Bulls viewed as potential seller at trade deadline, but maybe not, too

The Bulls may not have a superstar to dangle at the trade deadline, but they remain one of the league’s more fascinating wild cards. Call it the intriguing middle.

According to ESPN’s Zach Kram, Chicago has a cluster of movable pieces, including Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Nikola Vucevic and Kevin Huerter, all of whom are headed for unrestricted free agency after the season. Add Tre Jones, once healthy from his hamstring strain, and Jalen Smith, and you have a handful of potential low-cost upgrades for contenders.

The twist? The Bulls are not acting like a team in full sell mode.

At 23-23, Chicago is hovering in that awkward middle ground where blowing it up feels premature and going all-in feels irresponsible. Sources say the front office still sees multiple paths forward, encouraged by recent play and a stretch that included wins over the Celtics, Timberwolves and Clippers before Monday’s loss to the Lakers.

The standings only complicate things. The Bulls sit just 1.5 games out of the top six in the East, while maintaining a comfortable cushion over falling out of the play-in picture. In other words, they are close enough to dream and far enough to hesitate.

The next week could decide everything. Upcoming games against Indiana, Miami and Milwaukee may determine whether Chicago leans buyer, seller, or something in between.

Deadline identity crisis? Very Bulls.