The Chicago Bulls are close to signing Jimmer Fredette, according to sources.

A deal is not complete but there is serious mutual interest between both sides.

Fredette received a buyout of his contract from the Sacramento Kings on Thursday.

Ben Gordon and the Charlotte Bobcats continue dialogue on a buyout.

The Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Clippers and Houston Rockets are pitching two-year deals with a team option for 14-15. Gordon would prefer a deal that does not impact his free agency.

Danny Granger is having phone conversations on Thursday with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls.

Granger is expected to sign with the Clippers or Spurs, according to most reports.

Granger agreed to a buyout with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Carmelo Anthony will be a free agent this offseason and was asked on Thursday how the New York Knicks' disappointing 13-14 season will factor into his decision.

"A lot of things are going to be thought about when that time comes," said Anthony. "Off the court, on the court, just a lot of things going to have to be put all on the table."

Anthony's preference appears to be to stay in New York, a city he and his family enjoy living in. The Knicks also can pay Anthony significantly more money than any other team. 

Anthony could potentially sign for less money while joining a team that has a better chance to compete for a title. The Knicks are hoping to re-sign Anthony with the idea that they will be able to improve the roster with cap space in 2015. Anthony will be 32 and in his 15 season to begin the 15-16 season.

Anthony, however, did say that whether or not the Knicks make the playoffs won't specifically impact the decision. 

Caron Butler and the Milwaukee Bucks have reached agreement on a buyout.

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Miami Heat are the frontrunners to sign Butler. The Thunder have stopped trying to recruit Danny Granger, which could mean they are confident in their pursuit of Butler. Oklahoma City could slide Kevin Durant to power forward with Butler at small forward in some lineup combinations.

The Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs are also interested in Butler.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Danny Granger are expected to finish their buyout agreement on Wednesday.

The Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs are expected to be considered by Granger.

Many have speculated about the future of Tom Thibodeau with the Chicago Bulls due to reported discord in his relationship with the front office and purported interest from other teams such as the New York Knicks.

"I'm with a team that I love. I'm not sure why that'd be a question," said Thibodeau when asked on Monday. "I'm under contract. I'm planning on being here."

The Bulls entered Sunday's action with the best record in the Eastern Conference since the start of 2014.

The Philadelphia 76ers and Danny Granger have been in discussions on a contract buyout and sources tells RealGM that management has given their complete cooperation.

Granger was traded by the Indiana Pacers to the 76ers at the deadline for Evan Turner and Lavoy Allen.

Should Granger receive a buyout, sources tell RealGM that he will likely decide between the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks.

Granger will be an unrestricted free agent in the offseason.

The Chicago Bulls will sign Jarvis Varnado to a 10-day contract.

Varnado worked out for the Bulls in Chicago on Monday and is expected to travel for the team's game at the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.

Varnado is averaging 14 points, 11 rebounds and 4.7 blocks per game for the Iowa Energy of the D-League.

Joakim Noah has had great individual success, making another All-Star Game, despite a trying season in which Derrick Rose was lost to injury and the Chicago Bulls made a financial move in trading away close teammate Luol Deng.

Noah remains optimistic of the Bulls chances of one day winning a title with him and Rose as the core pieces.

‘‘My ultimate goal is to win a championship,’’ he said. ‘‘I believe we’re going to win a championship in Chicago — and I want to win it with Derrick Rose. That’s the ultimate goal, and I’m going to do everything I can to put us in a position to play in those big games. And when our time will come, whenever that is, it’ll be the best party in the world.’’

Noah, Tom Thibodeau and company continue to exceed expectations.

‘‘I think we’re the hardest-working team in the NBA, on the court or off the court. The way we practice. The way we carry ourselves. I’m proud that we have that identity — when you play the Chicago Bulls, we’re crackin’. We’re going to the offensive glass every time. We’re playing defense. We’re the first to the floor. I’m proud to be a part of that.’’