The Minnesota Timberwolves have acquired another former Bull under head coach Tom Thibodeau in Luol Deng. This now makes four former Bulls on the current roster and seventh overall since Thibodeau took over in Minnesota, including Taj Gibson, Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler, providing some veteran leadership for a young Wolves core.

Paul, however, doesn’t expect for these veterans to recreate the elite defensive lineup they once were in Chicago, and he compared this situation to when Doc Rivers brought him to the Clippers.

“I understand what (Thibodeau) is trying to do,” Pierce said. “But, those players are past their prime. This was the team he had in Chicago that was a top defensive team. They won’t be that in Minnesota.”