Pau Gasol of the Memphis Grizzlies has reportedly asked to be traded. Jerry West confirmed that he had a brief chat with the Chicago Bulls about a potential trade that might involve Ben Gordon and Luol Deng. Read more here.
Fantasy Spin: Gasol has recovered nicely after missing much of the season due to injury. A trade probably wouldn't mean better numbers than he's already putting up, but depending on where he would end up it could mean a decline in points, but increase in assists. If he were to go to Chicago, look for Gasol's scoring to remain consistent, but also look for other Bulls players to see an increase in scoring and scoring efficiency as Gasol is a solid passer out of double teams.
Lineup
What would this do to the Bull's lineup? Would Wallace play center and Gasol PF? Do you think Hinrich's stats would go up if Gordon was traded?
Hecky no!
It's not fantasy related at all, but I'll be pissed as hell if the Bulls trade Deng. I'm not so attached to Gordon, though the more games he starts the more I like him. I mean, the Bulls probably do need a post threat, but trading pretty much the two best players on the team seems like a losing argument.
Bulls
I know what you mean. As good as Gasol is, giving up Deng AND Gordon seems like a lot. But, it would depend on what else they got in return, if anything. Gordon realy upped his game this year, getting to the line almost twice as much as he did last year and scoring with much more efficiency. Deng's improved a lot offensively as well. Still, I think if they can make a trade that makes sense they should do it. Even if it means giving up either Gordon OR Deng. I'd almost rather keep Gordon if I'm Chicago. I'm thinking of pieces and they don't have a lot of scorers. Gordon's a shooter and would get a lot of open looks with Gasol's passing ability out of the post. Also, Nocioni makes Deng a little more expendable. In fact, if I was Memphis, I'd be asking for Nocioni. I love his game. Either way, Gasol on the Bulls would be scary. He'd be the perfect fit for them I think.
Crossing my fingers
Perhaps this is selfish as a fan. I'd love to see a guy like Gasol in Chicago, but I'm way too attached to our youth core of Deng, Nocioni, Gordon, and Hinrich. Considering Memphis doesn't want to screw themselves over, I don't think I'd be happy with any deal that might go down.
Gasol
Contrary to popular belief, I don't think the Bulls will be able to pull off a blockbuster move with one of their star youths until that youth reaches the end of his current contract. In which case, they could pull a sign-n-trade. Otherwise, they just don't earn enough to be able to match big contracts like Gasol which means the Bulls would have to give up too much. That being said, as good as Gordon, Nocioni, Deng and their other young prospects could be, I don't think they have the pieces to be a true contender without landing a top-flight big man, like Gasol, who can draw double teams...at least not with the style they're set up for.