Bulls Rumors: Warriors Rejected Jonathan Kuminga Pursuit; Alex Caruso Was Off Limits

The Chicago Bulls were inactive at the NBA trade deadline for the third straight year, and they reportedly had exploratory talks with the Golden State Warriors that didn't go very far.

Per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports, the Warriors "rebuffed" the Bulls when they inquired about including forward Jonathan Kuminga in an Alex Caruso trade. Chicago "made clear in talks with all teams that they didn't want to trade" Caruso unless it was "floored by an offer."

Caruso has long been a coveted player around the league, but the Bulls have refused to let him go. Johnson stated that Chicago would "need to be floored by an offer" to part ways with the 29-year-old and the Warriors were only shopping young pieces like third-year guard Moses Moody.

In addition to Caruso, Johnson noted that the Bulls also fielded calls on center Andre Drummond and had "some cursory conversations" about veteran shooting guard DeMar DeRozan. However, the market for both players dwindled when other deals were completed. The Philadelphia 76ers landed Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers and the Dallas Mavericks acquired center Daniel Gafford from the Washington Wizards.

Two rival executives also told Johnson that the Bulls "emphasized the desire to remain competitive" in trade discussions, so it doesn't appear that the front office is ready to commit to a rebuild just yet.

However, Chicago has some key roster decisions to make after this season. DeRozan is headed for free agency this summer. Star guard Zach LaVine, who had been in trade rumors for much of the season, is set to undergo season-ending foot surgery and his future with the team remains unclear.

At 24-27, the Bulls rank ninth in the Eastern Conference. It remains to be seen if the team will benefit from keeping the band together past the trade deadline.