There have been a number of rumors about the Bulls looking to upgrade their talent at shooting guard, but they'll stand pat at the position for the time being.

Chicago has been linked to Stephen Jackson and O.J. Mayo, but they'll continue to rely on Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver.

The Bulls were engaged in talks recently, but nothing is imminent or likely, according to an NBA source.

They don't want to mortgage their future by making a move.

The Bulls are still looking for perimeter help to space the floor for star Derrick Rose.

K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune writes that reports of the Bulls pursuing Denver's J.R. Smith are false. In addition, Detroit's Richard Hamilton and Charlotte's Stephen Jackson carry lengthy contracts.

Chicago has scouted Houston's Courtney Lee, but his outside shooting would likely only represent a small upgrade.

"We'll be fine," Rose said. "Boozer and I are developing some chemistry, and we just have to execute our offense better."

Derrick Rose says he has no beef with Amar'e Stoudemire.

Stoudemire knocked Rose down hard to the floor on separate occasions and stuffed his shot at the rim once.

New York defeated Chicago 103-95 at Madison Square Garden.

The pair exchanged words midway through the fourth quarter, but Rose said after the game he has no hard feelings toward Stoudemire.

"That's basketball," he said. "We got heated up for a minute, but it's nothing more than that."

Rose never felt Stoudemire crossed the line.

"It was just a basketball play, where things are going to get physical," Rose said. "He's a big man, that's what he's supposed to do. It's just basketball. I'd get tired if I kept on driving to the hole too, if that was someone else."

The Knicks defeated the Bulls 103-95 in the NBA's Christmas Day opener at Madison Square Garden.

Raymond Felton led New York with 20 points, 12 assists and five steals, while Amar'e Stoudemire posted 20 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.

New York shot 53.2% from the field and outscored Chicago by 10 points in the second half. The teams combined to turn the ball over 45 times in the sloppy contest.

The Bulls were led by Carlos Boozer, who had 26 points and 19 rebounds, and Derrick Rose's 25 points, eight assists, seven rebounds and six steals.

Kurt Thomas will start for the Bulls on Saturday against the Knicks and coach Tom Thibodeau has hinted that the veteran could fill the role over the long-term.

Thomas was inserted into the starting lineup on Tuesday against the 76ers because Taj Gibson missed the game with a concussion.

"As of right now [Thomas will continue to start]," Thibodeau said. "But that's subject to change depending upon who we're playing against. I like the size and strength of Kurt and I think it's a good combination with Carlos [Boozer]."

Chicago is without Joakim Noah, who will miss 8-10 weeks after having thumb surgery.

The Bulls are exploring possible moves they can make while Joakim Noah recovers from surgery on his thumb.

"We'll continue to look at it," said GM Gar Forman. "We've already talked some about the possibility of looking into either a trade or picking somebody up, but at this point, we'll go with what we have. We do think we have some depth. Taj [Gibson] has stepped in, obviously in the past and done a very good job. I think it's an opportunity for guys. It's an opportunity for Omer [Asik] to play some.

"Kurt Thomas, even a year ago when he was with Milwaukee found himself in this type of situation, ends up starting late in the year when [Andrew] Bogut comes back and did a very good job. I know [coach] Tom [Thibodeau] has been comfortable playing Luol [Deng] some at [the] four [position], so for now we'll go for what we have."

Joakim Noah will have surgery to repair a torn ulna collateral ligament in his right thumb.  The Bulls' big man could be out of action for up to 10 weeks.

Noah was first injured in the Nov. 27 game at Sacramento, and he has played the last two weeks with ongoing discomfort and slight functional impairment.   Additionally, Noah has had significant sprains of his right index and middle fingers, which will not require surgery.

“Joakim’s injury presentation was unusual in that he was able to function at a high level with the injury.  More often, athletes are unable to play at all due to pain and instability of the thumb,” said Chicago Bulls Head Team Physician Brian Cole.

“As the days proceeded from the original injury, it became clear for all that surgery was best for Joakim,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman.  “We have always valued Joakim’s toughness and willingness to put the team above himself, but in this case his health took precedence.”

Joakim Noah has privately been dealing with bruised tendons in his right hand and the Bulls have thought about sitting him to allow the injury to heal.

Noah's hand keeps getting hit in games, which isn't allowing the tendons to heal on their own.

As of Tuesday night, Noah was expected to play on Wednesday against the Raptors as Chicago looks for their seventh straight win.

Noah is averaging 14.2 points and 11.7 rebounds per game this season.

The Bulls and Nuggets are discussing a trade that would send J.R. Smith to Chicago.

The Denver guard is in the final year of his contract and would give the Bulls another scoring option in their backcourt.

Derrick Rose suffered a nasty fall during Monday's 92-73 win over the Pacers.

Rose was diagnosed with a sprained right wrist, but X-rays were negative.

“I know tomorrow is probably going to be a bad day, especially resting and sleeping,” he said. “It’s going to be tight. Everything is going to be tight on my body, but I’ll get treatment, and we’ve got to play in a couple more days.”

There are no plans at the moment for Rose to undergo an MRI exam.

“All the bones are in the right place, so from that point, we know it’s not too severe from the sprain standpoint,” trainer Fred Tedeschi said. “We’ll keep our fingers crossed and hope it stays that way.”