There has been a lot of speculation regarding what the future of Derrick Rose looks like with the Chicago Bulls. As the point guard continues to heal from his third major knee surgery, rumors have been flying that the Bulls would like to trade Rose, but his contract makes the market slim. However, Rose can put most of that speculation to rest as he prepares to return to the court just in time for the postseason.
According to ESPN's Lisa Salters, Rose is preparing to return to the court in at least a week which comes right before Chicago prepares to enter the playoffs. The point guard was expected to miss the remainder of the season after his third knee surgery, but Rose's rehab went well and he stresses his readiness to get back to playing.
"If anything, I'm just trying to get my mental [approach] together so when I come back it won't be like my previous times," Rose said, via ESPN.com. "I think I was away from the game too long [during] previous injuries, and with me missing five, six, seven weeks now, I think that my return is about to be [smoother]. I'm playing all right. For a guy that missed two years, coming back and just being able to be with these guys and still being on the game plan. What do you know, missed two years and still be on the game plan ... the team is preparing for you? I'm just grateful for that. I'm grateful to still be able to play this game."
If Rose can come back and catapult the Bulls into a deep playoff run, any talk of a trade will be ignored. However, right now, there is the speculation. According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls want to trade Rose, but no team will take on his contract and injury history. The point guard has suffered three season-ending knee injuries since 2012, but still has two years left on his contract worth $20 million and $21.3 million. No team will pick that up unless Rose proves he is healthy and competitive.
If the Bulls must trade someone in order to make other contracts work, Taj Gibson is likely the odd man out. According to ESPNChicago.com, the Bulls continue to favor a rotation with Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic, leaving Gibson on the bench getting less and less minutes. The power forward still holds plenty of value in the league and would have many suitors if available.
The Bulls have a big offseason ahead of them which will be highlighted by the potential max contract due to Jimmy Butler. As Mirotic continues to prove himself a valuable and talented asset for Chicago, the Bulls could push a Gibson deal instead.