The Portland Trail Blazers and Chicago Bulls discussed a deal in the offseason that would have centered around LaMarcus Aldridge for Joakim Noah, according to several sources.

Whether the deal reached a serious point or which team initiated discussions is unclear.

"Aldridge was available," one league source noted.

The Bulls had the opportunity to draft Aldridge in the 2006 NBA Draft, but instead consummated a draft night trade with the Blazers that led to Tyrus Thomas.

Aldridge has been one of the NBA's best players this season as the Blazers have had an excellent first third of the season.