Bulls Trade Rumors: Analyzing Buzz on Arron Afflalo and Other Deadline Options

It was a turbulent first half of the 2014-15 NBA season for the Chicago Bulls. The team's resolve was tested with injuries and rough stretches, but a 34-20 record heading into the All-Star break was good enough for first place in the Central Division.

Chicago enters the back half of the season as a legitimate playoff contender; however, it has a very important decision ahead: make a big move prior to the Feb. 19 trade deadline or stand pat and make a postseason push with the current roster.

The Bulls are starting to develop some solid team chemistry. Pau Gasol is playing very well in his first season in Chicago, a healthy Derrick Rose is beginning to find his groove and Jimmy Butler is playing at an extremely high level. Is bringing in another player the right move, or will it disrupt the team's momentum?

Well, compiling recent rumors can help generate an answer to that question.

One name that's been circulating around the rumor mill is Denver Nuggets shooting guard Arron Afflalo. He's having a solid season, averaging 14.5 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 42.8 percent from the floor, but the struggling Nuggets are looking to part ways with his contract that is equipped with a player option after this season.

With only two days until the trade buzzer, the Bulls are currently one of the teams in discussions about the guard, according to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne:

Shelburne is right when she says Afflalo would be an interesting addition for a contender; however, with Butler and Rose comprising Chicago's backcourt and Aaron Brooks playing well off the bench, it's difficult to see how Afflalo would fit—or better yet, how he'd find enough time on the court to be worth the investment.

Speaking of the investment, there's still the issue of paying Denver for the guard. In case you're wondering what the Nuggets are asking, Grantland's Zach Lowe has the answer:

"

The Nuggets are at the epicenter. They've been seeking multiple first-round picks for both Wilson Chandler and Arron Afflalo, talking with obvious contender types like the Blazers and ambulance-chasing with banged-up playoff teams like the Wizards. Snagging two firsts for Timofey Mozgov emboldened the Denver front office to chase big returns, and the rest of the league is waiting for Denver to step back as the deadline approaches.

"

You read that correctly—multiple first-round picks.

The Bulls do have the ammo to get that deal done; however, the team doesn't appear willing to part with any future first-rounders, according to a tweet from K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:

That said, don't expect the Bulls to heavily pursue Afflalo if Denver doesn't soften on its asking price. If Chicago won't trade a pick or a big, it leaves the team with very few negotiating options.

So, if an Afflalo deal doesn't get done—and it doesn't look like it will—are there any other avenues the Bulls are willing to explore in an effort to improve their roster for a playoff push? Yes.

According to Nick Borges of ESPN.com, Chicago is potentially waiting for the deadline to pass and instead look at recent buyouts: "The trade deadline is coming on Thursday and while the Chicago Bulls will look at all options to improve the roster, they will likely stand pat with the view of adding a player 10-14 days later."

That may very well be Chicago's best option going forward. The Bulls can add a shooter who can contribute off the bench for very little cost while hanging on to all future draft picks. Not only does that option improve the team now, but it keeps the future looking bright as well.

It doesn't look as though we should expect any big moves from Chicago prior to the deadline. If that's the case, is the team making the right move? Let the debate commence.