With Derrick Rose sitting out due to another serious injury, the Chicago Bulls are reportedly pushing hard to trade Luol Deng and Carlos Boozer before their contract expires next season.

The Bulls' championship aspiration absorbed a telling blow this weekend following another major injury to Rose. Coming off a grueling rehabilitation from an ACL injury, the former NBA MVP suffered a tear in his medial meniscus in last Friday's 98-95 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers.

Rose's latest setback does not only frustrate legions of Bulls fans but also the team's front office management, who expected the 25-year old guard to have an amazing comeback this season.

"Like Bulls fans everywhere, I was heartbroken when I heard of Derricks injury," Bulls chairman Jerry Reinsdorf said in a statement via ESPN.

"We are happy to know that, according to his doctors, his surgery was successful, and in time, Derrick is expected to make a full recovery."

"Everyone at the Bulls knows firsthand how extremely hard Derrick worked to return to the court this year, and I have no doubt he will do the same with regards to his recovery from this injury. Despite Derrick's absence, this is still a good team. I know from last year, this team and coaching staff will continue to make our fans proud," he added.

Rebuilding Time

With the Bulls facing uncertainty sans their franchise player, there have been speculations about a big trade waiting to happen. According to NBA sources, these trades might involve Deng and some of their youngsters while Boozer will likely be amnestied after this season.

Deng, who averaged 16.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.4 assists this season, has drawn interest from several teams since last summer. Though lacking the ability to score off the dribble, Deng is considered as an ultimate 'glue guy,' producing solid numbers and doing little things on the floor.

On the other hand, Boozer is viewed as a liability, not because he's a poor basketball player, but because of the huge amount of money remaining in his contract. Boozer still averaged a team-high 16 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Bulls, but he's due to be paid 15.3 million this season and 16.8 million next season.

Basketball analysts believed unloading these contracts would allow the Bulls to sign a third star alongside All-Star center Joakim Noah and the returning Rose next season.

A-List All-Stars Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are expected to opt out of their contracts to become a free agent next summer.

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