Things are not getting so well for the Chicago Bulls this season. From a performance perspective, the Bulls has been inconsistent with their offensive strikes. And though they have the second-ranked defence in the league, it is still not enough to convert into a favourable spot in the Eastern Conference.
As the Bulls sits on the seventh place in the Eastern Conference and having 15 wins and 11 losses, things are still bit shaky from the inside. In most recent Bulls controversy, point-guard Jimmy Butler openly criticized their head coach Fred Hoiberg. And this move of Butler surely led to a clash of ideas regarding his comment.
Veteran center player of the Bulls Joakim Noah commented about the action of Butler saying that, "I just wish it would've been kept in-house, maybe." Noah also added "that would've probably been better. Everybody needs to be a leader. It's not about Jimmy. It's not about coach Hoiberg. It's about everybody coming with the right attitude." There were even some rumors that the camp of Derrick Rose and other players did not like Jimmy Butler's self-appointed leadership. Everyone is said to be annoyed by Butler's action. According to Sun Times"
"There are several players that often simply laugh when told of Butler's latest thumping-of-the-chest leadership proclamations, and while Derrick Rose seems to be completely detached from the situation, his camp is very annoyed by all things Butler these days."
However, it seems like not all Bulls' players share similar view regarding the criticism of Butler with their coach. Another veteran player with two championship rings, Pau Gasol understood where Butler was coming from. According to Gasol via Sun Times;
"I don't mind those comments. I think those comments are positive. Those comments and attitudes don't raise my eyebrows. I think it's good certain guys want to take ownership and say, 'Hey let's go.' '' The big man also added that, "I don't disagree with it. I think Jimmy is obviously one of the main guys here.''
In line with this frustration and clashes of ideals within the Bulls roster, another trade rumor is also being speculated by some insiders. According to some reports the Bulls sees the need of a shooter for their team to boost their offense. And the most favourable candidates to be trade in exchange for a shooter would likely be Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson. A transcript of The Vertical Podcast with Woj via Sun Times detailed that;
"I've been told that the Bulls are open to whether it's Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson-maybe not both of them, but either of them if there's a deal out there that they can bring in the best possible wing player available, they're open to it. That's a direction they're going to go. They feel like they need more shooting. They're going to shape this team toward more of an offensive-minded group."
Now there are no guarantee who among the two options would be traded. But the surest thing would be the fact that the Bulls is really in need of a reliable and consistent wing man to strengthen their offense.