Pau Gasol Trade Rumors: A Gasol Trade That Makes Sense

It's no secret that Pau Gasol's name has been tied to many different teams in trade rumors this season. Recently, one of the more surprising teams to come up is the Chicago Bulls, who reportedly have an interest in acquiring the big man in order to appease Derrick Rose.

That said, the rumor has suggested that the Bulls would send back Carlos Boozer in return for the Spaniard.

Anyone who thinks that Mitch Kupchak would make that deal is out of their mind.

The most important thing to remember when considering a trade for Pau Gasol is that Gasol is not the problem for the Lakers. The biggest issue currently with the team is its depth surrounding Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Andrew Bynum. 

Unfortunately, the Lakers will have to give up something to get what they want. But just because they want to make a trade doesn't mean they are willing to give up Gasol for anything less than what he's worth.

What is he worth? How about a starting small forward and a decent point guard.

Oddly enough, the Chicago Bulls have two players that fit the bill: Luol Deng and C.J. Watson.

It hasn't been stated whether or not the Bulls would be willing to part with Deng, though, in theory, for the right price, anyone not named Derrick Rose is available.

If Derrick Rose is really pushing hard for the European big man, perhaps the Bulls would be willing to part with their stud small forward and backup guard in exchange.

And while this exact trade has yet to be mentioned, it would be the perfect deal for the Lakers, who would be able to fill two problematic positions right away, adding more depth, athleticism and youth.

For the Bulls, bringing on Pau Gasol would give them the freedom to trade away a combination of their big men in a possible deal for Dwight Howard. Whether or not that is a possibility is unknown at this point, but parting with Joakim Noah or Taj Gibson becomes a lot easier when you have the chance at pairing Gasol and Rose with Howard.

Though it may pain Lakers fans to consider a trade that may greatly help the Bulls, keep in mind that Deng, at 26, has similar versatility to Lamar Odom (as demonstrated by recent back-to-back games of 20-plus points and 10-plus assists) and has proven time and again that he is capable of guarding the other team's best man. Not to mention that he is only 26.

In addition to acquiring Deng, the team would also get a young promising point guard in C.J. Watson, who would be a huge upgrade over the Lakers' current group of guards, as he puts up better numbers than Derek Fisher and Steve Blake and is able to penetrate and distribute the ball like the conventional guard Coach Mike Brown needs.

Overall, while it may be difficult to get rid of a player of Gasol's talent, especially to a team that is going to be a contender for the title, the Lakers need to take advantage of the Bulls' many trade assets and come out a winner. Because, unless Rajon Rondo or Dwight Howard become more affordable (which I assume they won't), this is the Lakers' best option.

If the Lakers can get both Deng and Watson in a deal for Gasol, they should definitely pull the trigger.