John Paxson will consider making moves both big and small to shake up the Bulls before the Feb. 23 trade deadline.

"I like our young guys. I've said that over and over again," Paxson said. "They're good, hard-working kids. [But] I'm realistic and I want to improve our basketball team."

Paxson would like to add a proven low-post scorer, which the Bulls have lacked since dealing Eddy Curry to New York before the season. The team's problems in close games make it tempting to also add a proven star such as Boston's Paul Pierce.

But Paxson is hesitant to deal a young player such as Ben Gordon, who surely would have to go for the Bulls to bring in a player of Pierce's caliber. The Bulls' future appears bright with two potential lottery picks and $15 million in salary-cap space next summer, and Paxson might want to simply stay the course.

"I know our fans would like us to [improve]," Paxson said. "I'd rather it be sooner than later, but it may not be."