NBA Free Agents 2014: Why Chicago Bulls Should Trade Derrick Rose, and Which Stars Could Replace Him

Another year, another NBA season, and another Chicago Bulls run that seems destined to go to waste with the absence of their biggest weapon and franchise superstar, Derrick Rose.

In a weakened Eastern Conference, and despite a weakened roster, the Bulls are 40-31 as of Friday for the fourth seed in the East, which is a testament to just how good Chicago is at its core. A defensively sound team (second in the NBA in fewest points allowed, 91.3), and armed with strong rebounding and the all-around strong play of All-Star Joakim Noah, the Bulls have been able to find success in the win-loss column despite the loss of two major scorers this season in Rose (injury) and Luol Deng (traded to Cleveland).

However, to even entertain the idea that this team is anywhere close to ready to take on Goliaths like the talented, dominating defending world champion Miami Heat or the No.1-seeded, youthful and tall-as-an-oak-tree Indiana Pacers squad would be ludicrous. Without the former MVP Rose taking up the helm at scoring for the offensively anemic Bulls (dead last in NBA offense, 93.1 points per game), Chicago simply doesn't have any scorers who are going to change the game or strike fear into opposing defenses. And here's the thing - that's not a situation that might improve anytime soon without a drastic change.

By the time next season rolls around, Rose will be coming off his second major leg injury, a torn meniscus in his right leg which has forced him to sit out the season after only 10 games. Before that, Rose was out for more than a year due to a torn ACL in his left leg. Rose is one of the most exciting, dynamic, game-changing players to have come along in the NBA in the last few years. The problem is, he can't do anything to help the Bulls sitting on the bench in a suit and tie. And after sustaining another debilitating leg injury so soon after his first one, things are not looking good for the Chicago-born NBA superstar's future. No one can deny that Rose plays at an all-world level. Whether or not he'll still be able to play at that level, however, is a different story.

Knee injuries have robbed some elite players of their skills and explosiveness historically. Amar'e Stoudemire. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway. Grant Hill. Allan Houston. "Pistol" Pete Maravich. All of them were great players, stars in their time. And none of them were ever the same after leg injuries began piling up on them. Rose is now in danger of joining that list. Even before the second injury, he looked like he was struggling to find his rhythm during his short-lived comeback, his offensive numbers on the down side and his explosiveness seeming like it was lagging. With those warning signs visible, Rose might be in danger of never recovering. And if that holds true, as unpopular a decision as it might be, Chicago might be wise in thinking about replacing the former Rookie of the Year winner.

Yes, it's a daunting task. After all, Rose is a once-in-a-generational player, one of the true superstars in the league; it'd be like trying to replace Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. However, while the road will be tough, there are a few players the Bulls can target when it comes to replacing Rose via trade or free agency:

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Carmelo Anthony
It's no secret that the Bulls are going hard after Anthony, whose situation with the New York Knicks hasn't improved that much, despite the hiring of Phil Jackson to the team's front office and their fight into playoff contention. One of the most prolific scorers in the NBA for years, Melo packs plenty of offensive power and could easily make up whatever loss of points Chicago would suffer by parting with Rose.

Rajon Rondo
They'd have to wait a year to get him, but it would be well worth the wait for the four-time NBA All-Star point guard and former NBA champion. While Rondo is also coming off of ACL surgery, he looks like he's getting into the swing of things, still putting up a staggering amount of assists (9.1) with moderate offensive production. He's a floor general of the highest caliber, and getting this exciting playmaker could certainly help Chicago's offense jump-start.

Zach Randolph
Tough to guard, even tougher to score on, Randolph is an impactful scorer, a solid rebounder and a rugged defender. While the Memphis Grizzlies would love to keep him, chances are he might be too rich for their blood. But he could fit seamlessly into Chicago's equally rugged defensive scheme while giving Joakim Noah a partner to form what could be a dominating front court.

LeBron James
After all the bitter battles that James has engaged with against Chicago, both in a Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat jersey, it seems almost unthinkable that King James would consider joining the Bulls. But Dwyane Wade is getting older and his knees are getting balkier. If the Heat don't win an NBA title this year, don't be surprised if James decides to take his talents to the Windy City to join the ever-competitive Bulls squad. Noah would provide him a fellow star to take the load off him offensively, and combining Chicago's defensive prowess with James and Noah's punch on offense smells like a formula for an NBA title.