NBA Trade Rumors: D-Rose Wise to Kill Rumor He Wanted Carlos Boozer Traded

OK, that's the Derrick Rose we expect: loyal, quiet and solid as a teammate, As the rumor of Rose's wish to trade Carlos Boozer for Pau Gasol began to be reported by reliable sources, I began to wonder if Rose was who we thought he was.

Call me crazy, but I believe him over every rumor, regardless of the source.

Rose refuted the notion that he had gone to management and gave his blessing on a deal that would send Boozer and C.J. Watson to the Lakers for Gasol.

He told KC Johnson of the Chicago Tribune:

"

That’s something I wouldn’t say to anyone, that I need someone to come to this team or I’m trying to get rid of someone on this team, Rose said. "It was all false. That’s something I would never do.

I talked to (Boozer) a little but he already knew they were false. It’s something I wouldn’t do. I’m good with the teammates I have. I’ve always been saying that. The team we have has been winning games. We’re not in position to look to trade anyone right now.

"

I felt weird about this entire story for a few different reasons.

I think the trade would have been great for the Bulls, even though I felt it was unrealistic, as I couldn't see the Lakers going for the deal.

Gasol is longer as a legitimate seven-footer, a better defender and he has a championship pedigree. Gasol and Boozer's career stats are similar, (Gasol 18.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.7 blocks to Boozer's 17.2 points, 10 rebounds and 0.5 blocks) but it's bigger than numbers.

It's about presence on the floor, and Gasol would be a bigger factor on the floor with his shot-blocking and ability to draw a double and finish. 

The other side of the coin is this, I didn't want to believe that Rose would stab a teammate in the back like that. I know it's a business, but I want to believe that Rose is as great a guy as he seems, and that he operates differently.

If this trade came about, and Rose had nothing to do with it, it's a great move for the Bulls. To think that Rose could have had a hand in it is almost like Luke Skywalker joining the dark side of the force.

He has said, time and time again that he will not recruit other players and get involved in front office decisions. It would have been disappointing to see him do that secretly.

The best part of the way Rose handled this situation was in going to speak to Boozer personally. We don't know how much stock Boozer put into the reports, but with as much abuse as he takes from the Chicago media and fans, it could have felt like piling on.

It was a great show of leadership for Rose to personally talk to him to clear the air.

Rose continues to display his value to the Bulls organization, and with this issue now handled, Bulls fans can continue to love Rose without hesitation.