Paxson looking for players who fit with Rose

Just like everyone else, Bulls general manager John Paxson understands this team isn't likely to develop into a Finals contender in its current state.

Speaking before Wednesday's victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, Paxson admitted he'd like to make a trade, but conversations typically don't get serious until closer to the Feb. 19 trade deadline.

"I'm trying right now, honestly," Paxson said. "We've had a lot of conversation, as a lot of teams have. But there's nothing right now that we've been able to lock in on. We're trying to find some things that fit."

The Bulls could go in several different directions. They could try to do something to get better by the end of this season, wait to see if some of the 2010 free agents hit the trade market next year, or make a deal to try to clear cap room in 2010.

Not all of the Bulls' pieces are in play. Ben Gordon cannot be traded without his permission, Kirk Hinrich is out until mid-February with a thumb injury and few teams are likely to take on Luol Deng's $71 million contract.

"When you look at the big picture, our goal is going to be to try and get this thing built with Derrick (Rose) in mind and what fits him," Paxson said. "That's going to take a little bit of time here to try and move some pieces."

Paxson didn't sound worried about Rose's 3-for-16 shooting night against Charlotte on Tuesday.

"Derrick had one of those games in this league that knocks your teeth in, but you learn from it," he said. "He knows as well as anybody how he plays each night. The fact of the matter is he's very, very good and we're lucky to have him. Now we just have to find pieces to fit with him"

Pax rates Vinny: Of course, general manager John Paxson had nice things to say about his unconventional coaching hire, Vinny Del Negro. Here's how Paxson assessed Del Negro's first 24 games on the job:

"He's been good with the players. But, just like the players, Vinny's learning every day, too. This is his first time through. Players make mistakes, coaches make mistakes. The thing I've been encouraging Vinny is to just stay upbeat and positive with the players and himself. He's got to grow into this role and determine what he wants to stand for."

Bull horns: Kirk Hinrich had the pin removed from his surgically-repaired right thumb Wednesday, but he still has weeks of rehab in store. ... The Bulls are encouraging fans to donate nonperishable food items at Saturday's game against Utah to benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository. ... The Alamo Bowl-bound Northwestern football team attended Wednesday's contest.