Derrick Rose has looked closer to his MVP form recently, but is he still part of Chicago's long-term plans?
The Bulls are practically out of the playoffs and a recent loss to the lowly Orlando Magic had their fans losing hope, at least for this season.
The general sentiment was caught well by Jay Patt of Blog A Bull when he pointed out that it's "hard to care" about the Bulls at this time as the team is a mess and "primed for change."
The team lost their identity when they fired coach Tom Thibodeau and eventually, when Joakim Noah was out for the season. Although the team battled injuries all season long, they don't get a pass for how the players on the floor actually lacked effort and even desire to win.
There are also questions about Jimmy Butler's leadership. "The newly christened star player, who I've defended a lot, has become a corny diva who's trying to figure out how to lead."
However, despite the criticism on Butler, the Bulls have tied their future with him. There are also some quarters who suggest that Butler could be a better leader if he had free reign over the team. The implication is that Derrick Rose has to go.
But Rose has been playing well of late. Since the All-Star break, Rose has become the team's leading scorer (with Butler getting injured). The former MVP is averaging 20.7 points and 4.9 assists while shooting on a 52.8 percent clip from the floor, not to mention almost 50% on his three point shots.
Will that make the Bulls consider trading Butler instead? Probably not, as Rose will become a free agent at the end of the 2017 season. The Bulls have endured too much of his injuries all throughout his past contract to consider taking another risk on him.
Also, since Butler is signed long-term, the dilemma of having them play together still remains, as Pippen Ain't Easy points out, new coach Fred Hoiberg may not get it all together.
"Jimmy Butler and Rose must learn how to coexist offensively, and it will be on Hoiberg to figure out that dynamic. This is a tough job, and that is why NBA coaches are paid so handsomely," PAE's Dave Daniels said.
What Rose's MVP numbers could provide is a trade possibility. There were numerous Derrick Rose trade scenarios during the season, but teams needed to see if Rose was worth it. With his huge contract, Rose was almost untradeable.
This summer, the situation is much different. He has proven he can play and contribute. Also, his huge contract is now expiring. With the rise in the salary cap, more teams would be able to absorb his $ 21 million paycheck.
Finally, there are numerous teams on the hunt for a free agent point guard but the market is limited. Teams like the New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets would be more open to taking a risk on Rose, as he is still a legitimate big name in the league.