The Chicago Bulls hit a new low in the season after melting down against the Phoenix Suns. It was ugly for the team and now they are trying to figure out what kind of adjustments need to be made in order to avoid a repeat performance. With identity an issue, players are struggling to pinpoint exactly what is wrong right now. With injuries and issues on the roster, will trades become a priority for the team this year?
"If I could put a finger on it, I wish I could," Derrick Rose said, via ESPN.com. "But I can't. I don't have an answer for that."
One the questions the Bulls have right now is their front court rotation. That has been a storyline all season as Nikola Mirotic was inserted into the lineup this year over Joakim Noah. Taj Gibson remains on the bench as the favored pairing for the center on the court. Many believe heading into the middle of the season, Gibson could be a trade target now that Mirotic is improving and Noah is coming off the bench. Gibson has certainly faced this talk before, but could this be the year the Bulls make the move as the team struggles?
According to CSN Chicago's Vincent Goodwill, the Bulls are not shopping Gibson at the moment as head coach Fred Hoiberg is confident in the personnel on the roster. However, the biggest reason Gibson might be staying put is that Noah's contract is expiring and Pau Gasol can opt out after this year. If the Bulls lose one of those players, Gibson will be needed. The Bulls cannot afford to trade him right now.
Gasol has made some comments recently that are making people believe he is ready to test the free agent market this offseason. With salary caps set to increase, Gasol could easily cash in. The center told CSN-Chicago, "As long as I keep playing like this. I know I'll have some options." With Gasol looking ready to bolt for more money and Noah potentially out as well, the Bulls cannot lose Gibson on top of it all.
Noah's season did not start off well with the Bulls as a knee injury continues to pop up. However, the center is beginning to get his "swagger" back despite coming off the bench. Looking like the spark the team needs right now, Noah could be playing his way into a new contract with the team.
"It's been very frustrating at times, but I'm blessed," Noah said, via ESPN.com. "This is an unbelievable opportunity being able to play for the Chicago Bulls. So yeah, of course -- I'm a passionate player. I get frustrated. But at the end of the day, I know that it's a blessing to play for this franchise."