Jerry Krause, the GM of the Chicago Bulls, outlined two dire needs for his team as the offseason signing period started; a backup big man who can defend and rebound and a defensive-minded small forward.  K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune is reporting that thus far Krause has brought in Danny Manning, Corie Blount and Brian Skinner - all of whom fit the bill for the first need - so what is happening with the second?

According to Johnson the Bulls are not trying to sign a small forward, instead they are trying to acquire one via trade.  Even though both teams claim otherwise, Krause is trying to pry forward Mike Miller away from the Orlando Magic in exchange for power forward Marcus Fizer.  The hang up at the moment is the Magic are also trying to include Jamal Crawford to which Krause will not budge.

Should a deal not be able to be made between the two teams Chicago still has interest in Philadelphia free agent Matt Harpring, but Harpring's restricted free agent status has prevented the team from making him an offer, especially while talks with Miller are still taking place.  Philadelphia has said it plans to match any offer for Harpring which means a sign and trade might be necessary, Fizer's name again popping up.

Another option for the Bulls, albiet a long shot, might be Rashard Lewis of the Seattle Supersonics who is unhappy with the offer his current team has put to him.  Lewis is the best prospect available this offseason.

So where does this leave Eddie Robinson, the high flying foward the Bulls signed to a $31.2 million deal last summer?  According to Johnson some in management believe that starting Robinson alongside Jalen Rose, who will play shooting guard, will leave too many defensive deficiencies for the Bulls.