NBA Trade Rumors: 5 Reasons Chicago Bulls Need to Make a Deal for Shooting Guard

The hour draws near.

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly in the running for a shooting guard as the NBA Trade Deadline looms.

Yes, the 38-17 Bulls who sit atop their division by a large margin and are close (3 games back) of being in the driver's seat of the Eastern Conference.

This Bulls team that features one of the league's frontrunners for the Most Valuable Player Award in Derrick Rose is not lacking in many areas. But, one spot that has raised some concerns is at shooting guard.

The 2-guard spot that the incomparable Michael Jordan once dominated for well over a decade has seen a traveling circus of players since the '98 Finals.

This season, the likes of Keith Bogans and Kyle Korver have tried to be the answer, but have not gotten it done as expected. And, this has led NBA and Bulls fans to believe that GM Gar Forman and John Paxson will be making a move at the final hour.

5. The Role Has Been a Revolving Door Since 1998

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CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 15: Kyle Korver #26 of the Chicago Bulls collects a rebound and sets up for the game winning three point field goal with 25 seconds remaining in the game against Mario Chamlers #15 of the Miami Heat at the United Center on January 1

Michael Jordan's impact on the game of basketball and on the Chicago Bulls is near impossible to measure.

But, after the "pushoff" shot in the 1998 NBA Finals and his subsequent first retirement, the Bulls have been looking to replace him since.

Ron Mercer, Jalen Rose and countless others tried but did not live up to expectations that were laid before them. Ben Gordon may be the closest the Bulls have come, but Gordon's 6'3" frame was not the ideal 2-guard that most had in mind.

This season Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver have had good moments but are not going to be what the team needs for a long playoff run as starters.

4. The Bulls Need a "Sidekick" For Derrick Rose

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Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer may be interior threats that Derrick Rose can count on for key rebounds and for interior support, but that may not be enough.

If the Bulls were to somehow get their hands on a player like O.J. Mayo of the Grizzlies, it could be a match made in heaven.

Mayo and Rose go back a long way and as friends could be a backcourt to fear for years to come. Others like Courtney Lee or J.R. Smith could be that player as well.

3. The Summer Free Agents of 2010 Passed Them By

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The Bulls knew before the free agency period started last summer that they would need to upgrade the shooting guard position to be a legitimate threat in the East this season.

After Dwayne Wade and Lebron James spurned the Bulls in favor of Miami, the Bulls settled for less talented options from the Jazz (Korver and Brewer). The Carmelo Anthony rumors also came and went for the Bulls as he was shipped to New York.

Getting a shooting guard before the deadline could be just what the Bulls need to recoup on some those that left them behind.

2. The Bulls Are So Close to the Top

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 17: Derrick Rose #1 and Carlos Boozer #5 of the Chicago Bulls return to the court after a time-out against the San Antonio Spurs at the United Center on February 17, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bulls defeated the Spurs 109-99. NO

With an addition of Courtney Lee or the other names that have been tossed around this season, the Bulls would be a completely different basketball team.

They have the inside skill to take on all comers, but the backcourt's inconsistency has been something that needs to be corrected.

It could be the difference between getting knocked out in the second round or making a run at the trophy.

1. The Beasts of the East

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It is no secret that the Eastern Conference most probably will be decided among the Bulls, Celtics, Heat and Magic. Throw in a possible run by the Knicks or the Hawks and there should not be many surprises.

With these teams also comes players like Carmelo, Lebron, D-Wade, Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce. They all usually match up with the shooting guards in clutch situations. All of these players are far superior to what the Bulls can send out on a given night at shooting guard.

And, if the Bulls are to be considered a prime candidate to take on L.A., San Antonio or whoever comes out of the West, then it would behoove them to make a move at shooting guard.