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5 reasons Bulls win Derrick Rose trade with Knicks

By Dan Schmelzer

Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Robin Lopez
Mar 23, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) grabs a rebound in front of Chicago Bulls center Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Robin Lopez is a cost-controlled replacement for Joakim Noah

The immediate reaction of this trade on Twitter for Knicks’ fans seemed to be positive, and a lot of that had to do with them trading Robin Lopez’ hefty contract.

Lopez is due to make over $41 million over the next three seasons, but he is a strong and stable force at the center position who is worth that kind of money. $13-$14 million for Lopez seems like a perfectly fair contract, and perhaps one that will look great as the salary cap continues to rise.

I think Knicks’ fans who are happy to get rid of Lopez to create cap space are completely wrong here. The seven-footer averaged 10.3 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for the Knicks last season. Offering great rim protection and a solid offensive post game, Lopez is a strong starting-caliber center in the NBA.

With Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah both seemingly on their way out in free agency, the Bulls just landed a strong starting center for a completely fair price. He has a strong skill-set that is only going to make his game better going forward.

As NBA salaries continue to rise, I think this Lopez deal is going to look great for Chicago.

Next: 4. Rose was gone anyway

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