Most NBA analysts are expecting changes to the roster of the Chicago Bulls. It is unclear exactly how severe those changes will be, but with a new coaching staff taking shape, not everyone will be sticking around for 2015. It has already been well documented that Jimmy Butler will have the opportunity to leave, but could Derrick Rose be on his way out as well?
LatinoPost.com is reporting that Rose could be on the move this offseason if the Bulls are looking to clear salary cap space. First and foremost, this was merely a suggestion by LatinoPost.com as there is no true confirmation that the Bulls are shopping the former MVP this offseason. Trade rumors have circled Rose's name before. The point guard's injury history has been well documented as many have begun to wonder if he really is worth keeping on the pay roll. Rose ended the season healthy last year, but with Butler ready to cash in will Rose be the player left out?
The point guard has two years left on a five-year, $41 million contract. Butler wants a max contract and nothing less. If the Bulls do not meet him on those demands, someone else will. ESPN.com has already reported that the Los Angeles Lakers have a contract with Butler's name on it and they will not be the only ones. The question is just how much of a priority is it for the Bulls to keep Butler. There have been reports of tension between him and Rose as Butler developed into a star in the point guard's absence. Is it bad enough to leave Chicago to pick between the two players?
According to the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls are tossing around the idea of trading Joakim Noah in order to help create space for Butler. It is no secret the center struggled in the 2014-15 season as injuries were a factor. He is entering the final year of his contract and set to earn $13 million. Joe Cowley of the Sun Times reported that while most believe Taj Gibson is the player traded this year, if Noah has the better market, he will be the one out. Does Rose have the best market of all?
Losing Butler would be a big blow for Chicago. He has proven he can put the team on his back when necessary and given Rose is never a guarantee to be at full health, having Butler is critical. Rose is the face of the franchise and if he were actually up for trades, he would not come cheap. However, with the point guard now healthy entering next year a decision on a trade will not be an easy one to make.