NBA Trade Rumors: Which Player Can Push Chicago Bulls into Finals?

The NBA trade deadline is March 15th. By then, the Chicago Bulls might be scouring their front office for fresh legs. I hear Paxson still has a nice jumper. 

Fortunately, I believe the Bulls have enough depth to overcome the over-packed schedule. But are they good enough to beat the Heat? With LeBron James already in MVP talks, Chris Bosh learning his role and Dwyane Wade resting his sore little footsies, the Heat will likely be the favorite going into the playoffs.

Without sacrificing chemistry, there is one trade that could propel the Chicago Bulls past the Heat, and into the finals.

That’s where the Golden State Warriors come in.

Monta Ellis

Trade rumors involving Ellis to the Bulls have been going on for years. Many don’t see it happening, but this trade could be mutually beneficial for both teams. 

The Bulls are looking for the Larry O’Brien trophy this season. The Golden State Warriors are in structural planning mode. 

After drafting Washington State’s sniper Klay Thompson and trading for a quality guard in Brandon Rush in the offseason, the Warriors are in need of some tough interior defenders, in which the Bulls have a surplus. Golden State could acquire some much needed defense from Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson. 

Defensively, Golden State was third last year in giving up the most points.

This trade is simple and good for both teams. Warriors get an interior stalwart in either Noah or Gibson; shot-blockers who relentlessly defend the paint. Bulls get a talented young shooting guard to pair with the MVP. After this trade, the Bulls will add perimeter shooting without losing interior size as Omer Asik has proven he can operate under Tom Thibodeau’s scheme.Also, Richard “Rip” Hamilton is playoff-tested and has proven he can open the floor for Derrick Rose with his consistent shooting.

In a report by Chicago Tribune’s K.C. Johnson, Tom Thibodeau said:

“He fits with our team because he's unselfish and he requires you to put two on the ball.”

Still, at 34 years old, Hamilton’s health is an issue. He has missed six games already with a groin injury and is questionable in tonight’s game against the Washington Wizards. Instead of trading him, this trade can give the Bulls an upgrade at the 2 while keeping Rip as a solid backup.

Best Trade Scenario

Bulls Get: Monta Ellis

Warriors Get: Joakim Noah, draft picks

Dwight Howard has also been rumored to be on the Bulls radar. Pair him with Rose and well…let’s just say Adidas will sell a lot of shoes. However, Howard’s agent Dan Fegan has listed his preferred destinations and Chicago is not one of them.

In addition, Magic general manager Otis Smith will likely want Noah, Luol Deng, Gibson and draft picks for Superman. 

Instead of cleaning house to make room for Howard, trading Noah for Ellis would still make the Bulls a legitimate threat against the Miami Heat. 

I hope they do because they have some presidential pressure this year. A challenge was given to the Bulls by Barack Obama on Monday. 

According to Nick Friedell of ESPN.com, as Obama welcomed the Dallas Mavericks to the White House, the devoted Bulls fan said: "This was a remarkable run, a great victory," by Dallas, Obama said. "It's too bad that next year, it'll be the Chicago Bulls here."