The Chicago Bulls are heading into the end of December as one of the best teams in the NBA, but if Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson deal with significant injuries this season, the team could look at trade deals with names like Greg Monroe, Roy Hibbert, Gerald Green, David West, George Hill, Brook Lopez, Jeff Green and Joe Johnson as potential targets at the deadline.
The Bulls have a strong roster, but with Doug McDermott out for the immediate future and Joakim Noah dealing with some lingering knee issues, trades could be on the way closer to the deadline. According to Marc Stein at ESPN.com, nothing is imminent for the Bulls at this time, but later in the season they could consider making moves depending on the recovery time of injured players. The team prepared for the potential loss of Derrick Rose by signing Aaron Brooks and trading for McDermott, but so far he has been able to stay healthy.
Gibson has dealt with injuries and over a recent stretch Noah has been out and if he continues to deal with knee and ankle problems, the Bulls could pull the trigger on something. Noah is one of the best defensive players in the NBA and along with Gasol and Gibson he gives the Bulls a strong frontcourt. If either of those players goes down with a serious injury, the Bulls could pick up on trade talks with teams, as names like Monroe, Hibbert, West and Lopez could be available. The Bulls will not give up a first round pick for Monroe, which is what the Pistons are asking for, but there could be better deals out there as well.
The nets have made Lopez and Joe Johnson available in trades, but they have decent contracts and could be hard to move. David West and Roy Hibbert could be moved if the Pacers sell, as they are way under .500 right now after getting off to a slow start. The Pistons should hang on to Monroe since they are asking for a first round pick for him and teams are unlikely to give up that for a player heading into free agency.
Gerald Green, George Hill and Dion Waiters have also been mentioned in trade talks and they are potential targets for the Bulls if they make a move. The team wants to improve on defense, as they are ranked 12th in the league in points allowed per game after being first last season. The offense has been vastly improved, as the team is ranked 13th after being 30th last season and a trade deal could help in both areas.
The Bulls come into the week at 15-9 on the season and they play against the NY Knicks next and that will be at home on Thursday. The team lost to the Hawks last and after the Knicks they play one of the best teams in the league in a road matchup with the Grizzlies. Rose has been playing well this season after coming back from two years of injury issues, while Jimmy Butler has stepped up and turned into a reliable star. Butler has been playing extended minutes and is leading the team in scoring with 20 points per game.
