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NBA Trade Rumors: Trade Priorities For All 30 Teams

By Aaron Ferguson

Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) runs up the court against the Phoenix Suns in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is loaded onto a cart after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) is loaded onto a cart after a play in the second quarter against the Denver Nuggets at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Chicago Bulls

There may not be a more perfect description of the current state of the Chicago Bulls than Jimmy Butler being carted off the court. Butler is the backbone of the Bulls and even with him, they’ve been mediocre this season. Fortunately, mediocre is good enough to contend for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this season, but it may not be in Chicago’s best interest.

The Bulls were thought to be championship contenders and were projected to finish near the top of the Eastern Conference, but injuries and lack of production has led to a disappointing season. With Pau Gasol’s contract non-guaranteed for the 2016-17 season, it’s best that the Bulls look to trade him. In fact, people around the league don’t believe Gasol will stay with the Bulls beyond the trade deadline, according to NBCSports.com.

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Lakers steal Bulls last chance at a free agency splash
Lakers steal Bulls last chance at a free agency splash /

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    • Gasol, backup point guard Aaron Brooks and power forward Taj Gibson are the most likely trade candidates on the Bulls. Brooks’ contract will expire following this season and he could help a contending team off the bench. Gibson is signed through the 2016-17 season and could start or come off the bench for a team in need of a two-way power forward.

    With a small market for power forwards, Gibson could bring in a nice return for the Bulls, who should look to re-tool as opposed to rebuild. With Horford reportedly available, Gasol may be more valuable to a contending team since he has a player option and Horford is expiring after the season. Both are good two-way centers, but the potential of an extra year could entice teams to contact the Bulls first.

    Butler will miss 3-4 weeks with a knee injury suffered on Feb. 5 against the Nuggets, according to USA Today. Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has battled knee injuries ever since he won the prestigious award in the 2010-11 season. He has one year left on his deal and will likely be another trade candidate in the offseason. Former Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah is out for the season and has his contract expiring after this season. It’s best for the Bulls to begin moving on and acquire assets to retool this season.

    Next: Define The Problem