The bet here is the Bulls will continue to explore their options but will ultimately resist making significant changes to a roster heading into a season where they will be hard-pressed to contend for a championship for reasons beyond their control. After next season, the Bulls could rid themselves of Carlos Boozer’s burdensome contract. (Luol) Deng’s deal comes off the books the year after that.

The Bulls will take a step back next season but it may not be as big of a step as many believe given the current state of the Eastern Conference. (Gar) Forman has said repeatedly that this core group of players has earned the right to grow together. They could make one more run in 2013-14 before remaking the roster in the summer of 2014.

That doesn’t mean the rumors will stop and the speculation will end. The Bulls are doing what they should be doing. They are working the phones and testing the market.

More likely, this Bulls team will remain mostly the same next season with major changes coming further down the road.

via Neil Hayes of the Chicago Sun-Times