Chicago Bulls Rumors: Carmelo Anthony And Pau Gasol Could Solve Offensive Woes
Chicago Bulls rumors about what they should do this offseason are ready to go on full blast after their 98-89 loss to the Washington Wizards in game four of their first round series on Sunday. The man at the center of those Chicago Bulls rumors is Carmelo Anthony. In a loaded draft and shallow free agency pool, Carmelo Anthony is at the top of everyone’s list.
After three consecutive playoffs without Derrick Rose, the Chicago Bulls have all but admitted their need to begin a rebuilding process. With Rose, their current team, and coach Tom Thibodeau, the Bulls are probably Eastern Conference contenders. However, waiting for Derrick has turned into a soap opera that leads to teams that play with a lot of heart led by Joakim Noah, but lack any offense. And without offense, NBA teams are not winning in the playoffs.
Insert Carmelo Anthony rumors here. As Michael Wilbon of ESPN so eloquently pointed out recently, the Chicago Bulls rumors should focus on Anthony and bringing him in. Their biggest need, especially in the absence of Derrick Rose is scoring. After shipping off Luol Deng to the Cleveland Cavaliers mid season, the Bulls tipped their hand. While Deng is an all-star and solid offensive weapon, they obviously are looking for a bigger name and volume scoring. The revolving door offense currently utilized by the Bulls relies on replaceable guys like Mike Dunleavy, Jimmy Butler, and solid sixth man Taj Gibson.
This offseason, the Chicago Bulls rumors about bringing in Carmelo Anthony could really take off if they amnesty Carlos Boozer. By waiving Boozer and clearing his cap space, the Chicago Bulls potentially make room for Anthony and one other top level player. It is no secret that Pau Gasol wants out of the Lakers organization, at least as long as Mike D’antoni is at the helm. And there has been lots of talk about potential Carmelo and Gasol pairings, possibly in Los Angeles or in New York.
What if both stars were willing to play alongside Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah? While the pay day may not be as large in Chicago, Gasol and Anthony would get a chance to immediately make the Chicago Bulls title contenders. In this year’s Eastern Conference, the Bulls would easily be the second best team with either Gasol or Carmelo Anthony. But with both? They could actually compete with the aging Miami Heat. Consider a Bulls starting five of Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Carmelo Anthony, Pau Gasol, and Joakim Noah.
Other Chicago Bulls rumors are sure to crop up this summer until they make a move, but expect Carmelo Anthony and Pau Gasol to remain at the center of them. Especially if they can not come back against Washington.
[Image via Chicagonow.com]
