Thibodeau talks possible trade targets for Bulls

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MILWAUKEE - Prior to Wednesdays thrilling win over the Bucks, Tom Thibodeau was asked about one particular player and whether the Bulls would make a move to acquire him at the March 15th trade deadline.

Im not sure yet, he said. Were going to look at a lot of different options.

Vague, as expected. But who was Thibodeau talking about? Dwight Howard, who visits the United Center for Thursdays tilt against the Magic? For those panicking about Rip Hamiltons health status, maybe a shooting guard, such as Golden States Monta Ellis?

No and no. Thibodeau was talking about Mike James.

Its likely, unless another team snatches him up first, that the Bulls re-acquire the 36-year-old point guard later this month, along with a bargain-priced veteran backup big man. Something more significant is unlikely to occur.

When you study personnel, you also study the make-up of the players and can they fit in. Our managements going to study whats available and as I mentioned before, if we dont do anything, we feel very good about the people that we have, he said. Thibodeau and the Bulls front office talk every day. Their job is to study the league, field calls and often times, if you have a good team, you have good players, people want them, they call. That doesnt mean were going to do anything. We listen and if we think it can make the team better, well consider it. If not, were more than happy with the roster that we have. We feel very good about that.

That doesnt mean players on other teams, particularly title-starved veterans, dont covet an opportunity to play for the Bulls. Take Bucks swingman Stephen Jackson, a name bandied around in the past as a potential Bulls target.

At the present time, Jackson is wasting away on Milwaukees bench, the result of an ongoing feud with Bucks head coach Scott Skiles, ironically a former Bulls coach. Whether youre of the opinion that Jackson is a career malcontent or, as future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan would tell youthe pair won a championship together in San Antoniohes one of the best teammates one could have, his talent is undeniable.

Who wouldnt want to play with Derrick Rose? Right up the street; it would be a great fit for me. I dont think anybody in the league would say they wouldnt want to do that, but me, at the end of the day, I just want to play. Ive been a competitor my whole career, Ive won everywhere Ive went, so at this point, I just want to get back on the court and do what I do best, wherever that is, Jackson told CSNChicago.com Wednesday morning. Im just here, working out every day, just waiting for my opportunity, so I can be ready, but thats always my goal, to win a championship and I know being on a team like that, it wouldnt be that hard.

Its been tough with me because Ive been in a situation where I havent been playing, a situation that doesnt fit me and the good thing about it is hopefully something happens in the next couple of weeks where I can get somewhere where I can play. At the end of the day, Im here supporting the team right now and just trying to stay professional until something changes, continued the versatile veteran. Ive heard a lot, but its kind of hard because teams dont really say too much to me, especially this organization, but Im just keeping my fingers crossed, just continuing to keep my body ready for when its time.

When asked about Jacksons situation, Thibodeau refused to take the bait, stating, Hes a talented player, but I have enough to worry about with our team.

Now, before anyone gets the wrong idea, theres no evidenceat least not from this writerthat the Bulls are currently interested in Jackson. The organization has confidence in Hamilton returning from his latest injury, a fluke occurrence, and believe hes an excellent fit on and off the court, as well as possessing a postseason pedigree that can help them get over the hump, particularly because of his numerous playoff battles with Miami shooting-guard counterpart Dwyane Wade.

Injuries are part of the game. You have no control over that. You look at Milwaukee: center Andrew Bogut being out is significant. I think were fortunate, where we have a lot of depth. Ronnie had a great training camp and when we went into training camp, we didnt even know wed have Rip, said Thibodeau. Ronnies done a great job, both starting and coming off the bench. We have Kyle, Lu, Jimmy. We can play C.J., go small. Theres a lot of things that we can do. You deal with the things that happen as they come along and you have to respond to every challenge.

It comes down to, I think, in the end, the teams that are playing the best and are the healthiest, Thibodeau concluded. Whatever the circumstances are, you can always fit somebody in. They may not have a full understanding of everything, but you can design specific packages for those guys, when theyre in the game, and thats not uncommon. You deal with that throughout the course of the season, whether you bring in a guy for a 10-day contract or theres a trade made."

Since Thibodeau isnt a head coach with total control over personnel moves, he wisely left the door open for a transaction to happen, but the truth of it is, the current Bulls roster is probably the one hell finish the season coaching, give or take a few low-impact moves for depth purposes.

Additionally, while the team has won without Hamilton in the lineup, there wasnt a better available fit on the market when the Bulls acquired him in December - his perpetual-motion game allows the ball to remain in Derrick Rose's hands, yet he's an underrated playmaker, as well as defender, and gives the team the perimeter-shooting presence they so desired last season - so at least this season, its time to either stay on the ride and see where the team takes it or jump off the bandwagon right now.

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