The Portland Trail Blazers are rumored to be closing in on Chicago Bulls PG Kirk Hinrich. After the Bulls selected Derrick Rose with the No. 1 pick last season Hinrich was relegated to backup duty and spot starting. 

A trade makes sense because Hinrich makes around $9 million in annual salary, far too much for a backup PG. The Blazers would get an upgrade at PG who meshes well with All Star Brandon Roy.

Hinrich is also a terrific defender, something the Blazers have lacked at the PG position in recent memory.

It is unclear what the Bulls seek in return for Hinrich. The expiring bloated contract of C/F Raef LaFrentz is awfully appealing, as they could turn around and pair their franchise player Derrick Rose with someone from the highly anticipated Free Agent summer of 2010.