The Chicago Bulls, despite all the coaching change and the injuries that gutted their lineup the past few months, are still very much in contention for at least one of the top four spots in the Eastern Conference.
The rise of Jimmy Butler as a perennial All-Star and the new leader of the team is a big reason behind the Bulls' solid campaign. Derrick Rose has also shown flashes of his old dynamic self this season, slowly beginning to exhibit the kind of game he had pre-injury. Together, they formed one of the most explosive backcourt duos in the league and the backbone of the Bulls offense.
Still, making the playoffs aren't enough by Bulls' standard. For the last five years, the Bulls have identified themselves as legit title contenders, yet falling short in the playoffs over and over again.
To make things clear, the Bulls are still in position to pull off a surprise run comes playoff time. However, their championship window is closing fast with Pau Gasol not getting any younger and the injured Joakim Noah hitting free-agency at the end of the season.
If they really want to win a title, the Bulls should start making their moves right now at the time where several star players being monitored as potential trade candidates. Or maybe not?
Here are the latest rumors for the Bulls:
Blake Griffin trade to Bulls?: What can I say to this? Absurd. Sportrageous teased a potential trade between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Bulls involving Blake Griffin, Taj Gibson and Gasol.
While the 35-year old Gasol (16.9 ppg, 10.9 rpg and 2.0 bpg) and 30-year old Gibson (8.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.1) are still producing great numbers this season, they are simply not the kind of players the Clippers would want to get in exchange for the 26-year old Griffin (23.2 ppg and 8.7 rpg). Doc Rivers would be crucified by his boss, if he ever accepts this deal.
Fact or Fiction: I say fiction with a factuality meter of 10 percent. The Clippers want no one but Kevin Durant as compensation if they ever let Griffin walk away. In short, forget this trade to ever happen.
Derrick Rose to Brooklyn Nets rumors: ESPN Insider writer Bradford Dolittle hinted about a trade that would send Derrick Rose to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Joe Johnson.
Crazy right? Yes it is. Rose might never recapture the same explosiveness and athleticism he had in his MVP days, but the kid is doing well in his new role as the Robin to Butler's batman.
And my God, Johnson is way past his prime. He couldn't even help the Nets win enough ballgame to stay in playoff contention. If this is all about cutting the payroll, then why trade Rose? Noah has sizable expiring contract at $13M. He can be a nice trade bait for the Bulls.
Fact or Fiction: It's fiction my friends. No way, the Bulls front-office would trade rose for Johnson just because they want to make trades. Let's give D-Rose a break. I think he's doing really fine this season by keeping himself healthy and productive for the Bulls.
Joakim Noah-Roy Hibbert swap: You know what out the trade rumors mentioned, this one really makes sense. Although there's nothing much to say about the source of this rumor, Noah to Lakers seems to be an ideal deal for both teams.
The Lakers, with their season turning into a Kobe Bryant farewell tour showcase, are looking to unload their salaries as they prepare for this summer's free-agency shopping. The Bulls, meanwhile, are in search for a solid rim protector following Noah's season-ending injury.
Fact or Fiction: Both in expiring contracts, an injured Noah going to Lakers and an unmotivated Hibbert to Bulls might be an enticing proposal both teams should give consideration. I say fiction for now mainly because there's still no report coming from a legit source. But hey, this one is quite interesting.