NBA Trade Rumors 2014: OKC Thunder Target Mike Dunleavy Before Thursday Deadline

The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly interested in acquiring veteran sharpshooter Mike Dunleavy from the Chicago Bulls, a source close to situation disclosed on Tuesday.

The Thunder has become the latest team to show interest in Dunleavy, who is considered one of the finest pure shooters in the league. The 29-year-old Dunleavy is averaging 11.1 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 38 percent from three-point territory.

The Bulls acquired Dunleavy last offseason after signing him to a two-year, $6.5 million deal. He was viewed as one of the key pieces in the Bulls' championship plans before point guard Derrick Rose suffered another devastating knee injury (torn medial meniscus) 10 games into the season.

Despite losing Rose and small forward Luol Deng to a money-saving trade in January, the Bulls remain in the postseason hunt, thanks largely to their formidable team defense and outstanding play from All-Star big man Joakim Noah and budding forward Taj Gibson.

Bulls, Thunder Trade

The chances of the Bulls dealing Dunleavy might be very slim since they put a high value on the shooter. However, the Thunder can still hammer out a deal for Dunleavy if they are willing to surrender one of their budding players in the backcourt.

"Dunleavy has averaged over 10 points per game during his last four seasons in the league and has a career three-point shooting average over 35 percent. The Bulls could be willing to shop Dunleavy if they could get a decent draft pick or young piece which could help with their development going forward," sports news site Give Me Sports reported.

NBA analysts believe the Thunder might either trade point guard Reggie Jackson or Jeremy Lamb to the Bulls. Jackson has been putting up impressive stats as a replacement for injured playmaker Russell Westbrook this season, while Lamb has shown some flashes of brilliance as a scorer.