Chicago Bulls Trade Rumors: Latest Updates Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls are off to a great start to the 2012 season. At 29-8, the Bulls have the second-best record in the Eastern Conference.

But questions still remain.

Mainly, even though the Bulls are playing at a very high level, do they have enough to knock off the Miami Heat to win the East?

If the answer is no to that, the Bulls could be looking to add a piece by the March 15 trade deadline.

With that in mind, here's a look at the latest news and rumors surrounding the Chicago Bulls and their push for an NBA championship.

Pau Gasol

ESPN's Chris Broussard reports that while the Bulls like their current team, they have some doubts about being able to beat Miami in the playoffs without making one more move.

The report indicates the Bulls would be willing to include Carlos Boozer in an attempt to acquire the Lakers forward.

Carlos Boozer

While it was Rose who, as it was reported, initially suggested dealing Boozer for Gasol, there's no way Los Angeles takes the former Duke product in any proposed deal.

Rose claimed the report was false, but either way, there's no chance of the Lakers taking back Boozer in a Gasol trade.

Sam Smith of Bulls.com also adds that, if the Bulls don't trade Boozer, he won't be a candidate to be amnestied next season or any time after that.

Luol Deng

Broussard also states that the Lakers would want Luol Deng in any deal for Gasol, but as soon as they bring up Deng's name, it's a deal-breaker for the Bulls.

The Bulls will be as quick to say no to dealing Deng, fresh off his first All-Star game, as the Lakers will be quick to saying no to Boozer.

Therefore, there's very little chance that the Bulls can make a run at Gasol.

Monta Ellis

Tim Kawakami, Mercury News sports columnist, says that Monta Ellis for Deng works for both teams and that there are people on both sides that like it, but the Bulls quickly declined the offer.

Ellis also hinted at the fact that the Bulls are one of three teams he would like to play for, but there's no real viable situation where Chicago could make a realistic play for the shooting guard.

Deng isn't going anywhere anytime soon.