Bulls VP Paxson: 'Unlikely' they make a deadline deal

The Chicago Bulls lost Derrick Rose for the season and traded away Luol Deng for assets geared toward improving the team's future outlook. Those were supposed to be steps that indicated a minor tear-down and a quick rebuilding for 2014-15.

The problem is, however, that the remaining Bulls refuse to cooperate. The team is still 27-25, fourth in the Eastern Conference, and they look far more likely to host a playoff series than enter the draft lottery.

It's been suggested the Bulls will move pieces to further "help" the cause, but Bulls executive vice president John Paxson said on Wednesday that it is now "unlikely" the team will make a move ahead of next Thursday's trade deadline.

"We've got the trade deadline a week from now. You have to put yourself in the other team's position -- people don't just give up great players. So we obviously talk and keep our eyes and ears open, but to anticipate something's going to happen, I don't think that's likely, to be honest with you."

Chicago is razor-close to the luxury tax line, so they can't readily add salary in any trade. They do have a handful of players who may be attractive to other buyers, though:

• Mike Dunleavy can space the floor and handle the ball on the wing, proving effective in a bench or starting role. He's been somewhat ineffective outside of just shooting this season and is owed $3.3 million for next season, but he's exactly the type of player that moves around often at the deadline.
• Taj Gibson has been excellent of late and, while he's a useful piece, the Bulls may be willing to move the three years and $25.5 million owed to him beyond this season.
• Kirk Hinrich has a $4.1 million expiring contract and may be the cheapest back-up point guard upgrade available. He's had a rough season but has a strong track record, specifically on the defensive end of the floor.
• Carlos Boozer is almost unmovable with $16.8 million owed to him in 2014-15, but stranger things have happened.

As it is, though, the Bulls are talking like things will be quiet.

That could mean an accidental playoff round or two, which is great for players and fans but probably not what the front office had hoped for.