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MIAMI -- For the second consecutive year, the Chicago Bulls head into the summer knowing that their team will look a lot different in October than it did at the end of the season.

The Bulls' core, led by a presumably healthy Derrick Rose, will be largely intact barring a major trade this summer. The same cannot be said about the bench. With that in mind, let's take a quick look at the Bulls roster and see who will likely be returning next year. And decide for yourself with our Take Him or Trash Him.

Derrick Rose: After sitting out the entire season as he recovers from a torn ACL, the 24-year-old superstar will have a lot of pressure on him to produce. As long as he is mentally ready to go, he should be fine. He's also the only untouchable on this roster.

Joakim Noah: The emotional big man enters into the third year of his $60 million contract. He played at an All-Star level this year but he knows he must find a way to get his foot problems in order.

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MIAMI -- The Chicago Bulls deserve all the praise in the world for dragging themselves to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

They played the underdog role well and continued fighting all the way up until Jimmy Butler's 3-pointer clanked away just before the buzzer of their 94-91 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 5 on Wednesday night. They gave fans a reason to be proud in a year that was meant to be forgotten without Derrick Rose. Tom Thibodeau proved once again why he is the one of the best coaches in the league by squeezing every last drop of talent out of a roster that wasn't built to win a championship, let alone attempt to flourish in the playoffs.

But if there's one takeaway from this season aside from the fact that the Bulls' heart is unquestioned, it's this: The Bulls do not have more than enough to win a championship with no matter how many times Thibodeau tries to convince his players and fans into thinking it.

Obviously, the tenor of the entire season would have been different if Rose played. Kirk Hinrich and Luol Deng would have given Thibodeau's roster a major boost if they hadn't gone down with various ailments in the final few weeks.

But even if all three of those players were healthy and accounted for, that doesn't change the fact that the Bulls don't have enough talent to match up with the Heat. The fact that the Bulls had a successful year that exceeded expectations without Rose shouldn't change the fact that Gar Forman and John Paxson have constructed a roster that is still missing a major piece.

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MIAMI -- As Rip Hamilton peeled off his Chicago Bulls jersey for what he knew was probably the last time, he couldn't help himself from thinking about what might have been.

Hamilton, who played just four games in the postseason, had just rattled off 15 points in 35 minutes in a 94-91 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 5. He kept keep coming back to the fact that in his two years with the Bulls he and the rest of his teammates had never been healthy at the same time.

"That was purpose of taking a buyout in Detroit," Hamilton said. "That was the whole purpose -- to try and win another championship. That was the reason. I (saw) a great opportunity to get that. With all the injuries and things like that that's a hard thing to swallow sometimes."

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MIAMI -- Guard Nate Robinson wants to return to the Chicago Bulls next season, but he isn't sure if the team will have enough cap space to keep him.

"I would love to (come back)," said Robinson, whose Bulls were eliminated by the Miami Heat on Wednesday. "Honestly, I really would. But knowing the guys that we have here, I know it's probably limited space for me, but we'll see how it goes. (I'll) talk to my agent and stuff like that and figure out what's the best plan for me. God has blessed me this far [to] continue to play the game that I love. I love this team, I love these guys, and if I could stay here it would be wonderful."

Robinson rebounded from a 0-for-12 performance in Game 4 to score 21 points on 6-of-15 shooting (including 4-of-7 on 3-pointers) in the Bulls' 94-91 loss to the Heat in Game 5 on Wednesday.

Robinson didn't even have a fully guaranteed contract until the first of the year, but he figures to draw multiyear offers from other teams this summer. Given the Bulls' current cap situation, the veteran guard understands that the financial implications may preclude him from returning to Chicago.

A lifelong Michael Jordan fan, Robinson said he has enjoyed his time in Chicago, although it didn't turn out the way he would have liked.

"It's disappointing," said Robinson, who averaged 15.8 points a game in the playoffs. "So close, but yet so far away at the same time. But this has been a great season for our team, man. We played together. This is a bunch of brothers that love each other and play for each other, and this has been the best team I've been on."

If Robinson returns, he would have to fight for playing time with Kirk Hinrich, Marquis Teague (who just completed his rookie season) and Derrick Rose (who is expected back after missing the entire season because of a knee injury). Those three guards already have guaranteed deals for next year.

MIAMI -- Here's a quick look at how the Miami Heat earned a 94-91 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena to win their Eastern Conference semifinal series 4-1:

How it happened: LeBron James almost rattled off another triple-double, scoring 23 points with seven rebounds and eight assists as the Heat closed down this series. Dwyane Wade added 18 points and made several huge plays down the stretch. Carlos Boozer had a solid offensive game for the Bulls, scoring 26 points and grabbing 14 rebounds but it wasn't enough for a team that had nowhere to turn down the stretch.

