The Chicago Bulls have been one of the best teams in the NBA this season, but if they lose players like Derrick Rose, Taj Gibson or Pau Gasol to injuries, they could look at making a trade at the trading deadline and names like Reggie Jackson, Gerald Green, Brook Lopez, Roy Hibbert or David West could be potential targets for them and other contenders.
The Bulls are in first place in the central division this season with a 25-10 record and they have been as impressive as anyone in the east. The team has strong wins against some of the best teams in the league, including over the Rockets and right now they look like the division champs over the Bucks and Cavaliers. Cleveland will improve after the trade they made with the Knicks and Thunder, but having LeBron James out will be tough to overcome.
Monroe has been mentioned as a trade target for teams, but the Bulls likely will not give up top draft picks for him, as he is heading into free agency. According to Pro Basketball Talk, Monroe is not asking to be traded by the Pistons, but if certain deals come up he will consider giving the team permission. Monroe signed a one year qualifying offer and has the power to stop a trade if he wants.
Pau Gasol has been powering the team and he had 46 points and 18 rebounds in the matchup with the Bucks and he has been one reason why the team is in first place. Derrick Rose has been in and out of the lineup at times this season and while it's mostly to keep him fresh, the Bulls know that there is always a chance he could go down with a serious injury again. Rose has been playing well when he is on the court and he scored 19 points on Friday night against the Wizards, but the Bulls want to be careful using him after two
The Bulls have a six game lead in the division standings now and that could be enough to keep them ahead for the rest of the season. The Bulls have been as consistent as anyone in the league and they are ranked seventh in points per game and 13th in points allowed this season. The team is also third in rebounding and 13th in assists per game and so far Rose has been able to make it through the season without any major injuries.
The team is better prepared to deal with a Rose injury this season because of the emergence of Jimmy Butler, but there is a chance they could make a deal anyway. Butler comes in averaging 21 points per game and he is the favorite to win most improved player this season and he is also one of the leaders in minutes played per game. Butler led the team to a win over the Rockets and added 22 points and his play could put the Bulls over the top this season. The Bulls are one of the favorites in the east and if Rose stays healthy, they could win a championship.
