With NBA Draft Approaching, Time Running Out For Chicago Bulls Reload

NEWARK, NJ. The 2012 NBA Draft will take place this Thursday night, and will begin with the New Orleans Hornets selecting Anthony Davis with the first overall pick.

After that, there is little certainty about where players will go, just as there is little certainty about what the Chicago Bulls plans are regarding Draft night.

One rumor has the Chicago Bulls sending Luol Deng to Sacramento for Tyreke Evans and the #5 Overall Pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

Trade rumors have been going back and forth, reaching a fever pitch. Luol Deng and/or Joakim Noah have been linked to deals with the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Golden State Warriors.

The Chicago Bulls have been rumored to be looking to acquire a lottery pick along with either an established player or, possibly, a trade exception.

Even Luol Deng has commented that he is unsure about whether he will be traded in one of the many trade scenarios to surface.

Despite Deng being selected for his first All-Star game this last season, the Chicago Bulls have maxed out their salary cap and may be penalized under luxury tax rules starting next season, and while Chicago Bulls ownership is willing to pay the luxury tax for a championship team, Derrick Rose's season ending injury and subsequent rehab seems to promise that the Bulls will not be at the same championship level that they had been playing at for at least several months into the 2012-13 NBA season.

Amidst the numerous trade rumors, the Chicago Bulls' front office has been quiet. However, the Chicago Bulls front office under John Paxson has made a draft night deal in 6 of 8 NBA Drafts, so it might be more surprising if the Bulls do not pull off a deal.

With the Chicago Bulls' future hanging in the balance until Draft Night, fans can only hang on for the ride and think, "In GarPax We Trust".