Bulls Trade Rumors: No Extension Means Bulls Must Stop Chasing Dwight Howard

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard has been one of the most discussed players since the lockout ended with trade rumors linking him to a number of different franchises. One such team is the Chicago Bulls, who need to stop chasing Howard as it has become clear Chicago isn't near the top of his list.

Nick Friedell of ESPNChicago.com posted the following update about Howard:

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"The Bulls would be willing to trade anyone on their roster except for Rose in order to land Howard, according to a league source, but Howard does not seem interested in coming to the Bulls."

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The All-Star center has said he's only looking to sign an extension with one of four teams and the Bulls weren't among them. While adding him to the mix would make Chicago a legitimate NBA Championship contender, it just isn't meant to be.

His immediate impact would have been terrific, but in the long run it might be better that the Bulls didn't trade off a significant amount of talent for Howard. Especially if he isn't willing to make an extended commitment to the team.

It's unclear exactly how high Orlando's asking price is for Howard, but you have to figure it's rich because 26-year-old elite centers don't grow on trees. They're are rare breed.

That means Chicago's trade base probably would have been something like Joakim Noah and Luol Deng. Neither player is as popular as Howard, but both have developed into significant contributors for the Bulls.

Deng averaged 17 points and six rebounds last season, while Noah reached the double-double plateau for a second straight season.

Any trade for Howard would have also taken away some of the depth Chicago has built up, which will be key during a condensed season. So it's not like a potential trade for the big man wasn't going to be without risks.

Instead, the Bulls can go out and pursue some other less popular options to continue building around their core group of players led by Derrick Rose.

One name that's been heavily rumored is Richard Hamilton. K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reports a contact offer has been already made for when the veteran clears waivers on Wednesday. It would be a solid move for the Bulls even if there's a lack of fan fare.

Moves like Hamilton are a lot more safe than Howard without an extension, which is why the Bulls should continue to trend in that direction.