What it means: The Bulls rallied from an 18-point deficit in the first quarter and came into the fourth with an eight-point lead, but they couldn't maintain it for the same reason they've struggled to lock up games all season -- they don't have the presence of a true closer to make shots. Heart and hustle took the Bulls a long way this season, but talent almost always wins out and the Heat simply have more elite level talent. James and Wade made plays when they had to and the Bulls couldn't find an answer. Derrick Rose surely would have helped stem the Heat's rally, and the presence of Luol Deng (illness) and Kirk Hinrich (calf) may have altered the course of this series, but the Bulls' issues run deeper than just getting Rose back as they head into the summer. They still need to find a second star to take the pressure off the former MVP whenever he does return. The fourth quarter of this game serves as another prime example of the fact that defense isn't always going to be enough against Miami. The Bulls front office must find a way to locate another star who can create his own shot down the stretch.

Hits: After barely playing in the postseason. Richard Hamilton saved one of his best games of the season for last, scoring 15 points in 35 minutes and giving the Bulls a spark off the bench. Thibodeau will be second-guessed all summer for his decision not to use Hamilton more in the playoffs.

Misses: Joakim Noah didn't have much of an impact on the game. He scored just three points in 42 minutes.

Stat of the night: The Bulls turned the ball over 16 times.

What's next: The offseason begins for the Bulls.

CHICAGO -- There was no "Good Nate" vs. "Bad Nate" on Monday night. There was just a veteran who had completely run out of gas.

In that regard, Robinson looked like the rest of his teammates during the Chicago Bulls' 88-65 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals.

After it was all over, including Robinson's 0-for-12 shooting from the field, the diminutive point guard slouched glumly in front of his stall with a huge ice pack around his left shoulder. He looked exhausted. After so many thrilling performances, Robinson responded with his worst game of the year on the biggest of stages. He couldn't get into any kind of rhythm and turned the ball over four times. For the first time in weeks, Robinson looked every bit the part of the third-string point guard he was signed to be when the season began.

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CHICAGO -- Let's take a quick look at how the Miami Heat cruised to an 88-65 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night at the United Center in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Heat lead the series 3-1.

How it happened: LeBron James had 27 points, seven rebounds and eight assists as the Heat had their way with the Bulls throughout the night. Chris Bosh added 14 points and six rebounds as Miami took a commanding lead in this series. Carlos Boozer led the Bulls with 14 points and 12 rebounds, but he was just 3-for-14 from the field.

What it means: The Bulls appear to have hit the wall. Specifically, Nate Robinson seems to have finally run out of gas. The diminutive guard has been integral to the Bulls' success in the postseason, but he had his worst game of the season on Monday night going 0-for-12 from the field. As a group, the Bulls couldn't find any kind of offensive rhythm, but it was Robinson who struggled the most. It seems as though all the minutes and all the nagging injuries have finally caught up to him. So often over the past few weeks he has been able to find an extra gear in his game and will his teammates to the finish line, but he couldn't buy a basket in this one. Without his offense the Bulls couldn't get anything going. It's not just Robinson's fault that the Bulls lost because the rest of his teammates weren't shooting well either, but Robinson's lack of production was most jarring given the standard he has set for himself during the playoffs. This game only underscores what has been the Bulls' biggest problem for the past few seasons. When Derrick Rose isn't on the floor, they have nowhere else to turn against Miami. Against weaker opponents, the Bulls can usually find ways to score and win because the defense isn't as strong. Against Miami, it's a different story. Until the Bulls find a consistent option next to Rose they will be unable to take the next step in their development as a championship contender.

Hits: Udonis Haslem gave the Heat a solid performance, scoring six points and grabbing seven rebounds in 18 minutes.

Misses: The Bulls shot just 25.7 percent from the field and turned the ball over 17 times.

Stat of the night: The Bulls' 25.7 shooting percentage is a new franchise low for postseason play. The old record was 31.1 percent, set in the 1990 playoffs against the Detroit Pistons, according to Bulls radio statistician Jeff Mangurten.

What's next: Game 5 is Wednesday night in Miami at 6 p.m. CT.

DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng was listed as active just before the tip of Monday's Game 4 against the Miami Heat while guards Kirk Hinrich and Derrick Rose have been ruled out.

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DEERFIELD, Ill. -- No matter how rugged the rest of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals become the Chicago Bulls have decided to stay true to themselves and their coach.

They aren't going to change their style of play against the Miami Heat and they aren't going to apologize for being physical.

"I expect the physical nature to continue (Monday)," Bulls center Joakim Noah said confidently after Sunday's practice. "It's our only chance."

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DEERFIELD, Ill. -- The playing statuses for Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng and guard Kirk Hinrich have not been determined for Monday night's Game 4 against the Miami Heat as the duo is still considered day to day, coach Thibodeau said Sunday.

Deng, who is ill, said he has vomited over the past couple of days while trying to warm up with teammates.

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DEERFIELD, Ill. -- Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau has been fined $35,000 for his postgame comments regarding the officiating in Game 3.

"I see how things are going, I watch very closely," Thibodeau said after Game 3. "We're not going to get calls, that's reality."

Thibodeau, who had already spoken to reporters before news of the fine was released, said through a Bulls PR representative that he had no comment and was only focused on Game 4.

