The Chicago Bulls were once thought to be potential sellers on the NBA’s trade market. But as the deadline approaches and injuries have mounted Fred Hoiberg, made it clear his team isn’t likely to make any big moves before the deadline.
Hoiberg on trade talks:"We’re comfortable with this group.Unless something earth-shattering comes up, I don’t anticipate anything happening"
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 30, 2016
The deadline for any trades this year is Feb. 18.
At this time, Hoiberg and the Bulls have some significant injuries to overcome in their frontcourt. Joakim Noah is out for between four and six months with a shoulder injury and Nikola Mirotic isn’t expected back until after the All-Star break after undergoing an appendectomy last week.
Because of these losses, the players who had been thought of as potential trade bait, like Bobby Portis and Pau Gasol, will now be counted on to carry the load.
Thankfully there is help on the way. Swingman Mike Dunleavy is currently “pain free” after back surgery and getting up to speed in the D-League. He could potentially return before the All-Star break, per Nick Friedell of ESPN.com.
The Bulls need all the help they can get down the home stretch to have any chance of overtaking the Cleveland Cavaliers and other top teams in the Eastern Conference in an extended series. That said, given the injuries that have afflicted this franchise it seems unlikely Chicago will be a major player in the trade market this year.