The Detroit Pistons are in an interesting spot nearing the trade deadline with assets but wanting to re-tool. Here are five mock trades for Derrick Rose.
Derrick Rose is having one of his best seasons and would greatly help a contending team that needs a change-of-pace point guard, which he’s shown with the Detroit Pistons.
Detroit has struggled this season, especially against a weak Eastern Conference, and doesn’t appear to be in contention. The Pistons are already actively seeking a trade for center Andre Drummond. Perhaps that signals the Pistons could move on their role players.
Rose is in a unique situation in that he’s thriving off the bench, despite being the only active point guard as Reggie Jackson and Tim Frazier continue to miss time. Most contending teams have a point guard in place so it will make Rose fit in. Though, as he experienced early in Detroit, it will take a few weeks to get acclimated with his new teammates.
His explosiveness and quickness makes him a threat in the open court, which makes him immediately valuable to a new team. As showcased with a depleted Pistons roster, he’s also a valuable asset in the pick-and-roll game.
He’s passing at a career-best rate of 41.8%. His true shooting percentage (55.6%) is hovering around his career-best, set last season with Minnesota (55.7%). His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 21.7 is his best since the 39 games before he tore his ACL when he posted a 23 PER.
Rose has played at an All-Star level this season. Considering the Jazz acquired Jordan Clarkson for two second round picks and Dante Exum, a former fifth overall pick in 2014, the Pistons could fetch a return comparable or better.
Rose made it clear before the season that he wants to win a championship. He even ventured to say it could happen in Detroit, much to the enthusiasm of Pistons fans, but that’s a pipe dream. It may be best for the Pistons to allow him to chase that dream.
Here are five trades that could get Rose to a contender where he’d make an impact.