The NBA trade deadline is coming up and Arron Afflalo is starting to get some attention along with names like Lance Stephenson, Wilson Chandler, Jose Calderon, Kevin Martin and Brook Lopez and a team like the Chicago Bulls could be interested in making a move, as they have Taj Gibson as a trade chip and could look at making an upgrade after the All-Star break.
Afflalo is one name getting attention at the deadline and the Bulls could be one of the teams interested in trading for him. According to ESPN.com, Ramona Shelburne reports that the Nuggets are getting calls on Afflalo from the Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers and Sacramento Kings at the deadline. The Nuggets have already trade Timofey Mozgov this season and reports have the team looking for at least a first round pick for Afflalo if they deal him, which some may think it high. The team got a pick that high for Mozgov. Afflalo is averaging over 14 points per game this season and he is making nearly $8 million in salary.
Jameer Nelson and Randy Foye are also on the trade block for the Nuggets with Wilson Chandler. The Blazers could be interested in Chandler along with the Bulls, while Kevin Martin is also a potential target for teams. The Bulls would like to add some help on the wing for the stretch run and they also may look at making a deal with Taj Gibson to get it done. The Bulls have a deep roster, but with Mike Dunleavy and Doug McDermott dealing with injuries, they could use to add some more offense to the backcourt heading into the second half of the season.
The Bulls have also reportedly had interest in Taj Gibson and that could be one player the Nuggets take if the team makes a move with Afflalo. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Gibson has been a target for the Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and LA Clippers. Gibson has been putting up solid numbers, but he is not needed as much with Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol on the roster. The team may look at trading him at the deadline, but he has two years left on his deal and that could make it difficult.
The Bulls are battling with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the central division and the team comes in after a win against the Orlando Magic and a victory over the Kings. The team has the Cavaliers next before heading into the All-Star break and they are currently leading the division over the Cavs with a 33-20 record. The team has been one of the most consistent in basketball and they have the look of a team that can make a deep run in the east.
The Bulls are ranked in the top 10 in scoring this season and that is a stark change compared to last year when they were ranked last in the league. The defense is improving after being ranked number one last season, as they are now 12th in points allowed, while Gasol has helped the team jump to third in rebounds per game.