Bulls operations chief John Paxson has been gauging trade interest in Jamal Crawford, according to a league source, but no deal appears imminent.

The main reason is Paxson. He's facing his first trade deadline Feb. 19 after supplanting Jerry Krause at the end of last season, and he already has pulled the trigger on several transactions. He has traded Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall, Lonny Baxter and Roger Mason Jr. He didn't re-sign free agents Fred Hoiberg or Trenton Hassell. He bought out Dalibor Bagaric's contract and is working on a settlement with Jay Williams.

Paxson also changed coaches, and his intent is to fill Scott Skiles' roster with players who meet his and Skiles' criteria.

The problem with dealing Crawford is he's still on his rookie contract, which means the fourth-year guard is making $2.57 million. It's unlikely the Bulls could get back an impact player for that price. Then again, Rose once was considered untradeable because of his contract.

The Bulls would love to acquire a player such as Atlanta's Shareef Abdur-Rahim or Indiana's Al Harrington -- both of whom reportedly are available -- but they would have to include another contract, and there's minimal interest in the rest of the Bulls' roster. Miami's Eddie Jones also is a long shot.

Via Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers

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