NBA Trade Rumors: Unless It's a Blockbuster, Chicago Bulls Won't Make a Deal

The NBA’s trade window is starting to close, leaving the media and fans teeming with so much speculation that the flames of trade rumors need little fanning to spread.

For the Chicago Bulls, the most recent big interest has been in whether or not they will deal for another scoring complement to Derrick Rose.

Chicago signed veteran shooting guard Richard Hamilton right before the start of the 2011 preseason to be that complement, but his health has severely limited his contributions.

After sitting for a very extended spell up to the All-Star break, Hamilton returned, playing limited minutes as a way of easing him back into game shape.

All was going well until a collision with Roy Hibbert about a minute and a half into the Bulls’ rematch with the Indiana Pacers put Rip back on the sidelines.

He is listed as day-to-day, a tune Bulls fans have heard before.

So now, with this rapid-fire season moving briskly through its second half, the trade drums have starting beating for the Bulls yet again.

It’s nothing new, though. Chicago has been linked to rumors involving a few marquee names this season, although the only credible rumor was the early-season hoopla surrounding Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard.

That alone should let both analysts and fans know that Chicago is not interested in any roster shakeup unless it is something major.

While the debate continues about whom Chicago could use or for whom they should deal, participators are ignoring the normal mode of operating of the current Bulls management.

The last trade the Chicago Bulls made was during the 2009-2010 season, when they dealt Tyrus Thomas to the Charlotte Bobcats.

Even Chicago’s use of midseason free-agent pickups is scant when you consider that Rasual Butler and the two 10-day stints of Mike James are the most notable moves.

The new era of Chicago basketball consists of using the players on the roster when the season starts, saving any changes for the offseason.

Coach Tom Thibodeau and company are confident in the team they have now—and they have every reason to be.

Despite myriad injuries, the Bulls have remained at or near the top of the league standings.

Although the play (or lack thereof) of Hamilton has been disappointing, it should be remembered that he was brought in for the playoff push more than the regular season run, so any criticisms involving his acquisition are moot until the postseason.

Keep in mind that VP John Paxson came up with a Chicago team that had to fight their way to become champions, and coach Thibodeau was an assistant for 20-plus years before landing his first head coaching job.

These guys think in long-run terms and not quick-fix solutions.

Unless a major power play is in the works, no one should expect anything from the Chicago Bulls on the trade front.

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