Derrick Rose will be entering his second season with the Detroit Pistons in the upcoming NBA campaign. Nothing, however, is set in stone just yet, considering the former MVP is once again reportedly on the trade block.
The 32-year-old playmaker does have plenty of potential suitors around after rising from the ashes of multiple career-threatening injuries.
Rose tallied averaged 18.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists while shooting 49 percent from the field in Motor City last season. He also remained relatively healthy, suiting up in 50 of the Pistons’ 66 games.
Sure, past knee injuries sapped the unworldly bounce he once had, but Rose still has explosiveness and fearlessness to get to the rim. His perimeter game has also improved as he aged, while his playmaking skills look sharp as ever.
While D-Rose was terrific for the Pistons last year, he doesn’t fit into the team’s current young nucleus, led by rookie point guard Killian Hayes, who was selected seventh overall in the 2020 NBA Draft. The squad also orchestrated a deal with the Dallas Mavericks for Delon Wright, perhaps signaling that Rose is indeed expendable, even after getting a two-year, $15 million deal in Motown.
Here are the five best trade destinations for Derrick Rose.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers will reportedly move Ben Simmons back to the point guard spot full-time this season But they still need another capable floor general to back him up. Rose could be the perfect candidate.
While Shake Milton and Seth Curry could moonlight as second-string PGs, they are more suited as a catch-and-shoot type of guys. Rose could give the Sixers second unit some valuable playmaking and another lethal scorer off the bench.
Last season, the Sixers’ offense stagnated whenever Simmons took a breather or played out of position. That won’t be the case with Rose in tow, considering his slashing ability is also quite similar to Simmons’.
They currently have a surplus of youngsters, who they could package along with shooter Furkan Korkmaz.
4. Golden State Warriors
With superstar Stephen Curry coming off a serious injury last season, the Warriors are in the market for more backcourt players who can lessen his minutes. While Rose isn’t much of a long-distance shooter, his speed, court vision, and finishing ability could fit quite well under Steve Kerr’s fast-paced offense.
We’ve seen how deadly Curry was playing off-ball with Shaun Livingston directing the offense in the past. Rose could come in and play a similar role in The Bay.
A tricky thing for Golden State would be the assets they’ll have to give for Rose, especially if he turns out to be a one-year or half-a-season rental. They could offer a package including Jordan Poole, Kevon Looney, and a future second round pick.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Derrick Rose’s rumored move to Hollywood has been teased since last season’s trade deadline. The Lakers are reportedly open to shipping Kyle Kuzma to his hometown team, a deal the Pistons would probably take in a heartbeat if offered.
Well, they could once again revisit that possibility in the coming months.
The reigning champion already filled the hole left by Rajon Rondo by acquiring Dennis Schroder. Still, it’s clear they need another ballhandler who could take possessions off LeBron James.
Rose already has some experience teaming up with LBJ with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Moreover, he has no qualms about coming off the bench at this stage of his career.
2. Milwaukee Bucks
Rose can stay in the East and contend for the title if the Bucks trade for his services. The team gave up Eric Bledsoe for Jrue Holiday this offseason, and adding Rose to the equation means getting another proven playmaker.
Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had to work extra hard for his shots last season. A guy like Rose could make things a bit easier for him. The youngest MVP in NBA history would give the squad another guy who can create his own shot, especially when their All-Stars are having slumps.
Milwaukee likely won’t have to give up major assets for him and could offer Donte DiVincenzo and DJ Wilson. They could also sweeten the pot with a future second round pick.
1. Los Angeles Clippers
Derrick Rose could also be moved to the other team in Los Angeles, where he’ll actually be given more playing time. The Clippers’ lack of a true facilitator was evident in their meltdown in the last NBA Playoffs. Reggie Jackson, Lou Williams, and Patrick Beverley bring a lot of talent but they do not necessarily excel as floor generals on offense.
While Rose is also known as a scoring point guard, he can set the table better for the Clippers' superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. His ability to get into the lane attracts a lot of defenders and will give his teammates easy looks.
The Clippers are reportedly gauging the market for Williams’ stock, and the Pistons can certainly entertain a package around the three-time Sixth Man of the Year.
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