NBA Trade Rumors: Bulls Should Gauge Availability of Monta Ellis

A rumor surfaced via ESPN's Ric Bucher that a trade was proposed from Golden State to send Rudy Gay to Golden State for Monta Ellis. It is a bit peculiar from Memphis' standpoint. It seems that they may be set at the 2-guard with Tony Allen, O.J. Mayo and Sam Young, who can also play the small forward.

It would seem, though not reported that a deal like the one reportedly proposed, would either be followed by or preceding a deal that moved Mayo. Whatever happens on that front should be something the Bulls have their eye on.

The proposed players are all players the Chicago Bulls could certainly improve their already strong team. Monta Ellis, Rudy Gay or even O.J. Mayo, (whom the Bulls have had some rumors in the past about) would be better upgrades at the shooting guard than any shooting guard available through free agency.

It really boils down to who the Bulls would have to trade for these players. This is where it gets tricky for the Bulls, these are a higher grade players, which would likely mean, the Bulls would have to give up better players.

There have been no reports that the Bulls have reached out to either team to gauge the availability in these players, but they should. All things considered, Mayo is the best option, as he possesses the skill set the Bulls need to give Derrick Rose and Carlos Boozer another player that can create his own opportunities. He is the least accomplished, so he'll likely require the least in return.

Mayo's 2011-12 salary is $5.6 million, it escalates to a qualifying offer of $7.3 million as Mayo would be a restricted free agent. Theoretically, the Bulls could offer Kyle Korver and Omer Asik to acquire Mayo, with Hamed Haddadi thrown in via sign and trade to make the deal work from a financial standpoint.

Monta Ellis would be the next most practical of this group for the Bulls to pursue. Ellis averaged 24.1 points per game, and he is a ball hawk in the passing lanes. From a fundamental on ball standpoint, his defense is not stellar. Still, he would provide the Bulls with a top notch scoring option. A downside is that he and Rose would make for an undersized back court, even though they would be explosive.

From a money standpoint, Ellis makes $11 million per year. That would require the Bulls part with Asik, Korver and Ronnie Brewer to make the deal work. Golden State is trying to change their soft and defenseless identity under Mark Jackson, this deal could appeal to them.

Lastly, Rudy Gay would be almost unreachable for Chicago. He makes over $15 million, and his contract will be a riser for the next three or four years. This would require a major reshaping of both franchises and would probably mean Marc Gasol is not returning; as the Bulls would have to send Joakim Noah and others.

How aggressive is too aggressive when your team went 62-20 and reached the Eastern Conference Finals. Trying to gauge how good Miami will be is what complicates things.

The Mayo or Ellis situations could allow the Bulls to maintain their identity while still filling a major need.