Derrick Rose's fairy tale in Chicago may not have a happy ending.
The trade rumors for Rose have simmered down as his play continued to deteriorate. While injuries are not entirely his fault, it still does not change the fact that he is no longer capable of returning to his old form.
In a Chicago Tribune Q&A feature, most of the fans' questions centered on Rose not being able to dunk anymore, no longer getting to the free throw line and not even being a capable point guard.
"Derrick Rose isn't pushing the ball at breakneck speed consistently," Tribune reporter KC Johnson said. "Gasol likes to establish himself early on the block. And the Bulls do lack shot creators, particularly when Rose isn't even exhibiting the same athleticism he showed during last season's playoffs. "
Too many negatives for Rose, and while there is a question of why the Bulls won't "blow it up," the reality is that they could not really have a full rebuild with Rose's huge contract eating up $21 million of cap space.
In the Real GM trade checker, a trade where Rose and Taj Gibson would be traded in exchange for Jarrett Jack would work, and the Bulls main goal is to replace Rose with Johnson's expiring contract.
However, the Nets have a capable power forward in Thaddeus Young, and while a straight trade between Rose and Johnson would work, the question is why would the Nets take Rose's extra year after they waited forever for Johnson's contract to end?
That's what the Bulls are probably trying to do right now-convince the Nets to take on Rose so they can rebuild early. The Nets would definitely ask for draft picks as they do not have their own.
For the Bulls, they still want to show Rose at full strength and perhaps sell the Nets the idea that maybe Rose can still perform. The Nets are also not playing in a position of strength, as they don't have any other way to improve their team. Even free agency would be a challenge for them.
If the Bulls don't get the Nets to agree with this trade by February, they may look to waive Rose and use the stretch provision. That would be their last resort.