D'Angelo Russell (Photo : Getty Images)
Derrick Rose (Photo : Getty Images)
The NBA trade rumors lit up with the news that the New York Knicks are considering a transaction for Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls.
While there are no further details on whether there were talks that progressed from this the Knicks' stated intention, it was more than enough to spark rumors-even those concerning other teams.
One team that has been linked with Rose all of a sudden is the LA Lakers. While there would be quick objections that the Lakers actually have young point guards, rumors about D'Angelo Russell possibly being on the trade block also broke out.
It would be a tale of two teams-one looking for youth and one looking for an established name, and it was easy to make assumptions.
Ben Maller of Fox Sports in his radio show declared that if the Bulls want to trade Derrick Rose, "100 percent" he would be gone. He mentioned that the Lakers are "a bunch of scrubs" and Rose is still a star who would love to play in LA-a place where he spends his offseason in. If Rose would leave his native Chicago, LA would be the place.
However, the choice is not for Rose to make, as he is not a free agent until next year. The Bulls, despite the extensive injury history for Rose, is not willing to trade him for nothing.
Thus, the question of trading D'Angelo Russell for Rose was raised by Evan Massey of Forbes.
"Rose is expected to be available in trade talks this offseason, as the Bulls are looking to make a big trade," Massey wrote. "There is a chance that the Bulls could choose to trade Jimmy Butler instead of Rose, but that doesn't seem too likely at this point in time. Los Angeles would be upgrading their chances of competing for a playoff spot in the immediate future, although they could be giving up some future success."
It's easy to justify the trade from the Chicago Bulls' standpoint. Russell is younger and on a rookie contract. He has loads of upside even with a disappointing rookie season.
For Massey though, he has to make a strong case for LA. "Los Angeles would be getting a potential superstar if Rose can stay healthy, but it would be a major risk." That would be an understatement, as they let go of a no.2 pick for a player who has yet to complete a season since winning MVP honors.
Still, Massey concluded that "Rose would make a lot of sense for the Lakers if they choose to trade Russell. If the Lakers come calling, Chicago would be foolish to turn them away."
The Bulls would be foolish, but what of the Lakers if they even make that call? The only rationalization for them to do this is if they don't believe Russell is their point guard of the future. If that's the case, they could take a flyer on Rose for one year. If it doesn't pan out, Rose is off the books at season's end and the Lakers can shop for a point guard in the rich point guard market of 2017. It's a safe bet the team will pursue UCLA product Russell Westbrook.
