First and foremost, Tyrus Thomas HAS to play at least 30 minutes every single game and play crunch time minutes in the fourth quarter. He is their best shot blocker and a freak athlete. Yes there are times when he makes really really dumb mistakes especially on offense, but he is the only guy on the team that can intimidate opponents on defense. He can alter games with his shot blocking and quick hands. Also, he is a better offensive player than most give him credit for and every game he matures a little bit more. Lastly, he needs these minutes so that the Bulls can make an actual educated decision about him this offseason instead of some knee jerk reaction (which is the path they are currently on).
Second, VDN (or hopefully a new coach) needs to continue to turn Derrick Rose loose. Clearly Rose is healthy, and although it isn't leading to wins, he has played like an all-star the last three weeks. This is the Rose all of us expected to see at the start of the season. Also, the Bulls need to utilize the small aspect of their roster, especially while Tyrus is still out. There is no shame in playing 3 guards, a SF, and a center. In the NBA it's whatever gets the job done and against most teams that lineup will be very tough to guard.
Third, either Hinrich or Salmons needs to stop sucking. Hopefully both of them will turn it around, but one of them has to otherwise...
Fourth, if the trade deadline rolls around and the Bulls still suck, it's time to make major moves and over haul the roster. Here are some players we know are available: Michael Redd, David West, Boozer, David Lee, possibly Chris Bosh, CP3, the entire Golden State Warriors team etc...So what I would do is try to make a move for the following players with trades such as these or something similar
Tyrus Thomas, Jerome James, our first rounder, and cash for David West. The Hornets would save almost 5 million off their payroll while picking up extra cash and a good young PF who is from the area (who I love by the way). For the Bulls this is a no brainer. West is an all-star, brings it every night, and only makes 9-10 million per year for the next three seasons. I doubt the Hornets want to do this trade, but at the deadline the owner may force the team to make a cost cutting move. So the question will become is this the best deal that they can find?
John Salmons, Taj Gibson, and James Johnson for Anthony Randolph and Corey Maggette. G.S. clearly wants to get rid of Maggette's ridiculously long and expensive contract and I think the only way that happens is if they include Anthony Randolph. And as far as I'm concerned, I would trade anyone not named Rose or Noah to get Randolph. This would be my initial offer and since Randolph is only playing 20 minutes a night for them, you might be able to get away with lowballing them if you really sell the idea of taking mister "I got mine" off their hands. If I had to sweeten the pot, I'd have no problems doing that. The key is to get Rose, Noah, Randolph, and hopefully Deng and Thomas on the same team. Two years from now that would be one of the best teams in the league.
I would offer just about anything for Bosh to try and get him into chicago for 30 games or so, so he can see how amazing it would be to play for a team that sells out every night and has a talented PG like Rose. Unfortunately, I doubt the Bulls take a shot at this unless they can get him cheap (which isn't happening). If Bosh doesn't come to Chicago THIS season, I don't think there is any chance he comes here in free agency. My bet he goes to play with either Wade or LeBron.
Anyway, this is just a couple suggestions. There are an infinite number of ways to improve the team, however, if the Bulls stand pat I definitely see dark days coming (see below for full details).
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