The Bulls' trade deadline morning and afternoon saw minor conversations that avoided discussions around their 'core,' namely Ben Gordon, who had been the subject of trade rumors.

Also, unlike the Knicks, who see expiring contracts as an opportunity to bring in expensive talent, the Bulls elected not to move Tim Thomas.

"I never talked to anybody about our core," general manager John Paxson said. "I was not going to do that. I talked about some of our [draft] picks to see if we could significantly improve, but [key players] weren't out there this time around."

For the Bulls to consider trading Gordon, a team needed to offer a star player in return. That didn't happen.

"I'd have to think I'm getting a better player, a better talent, something that makes us a better team," Paxson said. "Ben has something that makes him different from a lot of NBA players. He has an ability to score when it matters. That's a very valuable commodity."

Paxson said he isn't counting on the free-agent market, which is expected to feature one of the weaker classes in recent times, but will look to make major moves via trades.

"I do think in the summer, that's when teams try to make over their roster more than any other time," Paxson said. "We'll have discussions with a lot of teams this summer about players who are under current contract, not just the free-agent market.