WASHINGTON — Players and coaches weren't the only ones happy that the Jazz claimed Erik Murphy off waivers Saturday evening.

Bulls management had to be ecstatic as well.

Beyond the well-liked rookie staying in the NBA, Murphy's cap number of $490,180 comes off the Bulls' books. That would keep the Bulls out of the luxury tax even if Joakim Noah makes first-team All-NBA and earns a $500,000 bonus.

Even if other performance bonuses are met, the Bulls should be clear. As reported, if the Bulls are slightly north of the luxury-tax threshold, they have plans in place to avoid the repeater tax.

The Bulls' plan to add at least Mike James and likely Ronnie Brewer and possibly a third player remains on track. These prorated veteran-minimum salaries have been factored into the Bulls' luxury-tax situation.

Beyond the front-office ramifications, genuine happiness prevailed.

"I'm so happy for him because he works way too hard not to be in the league," Taj Gibson said. "Being a rookie on this team is tough sometimes. You really have to be patient."

Coach Tom Thibodeau revealed he fielded several calls from around the league for a scouting report on Murphy.

"A guy with that skill set is going to have a very good future in this league," Thibodeau said. "He can shoot. He's a lot tougher than people realize. He's smart. He's driven. He plays with energy every day. And those type of guys always get better."

Guarded outlook: If the Bulls face the Wizards in the playoffs, the backcourt of John Wall and Bradley Beal will be a handful.

"They're very explosive," Thibodeau said before his Bulls beat them 96-78 Saturday night. "Beal has gotten significantly better."

Musical chairs: Because the Bulls never replaced Ron Adams, it wouldn't be surprising to see either Darren Erman or Brian Scalabrine land on Thibodeau's staff next season. The Warriors fired the former for violating team policy Saturday. Scalabrine was reassigned recently over differences with coach Mark Jackson.

Thibodeau has ties to both from Boston.