The Chicago Bulls entered a tough situation this season when they didn't sign Luol Deng to an extension and now that Derrick Rose is out for the season, the team is likely to start considering deals for the forward and some options may include the Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, 76ers and with the Bulls shoping Deng and the Cavs dangling Dion Waiters, he is a name that has come up and the team could be looking to deal soon.
Deng is leading the team in scoring with Rose going down and one reason he could be moved is the fact that he has an expiring contract and while he is getting paid a hefty $14.2 million, that could be a price some teams are willing to pay to use him to make a playoff run. The Bulls are now going to have to decide if they want to try and make a run like they did last season without Rose and lose Deng possibly for nothing in free agency, or they could try to trade him for picks or a younger player from someone looking to make a run themselves. Rose's future is up in the air after suffering another injury to his knee that will need surgery and if they do decide to trade him, the team should have a number of teams interested.
The Cavaliers feel that they have enough talent to make a run at the playoffs in the eastern conference, but to actually get there the team may have to get a push from a player like Deng. Kyrie Irving is obviously great, but once again the supporting cast leaves something to be desired and they are a team that could consider a deal, as they have the luxury tax space to make a move and they may feel that this is the right spot for them to do it. The Cavs have enough young talent to move and draft picks to make a move, but they have to decide whether they want to mortage young talent for this season. Tyler Zeller is an interesting option and Anthony Bennett is likely out of the question even with his tough start.
The Pelicans have already made moves this offseason and have been rumored in deals with the Houston Rockets for someone like Ryan Anderson, but that hasn't picked up steam and perhaps a deal for Deng could be an option. Eric Gordon is always mentioned in trade talks and he could be someone that moves and he could end up making up for the loss of Rose if the Bulls want to walk down that path. The Pelicans already brought over Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday in the offseason and the team has been off to a better start than last year. Either way, the Bulls have some decisions to make.
