Three New Hints At Chicago's Intentions As Trade Deadline Nears

The two-hour countdown has officially begun, with nearly a dozen trades already done on the NBA trade deadline day. At 3:00 PM EST, the trade deadline will strike, and besides the buyout market or free agency, rosters will remain for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign. After the come-from-behind win against the second-best record in the league two nights ago, there was a general feeling that Chicago's newfound false hope would mean a stagnant trade deadline, and today has signified the same. Three important nuggets have surfaced today, indicating the Bulls' plans in the next few hours.

Woj's Latest Bomb

Adrian Wojnarowski said on this morning's edition of The Woj Pod that DeMar DeRozan was the player of interest coming out of Chicago. However, he also mentioned that it would be difficult for the Bulls to execute any trades today because of their continued desire to remain competitive. They're still confident in a postseason push this season, regardless of how delusional that may be given the body of work to this point and the last two seasons. Due to their wishes of returning serviceable rotation players rather than draft stock or young assets, Wojnarowski does not see Arturas Karnisovas and the front office pulling the trigger on any trades today.

Philadelphia The "Team To Watch"

K.C. Johnson, Bulls' Insider for NBC Chicago, tweeted this morning that the 76ers would be the team to watch if a trade happens today. With all the rumors surrounding Andre Drummond being a potential plug-and-play while Joel Embiid is sidelined and their desire for a replacement with James Harden's departure via DeMar DeRozan, they would be the most realistic trade partner. The only issue now is that they've already executed two trades and are intending on a third.

This deal wipes the need for DeRozan's services, and their anticipated pursuit of Kyle Lowry indicates they're fully content with their two new guard additions. Barring a late deal for Drummond, the 76ers seem to have found their reinforcements elsewhere.

Caruso, DeRozan, Drummond All At Team Shootaround

Again, per K.C. Johnson, all three potential trade pieces for the Bulls are at the team shootaround this afternoon. Alex Caruso, DeRozan, and Drummond traveled with the team to Memphis and are currently on the floor for practice. This is a reasonably evident sign that none of the three will be moved, as they'd likely be told to sit out this afternoon for fear of injury with a pending trade on the horizon. Warming up for tonight's game means it is highly likely that all three remain in Chicago past the 3:00 PM EST deadline.

Johnson asked DeRozan this afternoon how he feels, knowing that in a few short months, he'll be an unrestricted free agent, to which the 34-year-old veteran acknowledged his love for the Bulls organization.