Sam Smith of Bulls.com recently discussed the possibility of the Bulls acquiring Pau Gasol.
And here’s the attention-grabber:
“The interesting part, according to Lakers’ insiders, is Gasol would like to play for the Bulls.”
So with Gasol most likely out as a Laker and wanting to play in Chicago…
…what do the Bulls do?
As Smith points out, trading for Gasol would require a major restructuring of the Bulls as we know them. In Smith’s scenario, the Bulls would likely use Luol Deng and Rip Hamilton to acquire Gasol from the Lakers and then flip Joakim Noah:
You could get two players for someone like Noah to replace Noah and get a guard. Maybe Atlanta with a sign and trade for Kirk Hinrich and Marvin Williams; Charlotte for B.J. Augustin, Gerald Henderson and B.J. Mullens, Houston with some package including Kyle Lowry and Courtney Lee; New Orleans for Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack and one of their lottery picks; Denver with Wilson Chandler and Andre Miller or Arron Afflalo; Minnesota with Luke Ridnour, Derrick Williams and maybe Anthony Randolph or Wes Johnson, though they’d need something back like the Bulls’ No. 1 pick.
Assuming any of this is possible — pretty big assumptions — the Bulls would come out with competitive talent that could still complement Derrick Rose when he returns (be it next season or the season after).
Of course, it would also be a stab to the heart of the fans who have come to love the team that’s been fielded the past two seasons. Unfortunately, due largely to Rose’s injury and cap restraints, major changes are coming no matter what. After all, due to the cash being paid out to Rose, Deng, Noah and Carlos Boozer — around $55 million between the four of them — management will probably have to let go of a few member of the Bench Mob (possibly C.J. Watson, Kyle Korver, and/or Ronnie Brewer).
If Rose was healthy, management would probably be willing to roll the dice on this current group. With Rose out for many months to come, they may choose to slice payroll and start preparing for the next team built around their MVP.
And trading for Gasol might be step one of that plan.
The way LA jettisoned Lamar maybe there’s a chance it won’t take that much to get him? … hopefully?? … Then we can dump Boozer??? … hopefully????
I’ve given up hope that there’s a sucker team that will take him.
I’m wondering if there’s a team out that that has a sizable trade exception, or is far enough under the cap that they’d be willing to take on Boozer for peanuts, similar to how Miami sent Beasley to Minnesota for a second rounder.
wishful thinking, I know.
I actually would like better shooters surrounding Rose. Maybe trade Rip+Boozer for Rashard Lewis? Sign Kirk as a free agent. He’s perfect because he can start and then play the 2 and/or backup Rose when he gets healthy again. So something like: Rose, Kirk, Deng, Rashard, Taj, Noah. And you can trade high on Deng to get a more offensive 2-guard, like Kevin Martin and a 1st round pick. Thibs will have all these guys play D. Kirk, Kevin Martin, Rashard Lewis, Taj, Noah. Then sign a bench and Rose will have a good offense next year to win with.
top defensive teams are more likely to win a title than an offensive juggernaut. remember how far D’Antoni’s Suns teams went?
and Rip Hamilton, while injured most of the season, is a great scorer who can also make plays and handle the ball. he is effective coming off screens, and gets easy looks when playing with Rose.
and getting rid of Luol Deng for Kevin Martin? a guy that plays almost as much defense as Boozer? not what we need. Deng is a suitable offensive option, and not much in need of an upgrade. defensively, he’s one of the best. trading him for Kevin Martin is not fair value.
I do agree with bringing back Captain Kirk, though. but only to replace CJ Watson as backup point, or to play alongside Rose for stretches to allow Derrick to play off the ball.
the only thing that worries me is Gasol’s age….we seem to always pick up “big name” players as they’re declining….Rip and ben wallace are recent examples; however, Gasol is the type of player where his athletic ability is not as critical to his overall game….so MAYBE, bringing Gasol wouldn’t be that bad of a move.
i’d still prefer CHI to bring in some younger guns…that’s what it will take to bring down Wade/Bron…look at BOS…those old guns don’t have enough to take them down.
i would luv 2 dump boozer 4gasol but i would never get rid of lu he the only defender we have that can slow down lbj but we got 2 dump boozer and rip bring back kirk or gordon .keep noah taj lu rose add gasol with kirk of the bench
Why would we want to trade a bunch of stuff for a player who’s just starting to enter the twilight of his career. If we’re going to give away massive amounts of pieces, we need to get a bone fide superstar in return. The answer is not Kirk Heinrich (again) nor is it going and getting yet another jump shooter, unless you think you can shoot your way past Miami. The answer is, and always has been, getting Dwight Howard. Whatever it takes, we need to get him here.
Houston trade Denver trade or minnasota trade
Dwight is the best answer….if he can be his old self after surgery
Gasol is not in his prime any longer. He is clearly on the downtrend and giving up young talent (like Deng) plus Rip H. is too much. The Bulls can do better. Gasol is not a player to build around at this point so it is win now or bust and this had bust written all over it.
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Today is the first day after the Miami Heat won the 2012 NBA Championship. …And nothing has changed.
Lebron was a great player before and he is still a great player. Lebron was also a coward before, and is still one now.
+1
ppl have short memories when it comes to Lebron and love to follow whatever ESPN says.
Gasol for Noah and Deng would be a pretty good deal for both sides although I am just fine for things staying the way that they are.
Is there a new site that I don’t know about? Matt, where you been?
BTW – Will Barton??? John Jenkins is the man I would like to see.
Gasol for Noah and Deng??
horrible deal