NBA Trade Rumors: Taj Gibson, Kirk Hinrich To Lakers Or Wizards? Bulls Clearing Cap Space; Is This For Carmelo Anthony?

The Chicago Bulls are going 11-4 even after the Luol Deng trade. However, the rebuild continues with Taj Gibson and Kirk Hinrich on the block.

 The idea of tanking did not sit well with their coach or players. Coach Tom Thibodeau and his boys will show up and try to win it even if they would be traded the next day. The rumors get to the players and they are affected in some way, but the winning mentality of this team keeps them focused.

From the Chicago Sun Times, veteran guard Kirk Hinrich shares: "I've always kind of had that [mentality]. From the first time that I started hearing rumors, it really made clear that the possibility of being moved is there. You just try and do the best you can with the situation you're in.

"But enjoy this. Enjoy the situation we're in moving forward because it's exciting. Just try not to worry about things you can't control."

The Sun Times also had interesting news on the inquiries inside the Bulls front office:

"..while Hinrich and Mike Dunleavy have been churning in the trade rumor mill for more than a month, Taj Gibson's name is the one that is picking up, and could determine how serious the Bulls are in clearing space for a max contract to land the likes of a Carmelo Anthony or LeBron James.

According to a source, the Lakers, Wizards and Bobcats have each inquired about Gibson, but they were preliminary talks in which the Bulls did not like the return."

Is Chicago turning a new leaf and be ready to spend to build a championship team? That is the main concern of Chicago Bulls' fans. Even with an excellent coach, they really have to invest to keep their stars in the fold. The way the salary cap is designed and with 29 other competitors who will pry away your players with offers (see Omer Asik), the Bulls can't afford to be stingy. From Bulls fan blog Pippen Ain't Easy: "Let me tell you a small secret everyone. The Bulls are nowhere near being contenders for the NBA title, with or without Derrick Rose. Here's why...the front office. Jerry Reinsdorf is a business person, not a fan."

The landscape of the Eastern Conference may be very different next season. The entire Big Three of Miami may become free agents and there is a big chance that they don't keep all of them. The title may be up for grabs and the Bulls should be in the middle of it.