NBA Trade Rumors: Pau Gasol to the Bulls Is Best Option for a Lakers Trade

For the entire NBA season, Pau Gasol has been rumored to be heading to a number of teams. The only option that can give the Los Angeles Lakers close to what they want is the Chicago Bulls.

According to Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops, Derrick Rose has said that he wants to play with Gasol if they can make the trade.

The deal is said to be centered around Carlos Boozer. Also in the deal might be backup point guard for the Bulls C.J. Watson.

Out of all the possible trade scenarios, this one seems to work the most. There have been other rumors such as Gasol to the Celtics for Rajon Rondo. Those deals seemed to be nice but are unlikely to happen.

Since the Bulls have the blessing of Rose to make a trade for the seven-footer, it makes this deal a greater possibility. Rose is the future of the team and the front office will do whatever it takes to make him happy.

Also, the Bulls have a lot of depth. They have pieces that they can use to make trades to get a player like Gasol.

As for the Lakers, they have been clear that they want to get rid of Gasol. He has been a great asset for the team and has helped the Lakers win two championships. However, he is still the player the Lakers are determined to get rid of.

If the Lakers have to make a move to trade Gasol, then they need to work with the Bulls.

Getting Carlos Boozer would be a nice fit at power forward and be a nice compliment to Andrew Bynum. However, this deal cannot be done if unless the Lakers get Watson.

The Bulls backup point guard has shown he has what it takes to be an NBA starter. While Rose was out due to injury, Watson stepped up and helped the Bulls win games and maintain their position in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers need to get younger at the point guard position and with Watson playing the point, it can put a lesser responsibility on Kobe Bryant. He would not have to be a ball-handler as much as he is now and can rely on his young point guard to distribute him the ball.

The Lakers are also last in fast-break points which is something that Watson can help with. He has great speed and can get down the floor quickly.

It would also be nice if the Lakers could acquire Kyle Korver from the Bulls in the trade as well to fill their need for a shooter. This is highly unlikely, though, as it may cost more than the Lakers can give.

If the Lakers do pull this trade off, they need to make sure they get enough in return to account for a player like Gasol.