Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls have had early discus..."/> Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls have had early discus..."/>
Fansided

NBA Draft 2014: Update on potential trade talks between Chicago Bulls and Denver Nuggets

By Chris Walder

Feb 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Randy Foye (4) shoots over Chicago Bulls shooting guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets shooting guard Randy Foye (4) shoots over Chicago Bulls shooting guard Kirk Hinrich (12) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

While previous reports have indicated that the Denver Nuggets and Chicago Bulls have had early discussions over swapping some of their draft picks in the 2014 NBA draft, the likelihood of a move being made is looking bleaker by the day.

More from Chicago Bulls

Chad Ford of ESPN.com first reported that the Bulls were interested in packaging their No. 16 and 19 picks and sending them to Denver for their No. 11, but in a recent live chat he conducted on Tuesday afternoon, Ford noted that Denver may be unwilling to partake:

"Q: How serious are the talks between the Bulls and Nuggets? Are there any other teams the Bulls are talking to?Ford: The Bulls are trying to get up into the mid to late lottery by pairing the 16th and 19th picks. They really want a lights out shooter to pair with Derrick Rose — think Nik Stauskas or Gary Harris. The Nuggets offer a good opportunity. I’m not sure they could get higher than that. Not sure if Denver will pull the trigger however. The team already has 12 roster spots filled."

The Nuggets have 10 players under contract for the 2014-15 season. Only guard Aaron Brooks and forward Jan Vesely will be unrestricted free agents. Forward Darrell Arthur and guard Nate Robinson can exercise player options, while Quincy Miller is working under a non-guaranteed deal.

Chris Dempsey of The Denver Post reported last week that team GM Tim Connelly was actively working his phones to see if he could land any veteran talent in exchange for the No. 11 lottery pick.

Rather than fill up two roster spots with rookies who may never see the floor, the best course of action would be for Denver to shop the pick for someone who can bring immediate value. The team has their sights set on qualifying for the postseason after a miserable 2013-14 campaign where they won just 36 games.

Piling up draft picks and acquiring more youth is a sure sign of a rebuild. Connelly and the Nuggets don’t feel like they’re in that position.

Home/Chicago Bulls