The Bulls have a bit of good news coming with reports that Joakim Noah is all set to return to active duty.

Noah last played against the Nets on Dec. 21 before going down with a sprained shoulder. He was diagnosed to be out for two weeks and apparently that means he will be returning soon, according to Hoops Habit.

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Under normal circumstances, that would be welcome news. But with rookie Bobby Portis doing well on his behalf, how will the Bulls play it out?

The issue was in the air even when Noah was still out of action. Portis seems to be perfect for head coach Fred Hoiberg and the team chose not to think about it at that time. Now however, decision-making time is imminent and it may not turn out to be pretty.

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Right now, Noah will likely come off the bench until he gets back into the groove of things. But that is will only be a short delay, meaning Hoiberg and the Bulls may or may not re-insert him to the starting lineup.

If so, Noah is unlikely to be well with it. So could it be time to consider trading the Bulls’ bruiser?

Noah hasn’t exactly fit in nicely with the new system of Hoiberg and that was where trade talks involving him surfaced back in December via Fox Sports. The injury thus became timely for the Bulls to see if anyone could perform better than Noah.

With Noah on the sidelines, the Bulls have won seven of their last eight games, allowing them to hold the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference.

The time of reckoning is apparently here and the Bulls need to decide soon. Portis has shone brightly, so benching him at this point makes no sense at all.

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