NBA Rumors: Bulls Make Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant Available Before Trade Deadline

With a playoff berth out of reach, the Chicago Bulls (18-34) are expected to be active ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.

The Bulls are focused on dealing both center Robin Lopez and guard Jerian Grant, K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune reported Sunday. The team has had conversations with the Oklahoma City Thunder about veteran swingman Tony Allen and his expiring contract.

Grant, still on his rookie contract, is expected to make $2.6 million during the 2018-19 season. The 25-year-old is averaging 8.3 points and 4.8 off the bench.

Lopez, who joined the team in June 2016, is also under contract until the 2018-19 season and will earn $14.4 million during his final year. The 29-year-old has stated that he is unfazed by the trade rumors.

"Trades are part of the business," Lopez told the Tribune. "Guys are used to it. At the end of the day, it’s just us and the other team and basketball. I don’t think anybody is focused on anything else."

The Bulls have already pulled off a deal in recent days, receiving Jameer Nelson, Omer Asik, Allen and a first-round pick from the New Orleans Pelicans Thursday in exchange for disgruntled big man Nikola Mirotic. Allen has yet to officially join the team and could be waived.

Coach Fred Hoiberg commented on the locker room atmosphere amid swirling trade speculation.

"Our guys have done a good job, because there have been so many rumors this year," Hoiberg said, according to the Tribune. "They’ve kept a professional attitude about everything. And I do think, for the most part, we are competing. I really do."

The Bulls, who have lost six games in a row, have been in rebuilding mode since dealing All-Star Jimmy Butler to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the summer.