No slam dunk options as Bulls approach NBA trade deadline

As of Monday, there was exactly one month until the NBA trade deadline strikes on Feb. 23.

The Bulls are still in playoff position, sitting eighth in the East as of Monday morning, as a rhythmic season — a few wins here, a few losses there — rolls on.

Bulls executive vice president John Paxson and general manager Gar Forman have a history of making moves before the trade deadline when the team isn't playing well. But the Bulls may not have the means to improve their roster through trade this season.

The team does have some assets with ab all-star starter in Jimmy Butler, a successful veteran in Dwyane Wade and a decent inside game with Taj Gibson, Robin Lopez and Cristiano Felicio.

If the Bulls were able to add some reliable outside shooters or consistent bench help, they could win 50 games and possibly win a playoff series.

But that's the problem. There isn't much of a market for their inconsistent young players, at least one that offers much value in return.

The Bulls left Monday for a quick one-day trip to Orlando, then will return home to face their nemesis, the Atlanta Hawks, on Wednesday at the United Center. In the meantime, let's review some of the options, assets and targets for the Bulls as the trade deadline approaches:

Sit tight

This isn't ideal, but not a terrible option, either. The theory is the Bulls have an all-star heading into his prime, and another presumably good year from Wade. Assuming Rajon Rondo doesn't come back, the Bulls could have about $30 million in cap room to retool the roster.

The difficult part about this plan is when the NBA's salary cap soared last season, so did salaries. It may not be easy to find free-agent help at 2017 prices. With Gibson, Felicio and Nikola Mirotic becoming free agents, it will cost the Bulls to keep their inside strength intact.

Tear it apart

Bulls management has not been in favor of a complete rebuild, because it could mean years of missing the playoffs and the primary goal appears to be keeping the United Center full.