Hypothetical Summer Scenario: Derrick Rose is Traded to the New Orleans Pelicans
The front office of the Chicago Bulls has mentioned that major changes are coming to the organization this summer. Could a big change come in the form of moving Derrick Rose to another franchise?
Derrick Rose has one year left with the Bulls on the five-year deal he signed after becoming the NBA’s youngest MVP ever.
In a hypothetical situation, what if the Bulls did the unthinkable and traded Rose before he becomes a free agent next summer anyway?
The days of seeing Rose suit up as a member of the Chicago Bulls could be numbered if they trade him to a higher lottery with a point guard need team like the New Orleans Pelicans this summer.
It wouldn’t be the dream scenario that Bulls fans would want to see with two of Chicago’s basketball sons playing together in a different city, but the Bulls could potentially get a good return for Rose.
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In a potential trade, the former MVP could be sent to play alongside rising star Anthony Davis in a multi-player deal by moving Rose to New Orleans in exchange for Jrue Holiday, Omer Asik and a first-round draft pick (presumably, New Orleans’ first-round pick this summer).
Placing Rose on the trading block puts the Chicago Bulls in a position where they can add depth at point guard and center; two areas needing to be addressed in the offseason.
For one thing, the Bulls have a decision to make regarding the future of Pau Gasol. All season long, a lot of discussions detailed the team’s future with respect to the all-star center. Questions have swirled around the league about whether the veteran is a good fit for the system coach Fred Hoiberg is known for running. Making a trade allows the team to end the whole “will he/won’t he game” when it comes to deciding whether or not to re-sign Gasol.
As for the future of Rose, the team can address the salary issue that comes with resigning his expiring contract. It’s no question that many believe he isn’t the most deserving of the extension he’s owed. The injury-plagued point guard competed in only 100 regular season games between 2011-2015 due to injuries.
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Bringing Asik back to Chicago allows them to acquire a center that is capable of playing competitively for a large-market team as he did for the Bulls between 2010 and 2012. Some of Asik’s best strengths are his ability to finish near the hoop and the energy he exudes when rebounding the ball. Coupling his talents alongside the likes of Bobby Portis is one avenue the Bulls should explore, considering the rookie’s struggles to find his way as a force in the paint.
Another key component to this proposed trade is Holiday. The 2013 All-Star reserve would a find a new home in Chicago playing alongside his brother Justin Holiday. This exchange allows the Bulls to acquire a guard who is not only a proven scorer, but also a willing passer.
If Holiday’s time in Chicago doesn’t work out, it plays to the Bulls’ advantage since he only has one year left on his expiring contract. Pursuing this deal will have not been for nothing if bringing in Holiday doesn’t pan out according to plan. The Bulls would acquire a first-round draft prospect who they can mold and mentor as the future of the franchise alongside Jimmy Butler.
Some will find it challenging to see a future for Chicago without Derrick Rose, while other have already moved onto the next chapter of Bulls basketball. This trade, if secured, brings its share of reasons why Bulls fans should keep seeing red.
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After missing the playoffs in 2015-2016, it is the hope that the Bulls can return to the postseason next year and a trade (although a hypothetical one) could go a long way in that happening.