Chicago Bulls is reportedly linked to a possible trade with the New Orleans Pelicans for Shooting Guard Eric Gordon, a source close to the situation said on Thursday.

The Bulls, despite losing Derrick Rose to another season-ending injury (torn MCL) and trading Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a money-saving move, remained in the playoff picture. Thanks to the resurgence of Joakim Noah and an inspired play of journeyman Point Guard D.J Augustin.

Bulls General Manager Gar Foreman stressed the Bulls has no plans to tank away the season despite losing some key pieces of their previous playoff runs. Still, the Bulls is aware that it still lacked the pieces to make them competitive in the final weeks toward the end of the regular-season and even in the post-season.

Several reports indicated the Bulls is currently talking with the Golden State Warriors about a deal involving Kirk Hinrick and second-year Swingman Harrison Barnes. The Warriors is open to trade Barnes, while Hinrich has become dispensable ever since its acquisition of Augustin.

However, despite another wave of trade rumors, the Bulls has not pulled off another deal since dealing away Deng, although many analysts thought the team is still on the verge of brewing another blockbuster deal before the Feb. 20 trade deadline.

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Exploring the Eric Gordon For Carlos Boozer Swap

Gordon averages at least 16 points and 3 assists points per game this season. Despite a nice statistical line, the Pelicans front office is not convinced he will be an integral part of its future alongside Anthony Davis and Jrue Holiday.

Pelicans is actually placing Gordon and Tyreke Evans available on the trading block, and it's a matter of time for playoff contenders to make a gamble and take their bloated contracts for much needed offensive punch in their lineup.

According to Sports World, the Bulls seems to be a perfect trade partner for the Pelicans, given that the team really wants to dispose Carlos Boozer's bloated contract. There's no doubt Boozer is still a double-double machine every single game, but the emergence of Taj Gibson will give the Bulls the luxury to rid Boozer.

"According to ESPN.com, the New Orleans Pelicans is looking at trading Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans and the Chicago Bulls could be a destination. While Rose out, the Bulls still has a chance to make the playoffs in the east, as it is currently in fifth position despite being 20-20 and after making a little run to the second round last season, it could be looking at doing that again," via Sports World Report.

If this trade happens, the Bulls will get a scorer who can create his own shots when defense is double or triple-teaming Rose next season. Boozer, on the other hand, will beef up the Pelicans frontline, and allow Anthony Davis to play the center position.

For more Bulls trade rumors, read more at IBT Sports.