The Chicago Bulls will likely make moves before the annual trade deadline next month in the hope of dethroning reigning Eastern Conference champions Cleveland Cavaliers this season.
NBA insider Rich Bucher of Bleacher Report confirmed that the Bulls are still shopping big men Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson and Pau Gasol. Bucher said that the Bulls are hoping to package a frontline player to acquire a wing man who could provide additional scoring punch to the Bulls this season.
Noah, Gibson and Gasol have played critical roles for the Bulls last season, but the recent coaching changes -- from Tom Thibodeau to Fred Hoiberg -- placed Chicago in a new direction. According to the report all three are dispensable assets because Hoiberg is determined to acquire pieces who will be a good fit to his system.
The Bulls are also pinning their hopes on rookie Bobby Portis, who is slowly getting increased playing time. By trading at least one of the three veterans who are currently on the block, the former Arkansas standout will get more opportunity to shine. In 17 games this season, the 20-year-old averaged 7.2 points and 4.8 rebounds.
Noah, who has spent his entire career in Chicago, was given a bench role this season after starting in majority of their games since his rookie year. The All-Star center is averaging just 21.9 minutes per game and is playing limited role this season, which makes most analysts believe that the Bulls will eventually part ways with Noah.
But while he has been mentioned in numerous trade rumors and also admitted that he is not comfortable with his current role, Noah insisted that he is still committed to Chicago.
"I want to play all the time. I think any competitor does. I've said that all along," Noah told Chicago Tribune. "But this role won't change my commitment to the team. I've never been about anything but winning and the team."
It should also be noted that the Bulls will have a hard time finding a taker for Noah because he will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Gasol will also likely spend the entire season in Chicago because he could also become a free agent in the offseason.
According to Hoops Rumors, Gibson, who is averaging 7.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per game this season, holds the most value among the three big men. The report pointed out that the Bulls will have to part ways with the 30-year-old power forward if they want to acquire a high-quality wing man before the deadline on Feb. 18.
