Report: Bulls to stand pat at trade deadline, looking to re-sign Gasol

The Chicago Bulls are no longer looking to trade their frontcourt players.

Injuries to Joakim Noah (shoulder) and Nikola Mirotic (appendectomy) have grounded Chicago's fervent efforts to swing a big for a wing, ESPN's Marc Stein reports, citing sources.

Pau Gasol, Taj Gibson, and Noah were reportedly available last month, but injuries have forced the Bulls to relent.

Sources also tell Stein the Bulls are hoping to re-sign Gasol, who carries a player option for $7.7 million that he's almost sure to turn down. There was some doubt as to Gasol's ability to adapt to Fred Hoiberg's up-tempo offense, but the 35-year-old Spaniard has proven himself indispensable.

Gasol is averaging 16.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 3.2 assists on the season and came within 360 votes of a starting spot in the All-Star Game.

The Bulls sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 26-19 record despite a rash of injuries in their rotation. Chicago is 7-0 against the Spurs, Thunder, Cavaliers, and Raptors, but the Bulls have also dropped games against the Bucks, Wizards, and Suns.