The Chicago Bulls are toying with the idea of whether or not to get involved at the trade deadline with it just weeks away. While the roster can compete into the playoffs, they are not made yet for a championship considering the inconsistency that has plagued the group in recent weeks. Pau Gasol is at the center of the talks heading into the trade deadline and the Bulls' intentions for his future will play a big role in what happens with the forward.
Gasol told the Chicago Tribune that he intends to opt out of his contract at the end of the season and capitalize on the growing salary caps in the league. That has brought trade rumors around the veteran which were denied by the Bulls stating they intended to retain Gasol for the future. Now that might not be the case.
According to KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune, the Bulls are not likely to keep Gasol when he opts out of his deal simply because of contract demands. Johnson reports that while the Bulls would like to retain Gasol, they are going to be very picky about how much money they offer the veteran. They will likely place one offer on the table and it is up to Gasol to determine whether or not he returns.
Right now, the Bulls cannot afford to trade Gasol. With Joakim Noah injured, the team has to keep the forward who is currently averaging 16.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game. The same can be said for Taj Gibson who has been a trade target heading into the deadline. However, the future is uncertain for the team. If the Bulls do not finish strong in the playoffs, tearing down the roster and rebuilding with youth could be the intended move.
The Bulls have flexibility in the future because of Jimmy Butler who is clearly ready to take over a franchise. ESPN.com has previously reported that Derrick Rose likes the idea of testing the free agent market in 2017 leaving Butler as the new face of Chicago. Johnson reports the Bulls also believe they have a rising star in Bobby Portis and Doug McDermott along with Nikola Mirotic. Another first-round pick could bring the Bulls one more star and the team would have no problem moving on from the likes of Gasol, Noah and potentially Rose.
Chicago is currently sitting in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. They are poised to make the playoffs, but their current roster can only take them so far. The issue is the Bulls lack trade assets after the injury to Noah so they cannot get involved at the deadline to improve. Everything will have to wait until the offseason.
