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The Detroit Pistons are currently sitting at the 11th seed with a record of 13-23. Due to injuries to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson, Derrick Rose, Luke Kennard, and many other rotational players, the Pistons season looks to be just about over.
At some point, a rebuild has to be seriously considered for a franchise that hasn't won a playoff game in over a decade, only making the playoffs three times since trading Chauncey Billups in 2008; all times as the eighth seed.
Trade rumors are already starting to circle this team, with Andre Drummond's name being mentioned as a potential trade target for the Atlanta Hawks. Whether the Pistons would pull a trade on Drummond or not is yet to be seen, but the Pistons are certainly considering a massive overhaul.
Even if the Pistons decide against trading the former ninth overall pick big man, the Pistons will likely auction off some players for future assets.
One player, in particular, you should keep your eye on in the trade market: Derrick Rose.
Rose is enjoying another great season off the bench for the Pistons, putting up 16.7 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game in only 24.5 minutes per game.
Dwane Casey and Rose have spoken about a minutes restriction with the former MVP in order to keep him healthy for an entire season. However, Rose seemed to voice a bit of displeasure with not getting an increased amount of minutes, suggesting he is ready and capable of taking on more minutes at this point in the season.
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Combine this with the fact the Pistons simply aren't winning at the rate many expected this season, for whatever reason, it may be best for Detroit to move Rose.
Rose would be a great addition to any team competing for a championship, or any team simply looking to put a better product on the floor. No longer the MVP he once was, Rose has more than accepted a backup role and veteran presence in the locker room.
On the floor, Rose still is one of the best in the entire league at getting to the rim and finishing in crafty, explosive ways.
If Detroit decides to officially punt on the season, it doesn't make much sense to keep Rose around; for both parties. Rose said before the season he joined the Pistons because he thought this team had the capability to win a lot of games. Unfortunately, injuries have completely stopped that from happening.
The Pistons don't have many assets to trade worth any kind of value, but Rose is one of few they do have. A contender or playoff team in need for some scoring off the bench, that is currently in win-now mode, would be willing to give up a future asset to receive a player of Rose's talent.
Unless the Pistons want to keep Rose around to be a mentor to young players Sekou Doumbouya and Jordan Bone, it looks like it'd be in the best interest of both parties to go in a different direction.
What once was a promising roster with Griffin, Drummond, Jackson, and Rose heading into the season (a lineup that likely won't get to play a single second together) has blown up in Detroit's face.
The Pistons signed Rose to a 2-year/15-million dollar contract last offseason.