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CHICAGO -- When things are going well in Carlos Boozer's world, he loves that he is just feeding off his teammates. The veteran forward goes out of his way to talk about their contributions because he doesn't usually like to talk about his own accomplishments.

The reality for the Chicago Bulls in this series is that while Boozer needs his teammates to set him up, his teammates need his presence and offensive aggressiveness more than ever. What was obvious in the first round against the Brooklyn Nets became even more obvious early in Game 3 against the Miami Heat as Boozer finally found the rhythm he's been missing for the last few games.

After scoring just 14 points combined in Games 1 and 2, Boozer rattled off 21 points in Friday night’s 104-94 loss and showed flashes of the player he had been throughout most of the season for Tom Thibodeau.

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CHICAGO -- Here's a quick look at how the Miami Heat earned a hard-fought 104-94 win over the Chicago Bulls on Friday night at the United Center in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. The Heat lead the series 2-1.

How it happened: Chris Bosh had a monster game for the Heat, going off for 20 points, 19 rebounds and 4 assists as the Heat ground this one out at the end. LeBron James almost had a triple-double, scoring 25 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and totaling 7 assists. Carlos Boozer had his best game of the series with 21 points, but the Bulls could not make enough plays down the stretch and it cost them.

What it means: This game brought one of the Bulls' biggest fears to the forefront. The Bulls play hard, they play tough and they play with a passion that usually fires an entire city up -- as was the case on Friday night. The problem is that they just don't have enough playmakers who can be consistently counted on to provide offense and make plays when it matters most. The Bulls struggled to make big shots late in the game despite doing almost everything else they needed to in order to win. What has to be almost as troubling for Tom Thibodeau is the fact that his team exerted so much energy and emotion in this game and still came up short. The Bulls had chances in this one but they couldn't take advantage of them. Heart and hustle can take a team a long way, but talent, and clutch shooting, usually wins out. That was the case in Game 3.

Hits: Norris Cole had 18 points off the bench for Miami, including a clutch 3-pointer with 1:48 left in regulation that served as the final dagger for the Bulls.

Misses: Taj Gibson was just 2-for-9 from the field and had six points.

Stat of the night: After getting destroyed by Miami in the paint in Game 2, the Bulls outscored the Heat 44-28 down low -- but it didn't matter in the end.

What's next: Game 4 is at 6 p.m. CT Monday in Chicago.

MIAMI -- The Chicago Bulls' momentum turned upside down all night in their 115-78 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 2 on Wednesday thanks to the sound of the referees' whistles.

While many will focus on all the whistles the Bulls endured toward the beginning of the fourth quarter when official Scott Foster tossed Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson, one of the biggest came midway through the first quarter when Jimmy Butler was called for his first foul while trying to check LeBron James.

After having so much success against James in Game 1, especially through the first three quarters, Butler admitted that his game plan altered after hearing the first whistle directed toward him.

"I feel like after one foul I couldn't be as aggressive," Butler said. "I couldn't be the aggressor, and he took advantage of that definitely. He was definitely coming at me. But that's a challenge I got to take upon myself. My teammates are still going to be there, they're still going to be in [there to] help me, but I feel like it changes a lot. When you get a first one you start to back up a little bit and that's just like the green light for him."

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MIAMI -- Here's a quick look at how the Miami Heat cruised to an easy 115-78 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday night at AmericanAirlines Arena in Game 2 of an Eastern Conference semifinal. The series is tied 1-1.

How it happened: LeBron James was much more aggressive early in this game and it showed. The reigning MVP finished with 19 points, five rebounds and nine assists. Ray Allen added 21 points while Dwyane Wade chipped in with 15 points and five assists. Marco Belinelli led the Bulls with 13 points and six assists.

What it means: The Heat beat the Bulls at their own game. They were the more aggressive team from start to finish and they forced the Bulls to play at their pace all night. James set an early tone that the rest of his teammates followed and it was clear the Heat were ready for an even more physical game than in Game 1. The Bulls got dominated in the paint and were unable to fight back down the stretch as they did on Monday. They couldn't find a rhythm on the offensive end and got beat down the floor way too many times in the final three quarters. The good news for the Bulls is that they got what they wanted in Miami -- a split. As poorly as they played in this game, that frustration will be tempered by the fact that they head into Game 3 tied 1-1. The only benefit of the blowout is that guys like Jimmy Butler and Nate Robinson, both of whom have played a huge amount of minutes recently, didn't see the floor in the fourth quarter. The bad news is that Taj Gibson could be facing a suspension for arguing with official Scott Foster after being tossed in the fourth quarter. He and Noah were both tossed late in this one but Gibson was very animated with his displeasure. It will be interesting to see how the league handles the situation, especially given that there were nine technicals, one flagrant foul and two ejections.

Hits: Not much to write home about for the Bulls in this one -- although Noah did have 12 points and six rebounds before getting tossed.

Misses: The Bulls shot just 35.5 percent from the field.

Stat(s) of the night: Points in the paint: Heat led 56-18. Fast break points: Heat led 20-2

What's next: Game 3 is at 7 p.m. CT Friday in Chicago.