Trade Targets Who Could Save the Chicago Bulls' Season

In order to save their season, the Chicago Bulls must target the following players via trade.

The instant reaction may be, "Why must the Bulls' season be saved?" After all, they're six games above .500 and in the midst of a three-game winning streak.

The fact of the matter is, Chicago is just .006 percentage points above the Milwaukee Bucks for the division lead. Most importantly, they rank 27th in scoring offense and dead last in three-point field goals made.

They've also lost more home games in 2012-13, eight, than they did in 2011-12, seven. They've done so in 34 less games.

So, who is it that could step in and save the Bulls' inconsistent season?

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors

Position: Point Guard

Age: 31

Experience: 8th Season

2012-13 Season Averages

18.21 PER, 10.1 PPG, 7.7 APG, 2.6 RPG, 42.0% 3PT

With the Chicago Bulls ranked eighth in the NBA in assists per game, this selection may come as a surprise.

The fact of the matter is, Jose Calderon is a three-point threat and one of the game's top facilitators. If you want a complement to Derrick Rose, there is no player better for the job than Calderon.

If Rose is absent, Calderon is the perfect lead facilitator for a team that lacks said player.

Kirk Hinrich is a superior defender and a valuable game manager. With that being said, Calderon is miles ahead in terms of facilitating an offense and a more consistent three-point shooter.

This would enable Luol Deng to work off of the ball and Nate Robinson to serve more as a scorer. It would also lead to an easier transition for D-Rose come his return.

There is nothing wrong with Hinrich running to the point. With Calderon at the helm, however, the league's 27th-ranked scoring offense would improve.

Significantly.

Marc Stein of ESPN confirms that Calderon is available for trade talks.

Pau Gasol, Los Angeles Lakers

Position: Power Forward

Age: 32

Experience: 12th Season

2012-13 Season Averages

14.78 PER, 12.2 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, 1.4 BPG

Carlos Boozer is on absolute fire.

Pau Gasol is struggling.

There is no better time to get this deal done than the present.

Gasol may not thrive in the Los Angeles Lakers' up-tempo offense, but he's perfectly suited for a half-court set.

Considering Carlos Boozer has never developed into the low-post presence he was expected to be, the deal becomes fundamental in purpose.

Gasol is a master with his back to the basket. From his ability to score with both hands to his elite-level passing, there is no better fit for the Chi-Town frontcourt.

Between he and Joakim Noah, opponents won't know whether to defend the shot, dive or kick-out.

Whether or not L.A. would take Boozer is unclear. What is certain, however, is that Boozer is streaking and Gasol is doing the opposite.

There's no better time to land one of the best half-court performers in the game.

Don't forget, this isn't the first time a Gasol-to-Chicago trade has been spoken of (via ESPN Chicago).

Courtney Lee, Boston Celtics

Position: Guard/Forward

Age: 27

Experience: 5th Season

2012-13 Season Averages

9.93 PER, 23.6 MPG, 6.7 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.9 SPG

Richard Hamilton is injury-prone.

Marco Belinelli is a sharpshooter with no defensive value.

Marc Stein of ESPN states that Courtney Lee is available for trade offers. Should the Chicago Bulls express interest in his services, Lee would cure both of those woes.

The fact that Lee is a career 38.2 percent shooter from beyond the arc doesn't hurt, either.

With Lee in the rotation, the Bulls would add a valuable player for three-point shooting and defensive purposes. In turn, the burden on Luol Deng to score and defend would become that much more manageable.

An improvement to the 27th-ranked scoring offense and third-ranked scoring defense sounds like the ultimate win.

Lee should be a top target for general manager Gar Forman.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz

Position: Power Forward

Age: 27

Experience: 7th Season

2012-13 Season Averages

20.24 PER, 14.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.9 BPG

This deal would require, at least, three teams being involved. Just don't call it impossible.

Paul Millsap would be the perfect fit for the Chicago Bulls.

Marc Stein of ESPN reports he is available.

Millsap is a dominant scorer on the interior and a smooth shooter from mid-range. He's also a relentless worker on the glass whose numbers would be much higher if not for playing alongside Al Jefferson and Derrick Favors.

With Joakim Noah, Millsap would play at the same efficient level with an inflation in production.

Just don't get too afraid, Bulls fans. This Utah Jazz power forward is not going to repeat failures by previous players.

He also has an expiring contract in case all else fails.

J.J. Redick, Orlando Magic

Position: Shooting Guard

Age: 28

Experience: 7th Season

2012-13 Season Averages

14.87 PER, 14.0 PPG, 4.6 APG, 2.3 RPG, 35.4% 3PT

Thus far in 2012-13, J.J. Redick is averaging career bests in points, assists, rebounds and steals.

Always known as an elite three-point shooter, Redick has now developed into one of the top facilitators at his position.

Redick's average of 4.6 assists per game ranks third among shooting guards.

A sound passer who can shoot the three-ball? Sounds like a perfect fit for Chicago.

Steve Kyler of HoopsWorld.com reports that the Orlando Magic are reluctant to deal Redick. That doesn't mean they refuse to do so.

The Bulls presently rank dead last in three-point field goals made per game. They're shooting just 34.7 percent from beyond the arc when attempting.

As their January 7 blowout of the Cleveland Cavaliers displayed, Chicago is dominant when connecting from distance. They simply don't do so often enough.

Redick could change that. In fact, he could turn this offense from nonexistent to above average.

A significant improvement prior to Derrick Rose's return.