Bulls Trade Rumors: Chicago Likely To Trade Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich, Carlos Boozer Before Deadline, ESPN Analyst Says
NBA Trade News - After trading Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Chicago Bulls could make more moves before the Feb 20 trade deadline, as they reportedly put All-Star center Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich and Carlos Boozer on the trading block.
According to ESPN NBA insider Chad Ford, the Bulls are not done yet 'tweaking' their roster and could unload more big contracts in exchange for draft picks and young talents with great upside.
Ford stated that Noah, Hinrick, and possibly Boozer could be traded before the deadline as the Bulls appear on their way to tank the remainder of the season in an attempt to get young NBA-ready prospects in a very loaded draft in 2015.
"Don't think so. Lots of talk about those two as well as Boozer. I've said this in several of our last Tank Ranks, management has made the decision to tank this season. Coach isn't on board, but they can keep taking cards out of his hand to play," Ford said during a chat session on ESPN Sports Nation.
In a surprising turn of events, the Bulls found themselves as title contender at the start of the season only to let the full year slip away after learning that franchise point guard Derrick Rose suffered yet another season-ending injury (torn MCL), just 10 games coming off a long rehabilitation from a torn ACL.
Joakim Noah is without a doubt an All-Star caliber center, but his value on the trading front could give the Bulls more assets in return. Assets loaded teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics could make a run for the hustling big man as the trade window comes to a close.
Meanwhile, Hinrich found himself dispensable upon the arrival of D.J Augustin this season. Hinrich, who averaged 7.8 points and 4.7 assists, is reportedly drawing interest from the Golden State Warriors, who are currently in search for a veteran playmaker that would back up Stephen Curry.
Boozer could be also traded, though many basketball analysts believe it would be a tall order for the Bulls to move the burly power forward because of his big contract. Amnestying Boozer is the primary option for the Bulls, but the team can still get a solid compensation by adding talents or draft picks to sweeten up the package. (Boozer, Marquis Teague, and first-round draft pick for Pau Gasol, for example).
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