NBA Trade Deadline: Were the Chicago Bulls Right Not Making a Move?

The NBA Trade Deadline did not pass quietly as expected last Thursday. A plethora of players were moved, including two legitimate superstars: Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony. However one of the teams that opted not to make a move was the Chicago Bulls, even though they have a hole at the shooting guard position. But was this the right decision? 

The Value Wasn't There 

The Bulls reportedly offered Ronnie Brewer and both first round picks this year for O.J Mayo, but were turned down due to lack of a big man. Brewer is a legitimate defensive stopper who has offensive ability as well due to his athleticism. If the Grizzlies wouldn't take that deal, then I don't think it was worth it for them to try and pursue any more.

Similar to the Mayo deal, most players that the Bulls were targeting either needed big salary to be matched or they wanted a big in return, and the Bulls weren't willing and shouldn't have been willing to give that up.

The Bulls' Assets are Too Valuable

The two most sought after assets from the Bulls were Taj Gibson and Omer Asik, both young defensive big men. Taj Gibson has been playing horrendously on the offensive end since moving to the bench, but his defense has been terrific for the Bulls. He is top 20 in the league in blocks per game, despite playing under thirty minutes. These numbers make him eighth in the NBA in blocks per 48 minutes, which is an impressive accomplishment for a slightly undersized power forward.

Asik has been the biggest surprise for the Bulls this year. He has brought energy and hustle to the Bulls team. Those attitudes were invaluable to the Bulls, especially with the loss of Joakim Noah for a long period of time. Even though Thibodeau really has no intention of playing young players not named Derrick Rose, he has managed to replace Kurt Thomas in the rotation with Omer Asik, who has been playing fantastic, grabbing over five rebounds six times this month already. I honestly would have rather traded Taj than Omer. You can't teach seven feet.

The two draft picks that the Bulls have are honestly not worthwhile to the Bulls since the Bulls don't have time to try and develop young talent. However if the picks are not getting a trade done, why mess with chemistry?

Chemistry

All you hear from K.C Johnson and other Bulls writers is that the chemistry of the team is just incredible. As the adage says, 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' This is certainly true of the Bulls' roster. They have kept themselves at the top of the league despite injury. At the same time, everyone on the team loves each other. Why give up chemistry for a marginal upgrade? Sure, the Bulls need a better starting shooting guard, but they have plenty of time to figure that position out. 

Buyouts

By not rushing into a move that they would later regret, the Bulls kept their option open for potential buyouts. If a relatively major player such as Richard Hamilton was bought out, the Chicago Bulls would be the favorite to sign any of them. This is because they are three million dollars under the salary cap so they could offer the most money. However they also are a contender, so it gives any player a chance to win a championship. Plus, the player could really play a part in winning the championship instead of just trying to be on a roster that wins a ring like Miami.  

Final Thoughts

There was really no reason for the Bulls to make a move just for the sake of making a move. By not overpaying or making a useless move, the Bulls become an attractive destination and make sure that they keep their team chemistry instead of trading for a cancer like Rip Hamilton. Good move