Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Derrick Rose wants to win, there’s no questioning that, and it seems he is taking matters into his own hands.  Chris Sheridan is reporting that Chicago Bulls’ point guard told management he wants to play with the Lakers’ Pau Gasol. This would be a huge move for the Bulls and set them up for a championship run. The trade would likely include Carlos Boozer and another player, rumored to be backup point guard, CJ Watson.
The loss of Boozer would be overshadowed by the addition of Gasol. Boozer is currently averaging 15.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.4 blocks while Gasol is averaging 16.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1.3 blocks. That’s a significant improvement in every single category. Gasol is definitely better on offense, but the biggest difference will be his defense. Having a 7-footer (who actually knows how to play D) patrolling the lane with Joakim Noah will be an incredible upgrade.
The loss of CJ would hurt, as he’s been a great backup this year, but with Rose coming back, the Bulls won’t need to lean on him as heavily.  On top of that, John Lucas III and Mike James have both been very serviceable in backup roles this season.
If the Bulls’ management team wants to win a championship, they need to make this trade happen. All they’re giving up is Carlos Boozer and CJ Watson for Pau Gasol, a perennial all-star. They are getting the better end of this deal and, as a bonus, they get to keep Luol Deng, who is always being discussed as trade bait.
