Chicago Bulls Trade Rumor: Joakim Noah To The Phoenix Suns?

In the wake of the blockbuster trade that sent Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Bulls are reportedly seeking another trade that would create more salary cap space and speed up their rebuilding effort.

Joakim Noah, as a trade chip, could bring back several 2014 draft picks if the Bulls choose to rebuild.

According to NBA Insider Chad Ford of ESPN, the Bulls are apparently not done making moves, as they are currently in talks with several teams about the possibility of trading Noah, veteran point guard Kirk Hinrick and even Carlos Boozer (despite his big contract).

"Don't think so. Lots of talk about those two as well as Boozer. I've said this in several of our last Tank Ranks, management has made the decision to tank this season. Coach isn't on board, but they can keep taking cards out of his hand to play," Ford stated during a chat session on ESPN Sports Nation.

Noah, who is averaging just 11.1 points and 10.4 rebounds this season, has carved out a name as one of the best defensive centers in the NBA. His tenacity on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most sought-after big men in the league.

Picks For The Future

Without a doubt, the Bulls can easily shop Noah to any contender and receive a handful of veterans in return, if their only desire was to clear up salary cap space.

However, dealing JoNo would put the Bulls in full rebuilding mode, and the rebuilding process would only be undertaken with a plan to replace the loss of Deng, and possibly Noah. This would involve getting a serviceable youngster in the deal or through the NBA Draft.

With this summer's NBA Draft predicted to be the deepest in a decade, the Bulls would do well getting a collection of 2014 draft picks in exchange for Noah.

The Phoenix Suns have four first-round picks in the 2014 NBA Draft, and they have allegedly expressed their intentions of trading some of these picks in exchange for another star that will help them contend in a very rigid Western Conference playoff race.

The Suns already have an explosive backcourt tandem in Eric Bledsoe and Goran Dragic, but Noah's defensive presence could make the team a force to reckon with in the Western Conference, according to basketball analysts.

One possible trade scenario could have the Bulls sending Noah to the Suns in exchange for two first round picks, Emeka Okafor and one of the Morris twins , Markieff or Marcus, with filler in order to make the money work.

The Bulls and Suns have roughly a month left to pull off this trade as the trade deadline comes to a close on Feb. 20.

If you were the Bulls' GM, what would you think about trading Joakim Noah for a pair of first round picks in this summer's NBA Draft? Tell us in the comments below!