The Chicago Bulls currently sit second in the Eastern Conference. Being led by Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan, the Bulls have a 36-21 record following their win against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Feb. 12. With the trade deadline over, the Bulls missed out on adding major players to the roster.

Second-round pick rookie Ayo Dosunmo has been one of the biggest surprises to the Bulls lineup this year. Dosunmo averages 24 minutes per game and is shooting 43%, and was recently named to the 2022 Rising Stars Roster. Dosunmo was put on concussion protocol this week, but Coby White could be his replacement. All-Stars DeRozan and LaVine have been leading the team with LaVine averaging 25 points per game and DeRozan averaging 26.

Lonzo Ball currently has a small tear in his knee, which has resulted in surgery, and will be out for about 6-8 weeks. Ball has been averaging 13 points per game and has an effective field goal percentage of .567 this season. Effective field goal percentage is a stat that is based on the made three-point shots and two-point shots.

“The trades they made at the beginning of the season to get Lonzo Ball and Demar DeRozan were very smart and it has has helped out the team a lot with their huge impact,” sophomore Arun Krishna said.

Alex Caruso is also out with a fractured wrist and will also undergo surgery. Caruso led the league in steals per game before his injury. He averaged 8.4 points per game and had an effective field goal percentage of .511. His defensive presence is being heavily missed within the Bulls rotation.

With so many injuries to key players, Bulls fans were hoping to pick up players to help replace them for the time being. Fans were hoping to get more size in the backcourt to help the defense, currently being held together by seven-foot center Nikola Vucevic who has been averaging 17.6 points per game and 11.6 rebounds per game.

There were rumors that the Bulls put out an offer for Boston Celtics point guard Dennis Schroeder. The Milwaukee Bucks have also made an offer for Schroeder. Schroeder is currently averaging 14.3 points per game with the Celtics. With Ball out, Schroeder would be a nice addition to the lineup, but not what the Bulls should be focusing on right now.

The Bulls also had an interest in Nets forward Paul Millsap. Millsap isn’t a regular starter for the Nets, but would have given the backcourt some more size.

In January there was speculation and rumors of Harrison Barnes joining the team from the Sacramento Kings. Barnes would be a good addition to LaVine and DeRozan as he shoots .406 percent from the three-point line alone. He would’ve been an expensive addition and is currently the King’s best asset, so it might be unlikely to acquire him.

As for senior Rabee Ahmad, many missed opportunities through the trade deadline was disheartening.

“I was a little disappointed that the Bulls didn’t make a move during the trade deadline. A lot of big names were sent around the league like Demontis Sabonis and Kristaps Porzingis. The East got a lot better too. James Harden is now with the Sixers and Caris LeVert is with the Cavaliers. Both teams are below us in standings so I’m a little concerned as to why the Bulls didn’t make a move,” Ahmed said.

Although for some Bulls fans like senior Harun Senderovic, he’s banking on a fully healthy team making a run in this years postseason.

“I think the Bulls wanted to keep the group they have now just based on how much success they’ve had this season. Injuries have been a huge factor to us but I think once we get everyone healthy we can make a serious run in the playoffs,” Senderovic said.

The NBA playoffs begin on Saturday, April 16th.