preparing to sign another point guard. A source with knowledge of the Bulls' plans told ESPN.com that Chicago is flying point guard John Lucas III to Denver and hope to sign him in time for the 9 p.m. ET game against the Nuggets. Released by Chicago in final cuts before opening night in late October, Lucas boarded a Denver-bound flight in Houston on Friday afternoon to go meet the Bulls, according to the source. ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls, Free Agency, John Lucas III 

The Chicago Bulls have invited guard John Lucas III to training camp with a partially guaranteed one-year contract, according to sources close to the situation. After spending last season in China playing for the Yao Ming-owned Shanghai Sharks, Lucas starred for Chicago's summer-league team in July and was described at the time by new Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau as an "ideal" choice to serve as a third point guard behind Derrick Rose and C.J. Watson. ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls, John Lucas III 

The contract might not be signed until closer to the start of camp later this month, sources said, so the Bulls can retain roster flexibility in case a trade materializes in the next few weeks that would necessitate the use of the roster spot earmarked for Lucas. ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls, John Lucas III 

But Lucas, sources said, has been invited to camp with the idea that he can make Chicago's opening night roster. Lucas' one-year deal for the league minimum would become fully guaranteed if the 28-year-old can stay on the Bulls' roster past Jan. 10. The Bulls currently have 12 players under contract for 2010-11 and remain interested in adding another quality shooter. ESPN.com

Chicago Bulls, John Lucas III