The Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers shook up their respective rosters with the long-rumored trade of James Harden for Ben Simmons. Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine isn't the least bit worried.

The Bulls guard was asked about the teams within the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference making moves to bolster their rosters, with the headliner obviously being the Harden-for-Simmons swap. Other top teams also made moves such as the Milwaukee Bucks adding Serge Ibaka and the Cleveland Cavaliers nabbing Caris LeVert.

Via Rob Schaefer of NBC Sports Chicago:

“They did what they think was best for their teams. You gotta respect it,” LaVine said. “But everybody gotta come down to playing each other, so we’ll see what it’s gonna be like.”

The Bulls ultimately decided to sit out the trade deadline, as one of just three teams in the NBA not to make a deal this season. But it's not like Chicago had remained dormant for the past year. They were one of the busiest franchises during the offseason, with a bevy of moves to bring in veteran talent that has made the roster as successful as it has been this season.

Adding DeMar DeRozan has arguably been the move of the season, especially considering the skepticism that existed around the move when it happened. The 5-time All-Star has played like a legitimate MVP candidate with his best season yet at age-32. Then there was the trade for Nikola Vucevic during last season's trade deadline. Vooch was also instrumental in courting DeRozan, a fellow USC alum, to come over.

The additions of Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso have been huge as well, with their absence of late highlighting their impact towards Chicago's early-season success.

In the end, the front office decided that the team was better off maintaining status quo and instead just focusing on getting their key guys back and healthy as the postseason draws closer.

“It’s our job to come out here with the guys that we have, and when we were healthy, we were showing that we were always at the top and one of the best teams in the NBA. I think that’s what we’re hanging our hat on. When we get healthy, we’ll get back to what we do.”

Zach LaVine was clearly in agreement with their decision. The Bulls All-Star was vocal that despite their East rivals making moves while they stood pat, Chicago is right there with any of them.

“When we get healthy and we do we do what we supposed to do, I don’t see anybody better than us in the East. That’s just my opinion,” Zach LaVine said. “Competition-wise, you step on the line, you go throw the ball up, I don’t think anybody’s better than us.”

The Bulls didn't need to make any trade deadline moves because they already did their work in advance. Chicago has dealt with a rash of injuries and bouts with COVID-19, but at their best they've shown they're a true contender this season.