When healthy, Derrick Rose could be the best point guard in the NBA. The only issue is that he has not been healthy for two years. The face of the Chicago Bulls has barely stepped onto the court thanks to back-to-back knee injuries and it has left the team fighting their way through the Eastern Conference. As the team attempts to once again build a roster that can compete with the Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers, is Rose's lingering health issues hurting recruiting?
There is growing concern that Rose's knees are holding the Bulls back from getting top free agents this offseason. There is no question that Rose can be the center piece of a championship team, but no one knows what to expect from him once he gets on the court. The point guard plans on playing with Team USA in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, but that will not come soon enough for Rose to prove that he is healthy.
The Bulls have their eyes on both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James hoping to land one if not both players. A roster of Rose and Joakim Noah along with those two is certainly very enticing. However, take Rose out of the equation and the Bulls become a lot less interesting for either player. Rose creates a championship team which is what both Anthony and James are looking. The Bulls have a solid corps of coaches and front office people to represent a stable franchise, but Rose's uncertain health will likely play the biggest part in how much interest free agents show in Chicago.
In order to get marquee free agents, the Bulls must create some cap space. It has been reported for months that this will come in the form of a trade, release or amnesty of Carlos Boozer. The big man is not attracting much trade interest since he was put on the market during the mid-season deadline. That likely will not change, forcing Chicago to use their amnesty clause.
One move that is not an option is trading Joakim Noah. According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the Bulls are not entertaining any offers for the defensive star. The Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics have both been linked to Noah, but the Bulls are not getting rid of him. Noah is one of the key pieces to the championship potential of the Bulls and they will use him to attract other players.
Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson appear to be on the trade block over Noah. According to ESPN, the Bulls have offered up both players in exchange for Kevin Love. The Minnesota Timberwolves have yet to confirm whether or not Love is available, but the Bulls have made the offer regardless.