As their Eastern Conference rivals made bold moves this offseason, the Chicago Bulls' biggest story was the reported rift between Tom Thibodeau and Gar Forman.

Forman let Thibodeau's top assistant coach, Ron Adams, go this offseason. Adams was Thibodeau's right hand man.

Thibodeau insists his relationship with Forman is fine.

But at least one source feels that would change if Luol Deng is traded or allowed to walk into free agency without an extension next summer.

“Ask Tom how important he thinks Luol is,’’ the source said. “How happy do you think he would be with that decision?’’

Thibodeau has frequently insisted that Deng is the glue of the Bulls.

The Bulls notified Deng's agent recently that they are no longer interested in keeping extension talks open.