Rumor Has It: A Guaran-Sheed Trade?

Rasheed Wallace is coming out of retirement, ironically for the Lakers since he retired a Boston Celtic. Most of the talk about the Lakers has been about depth, specifically depth with younger players; the team definitely needs a young player to transition into a new era while still producing in the present. The Lakers have Andrew Goudelock and Devin Ebanks, who at times have shown their worth, but the seemingly imminent signing of Rasheed Wallace raises more questions that answers considering his age.

Wallace, who averaged 14.6 points per game and 6.7 rebounds per game, is definitely well rested. The last time he played for an NBA team was during the 2009-2010 season where he was a bench player. His production, though less than him as a starter, is comparably significant as he averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds for game.

If the Lakers wants to use him as a bench player, they will definitely get their money’s worth. The potential signing itself is very low-risk, and can pay off immediately since the 37-year old Wallace has fresh legs–well, as fresh as they can be for your typical 37-year old power forward.

There is one question that is raised if the Lakers eventually pull the trigger on the signing: will this trigger a trade for Gasol? The last time Wallace was a starter was during the 2008-2009 season with the then (and still, mind you) struggling Detroit Pistons, he averaged 12 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game. Compare that to the numbers that Gasol is currently putting up; for this season, Gasol is averaging 17 points and 10.6 rebounds per game. Gasol is definitely more productive than Wallace. There is no way anyone can argue against that. But the production of Wallace can, at least attempt to replace a Pau Gasol is he were traded. Looking at the contracts alone, a newly-signed Wallace with a small contract can be more cost-effective than a Gasol with a monster contract. Simply put, you get can possibly get more bang for your buck with Sheed.

If the Lakers were to see such a production from Sheed, then it would make it easier for the franchise to execute a trade before the upcoming trade deadline. Trading Gasol for multiple players, can add depth and possible youth to the team while still having the Gasol production in the form of Rasheed Wallace. Actually, recent rumor has it that Gasol might wind up in Houston after all, despite the botched Chris Paul trade during the off-season. Rumor has it that Gasol would be dealt in exchange for forward Luis Scola and point guard Kyle Lowry. This trade would benefit both teams. as Houston is looking for a start piece to compliment Kevin Martin. The Lakers would receive two relatively young and productive pieces; they would get their point guard to help an aging Derek Fisher and another post player in Scola. The Scola-Wallace combo might be able to offset the Gasol trade–and possibly more. More depth, more youth–just what the Lakers are looking for.

Of course, a lot of good things must happen in order for this trade to happen. If Rasheed Wallace can at least produce the way he had during his decline, then a Laker trade might be a Guaran-Sheed.