Chicago Bulls Roster & Trade Updates: What the Bulls Need to Remain a Contender for the 2014-15 Season

While the sports world has been infatuated with the Cleveland Cavaliers, a second sleeping juggernaut is slowly making their way into contention: the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have quietly assembled a strong roster, but it is one that will hinge upon the return of Derrick Rose.

Rose was a dominant force in the NBA before falling to injuries in the past two seasons. Chicago lives and dies with Rose, so fans will be eager to see how his knees are able to hold up.

The Chicago Bulls are making a late push to acquire Kevin Love. Although their attempts are a long shot, the maneuver has been cited as raising the value of Love so that the Cavaliers have to give up more than they want.

With both teams in the same division, it makes sense for Chicago to be worried about the powerhouse that could be reborn in Cleveland.

If by chance the Timberwolves accept the Bulls offer of Taj Gibson and Jimmy Butler, the Bulls would have three of the top six big men in the league.

Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah and Kevin Love would make up their own 'Big Three,' coupled with Derrick Rose and their rookie acquisition Doug McDermott. It's doubtful the Bulls would find a way to have each of the big men on the court at the same time, but with Gasol leading the second unit the Bulls would add some much needed depth.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor has said a number of times recently that he would be completely fine with Kevin Love in Wolves jersey at the beginning of the season. While Taylor appears to be staging a front, most NBA experts agree that it would be wildly foolish to hold onto a player who has said repeatedly he is going to leave.

Fans in Minnesota will riot through the streets if no trade is made and Love is allowed to walk away for nothing in return. High profile players are able to push the envelope with team owners, forcing them into decisions they'd rather not make. Forcing trades is a part of the game, and a testament to the power of NBA stars.

When all is said and done, the Chicago Bulls will live and die with Derrick Rose. The Bulls are a solid squad, but their lack of offense has cost them in the previous years without Rose.

Any time a former league MVP is sidelined, the damages are felt. If Rose cannot stay healthy, it would be one of the saddest stories in recent NBA history.