NBA Rumors: Chicago Bulls have ‘win-now mentality’
It seems like the Chicago Bulls were just the up-and-coming team when point guard Derrick Rose was on his way to an MVP award and the Bulls were in the Eastern Conference Finals where they were defeated by the Miami Heat.
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However, Rose’s knees have been torn to shreds in recent years and center Joakim Noah will be 30 in February, meaning the Bulls’ window may not be open that much longer.
According to The Chicago Tribune, the Bulls have a “win-now mentality.”
"Saturday’s news that the Bulls have engaged the Magic in trade talks for veteran swingman Arron Afflalo did little to change their goal of aggressively trying to overhaul the roster. League sources said targeting Afflalo, who averaged a career-high 18.2 points on 45.9 percent shooting last season, serves two purposes. It signals to primary target Carmelo Anthony the win-now mentality the Bulls must have with Joakim Noah turning 30 next February and Derrick Rose coming off back-to-back knee surgeries."
That’s why the Bulls are trying to make a big play this offseason. Many expected them to show great interest in Minnesota Timberwolves’ power forward Kevin Love, but they reportedly prefer New York Knicks’ forward Carmelo Anthony to Love (although Rose reportedly prefers Love). They are also interested in Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo, who could help show Anthony the Bulls are a legitimate contender.
Anthony put up 27.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game last season and shot 45.2% from the field, 40.2% from beyond the arc and 84.8% from the free throw line. Afflalowas excellent for the Magic this year and had the best season of his career. He averaged 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 45.9% from the field, 42.7% from beyond the arc and 81.5% from the free throw line. He is is reportedly open to being traded to a playoff team.