NBA Trade Deadline: No Need for the Chicago Bulls to Acquire a 2-Guard

Rip Hamilton's continued bout with injuries is nerve-wracking for any Bulls fan. Is the 34-year old reliable enough to hold up for the stretch run and the grind of the playoffs? If so, will he even produce?

Those are viable questions to consider as the season unfolds. They are particularly pressing as the trade deadline approaches. Is it time for the Bulls to seek an upgrade at the two-guard spot, at least somebody who is in uniform regularly?

The thought of making a trade sounds splendid to Chicago fans, but the reality of it is not promising. Here is a list of potential options, but there are downsides to just about every candidate.

1. Stephen Jackson: He's only one year younger than Rip and carries a bevy of concerns. Will he play defense? Will he accept a marginal role off the bench? It would probably take trading Taj Gibson and more to acquire Captain Jack. Jackson also comes with a couple of years left on his hefty contract. No thanks.

2. Jamal Crawford: He can light it up, but he is not worth adding if Portland wants Gibson or Omer Asik in return. If Chicago could acquire him for C.J. Watson and Jimmy Butler, then that is something to consider, but the Trail Blazers will ask for more.

3. Ray Allen: Allen appears to be a stellar fit, but like Jackson, his contract situation presents challenges. The Eastern Conference-leading Bulls aren't going to cast away numerous young pieces to land the 36-year old Allen.

4. Courtney Lee: A much more financially reasonable option, but what does Lee bring that Ronnie Brewer doesn't?

5. Nick Young: Young might be the most enticing option, because his contract isn't overly bearing and he's averaging 16.8 points per game, albeit for the lowly Wizards. However, what's the asking price? If the price is Gibson or Asik, then the Bulls shouldn't pull the trigger.

6. Kevin Martin: A versatile scorer? No doubt. But Martin's another option whose contract crosses him off the list.

7. Monta Ellis: Ellis is the best player on this list, but the Warriors will most likely ask for Luol Deng. If not Deng, then a package that would most likely feature Gibson, Watson and Ronnie Brewer. Neither deal improves the Bulls greatly.

8. O.J. Mayo: Mayo is a realistic and alluring option, but he will undoubtedly cost Gibson or Asik. The Grizzlies are loaded in their front court, so they most likely wouldn't desire one of Chicago's bigs. But if the Bulls could involve a third team that wants Asik, and receive a replacement for Aski in the deal as well, then that is a deal that would make sense. But those are some big "ifs". 

9. Anthony Morrow: Morrow might be the most realistic option out there. He is a deadly threat from long range and could potentially be acquired without giving up Gibson or Asik. However, does trading a contributor like Brewer or Watson for Morrow accomplish much for Chicago? 

10. Shannon Brown: His contract is not weighty and he could be had for a low price, but like Courtney Lee, what does he bring that Ronnie Brewer does not?

11. Michael Redd: The asking price for the veteran lefty would be cheap, but he's only played in 86 games in the past four seasons. Plus, he's shooting a meager 36.6 percent this year with Phoenix. That doesn't sound like a player who would be a major difference maker down the stretch.  

In the end, the Bulls have to hope Hamilton is healthy for the playoffs and that their current squad is potent enough to dethrone Miami and reach the finals.

While that hope may sound flimsy, we must remember where the Bulls currently stand. Despite last night's clunker against Orlando, they still boast the best record in the East at 33-9 and succeeded through much of this season with injures. Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, C.J. Watson and Hamilton have all missed considerable time this season, and the Bulls have still found a way to manufacture wins.

It is easy to doubt and hit the panic button. I'll admit, I reached for the panic button when Hamilton left the game after a minute a few nights ago. You couldn't help but think that Rip is looking more and more like a wobbly old man.

However, his injury doesn't appear to be serious, and there's no reason to run to premature conclusions about what the Bulls must do. Yes, another two-guard could be helpful, but if such a player came at the expense of Gibson or Asik, then that just creates another hole.

If Gibson were dealt, the Bulls would suddenly just possess one reliable big man off the bench in Asik, unless you consider Brian "White Mamba" Scalabrine a formidable weapon.

If a guy like Nick Young can be had at a cheap price, or if certain players become available via buyout (i.e. Jackson), then such options are worth taking a look at. But prior to the trade deadline, there is no need for anything drastic.

For Bulls fans, there is no reason to worry because there are plenty of reasons for optimism. The Bulls have the league-MVP. Joakim Noah is playing like an All-Star. Deng provides steadiness on both ends of the floor, and the bench is as productive as any teams'.

The Bulls and their fans can live with a couple lingering questions concerning the two-guard spot, but if Rip is healthy for the playoffs, these questions will prove to be unnecessary concerns.