Bulls Trade Rumors: Why Chicago Must Revisit Potential Gasol for Boozer Deal

The trade deadline is just a week away and several game-changing trades are coming down to the wire. There have been whispers of the Bulls' reigning MVP, Derrick Rose, clamoring for a trade that would bring Pau Gasol to Chicago in exchange for Carlos Boozer and, most likely, guard C.J Watson as well.

From Chicago's perspective, this is a deal that could have major implications down the stretch and would certainly benefit a Bulls team in need of a big, inside presence, despite the fact that Rose has publicly denied his alleged advocating of any such deal.

From the Los Angeles Lakers' point of view, trading Gasol may be their best option at this point. The elite big man has already met with general manager Mitch Kupchak about a possible deal. Although Boozer's contract is hefty, the addition of C.J. Watson would provide some much needed depth to the Lakers backcourt.

Boozer has been a source of much criticism in Chicago, as he has never really lived up to his $75 million contract. Many Bulls fans are chomping at the bit to relieve themselves of Boozer's overpriced contract and underperforming ways.

Gasol isn't getting any younger at 31 years of age, but the Spaniard has a history in the postseason and would provide a big upgrade along with a wealth of experience to a Bulls squad in need of both.

Gasol is "only" averaging 16.7 points per game in 2012, a couple of points shy of his career average, but perhaps a change of scenery is all he needs to get the ball rolling again.

The development and subsequent emergence of Andrew Bynum has taken away a bit of Gasol's production. In Chicago, he would be the guy down low and his numbers would likely fluctuate back up to their normal levels.

The bottom line here is that the Bulls need to make a deal and the front office realizes that. According to ESPN.com's Chris Broussard, the Bulls feel as if they need to make a move in order to be competitive with a team like the Miami Heat in the playoffs.

Adding a top-level postman like Gasol would go a long way in solving the Miami puzzle.

A C.J. Watson and Carlos Boozer for Pau Gasol trade may not be enough to get it done while a rumored trade of Boozer and Luol Deng for Gasol would likely be considered an overpayment by Chicago.

Before next week, it is in the Bulls' best interest to pull the trigger on a move for Gasol. It may not be easy to pull off, but the Bulls must get it done if they have any aspirations of beating the Heat come summer.