NBA Trade Rumors: Chicago Bulls Should Steer Clear of Pau Gasol

While it’s hard to believe that the usually quiet Derrick Rose spoke up to voice his approval for the team acquiring Lakers’ forward Pau Gasol, it’s not hard to believe that the Bulls management is interested since it seems like Los Angeles is very open to dealing the big man.

One of the more glaring reasons for the apparent Chicago interest could stem from their disappointment with the continuous up-and-down play of the Bulls’ own premier forward, Carlos Boozer.

Gasol does offer a more consistent and versatile offensive option and presents a shot-blocking threat to boot.

Even though Gasol’s athleticism coupled with Rose’s dynamic play seems like an upgrade over the reigning MVP’s pairing with Boozer, the Bulls should still stay away from this deal.

There’s no question that the Lakers would never go for a straight-up swap of Boozer for Gasol.

For one, the finances don’t add up.

An even swap would put Chicago over the luxury tax threshold, and that means at least one other player would have to be added by the Bulls in order to make the numbers work.

Who would that player be exactly?

Now the attention has to turn to what the Lakers really need.

Swapping Gasol for Boozer is really a push for L.A. They'd still get a big who can score by hitting the open shot and help on the boards.

But what the Lakers have been lacking is a decent point guard to help shore up their backcourt.

Right now, Chicago has CJ Watson, Mike James, and John Lucas III backing up Rose.

Of those three, it is most certain that the Lakers would want Watson to be included in a potential deal.

This inclusion would give the Lakers what they really want, and it would make the transaction financially viable for Chicago.

The problem is that it would also do more harm than good to the Bulls as it relates to their 2012 NBA title hopes.

Watson has been a more than capable backup to Rose this season. Chicago even boasts a winning record in games played without their star point guard, and a lot of that has to do with the play of Watson.

Rose has suffered two injuries this season that have caused him to miss extended time. The nature of these injuries is such that they can flare up at any given point in the future, including the playoffs.

If Rose were to ever go down again, it’s hard to believe that Chicago could continue to roll with the likes of Mike James at the helm.

The need to include Watson in order to land Gasol should be a deal breaker for the Bulls.

Not only would they be giving away a crucial piece of their championship puzzle, but they would also be letting go a big piece of their future by dealing away the 27-year-old Watson while keeping the 36-year-old James.

Romantically speaking, playing Gasol and Rose on the same team seems like a great pairing. However, the asking price seems too steep, and Chicago could end up paying in more ways than one.

It’s tough to ignore the bright light offerings of Hollywood, but even if it's wrapped with purple, all that glitters ain’t gold.

Follow James on Twitter @JDouglasDavis