Derrick Rose has had a remarkable 2019-20 NBA season, surpassing expectations. After years of dealing with injuries that have slowed down his rise, the former NBA MVP’s performance has drawn the attention of several ballclubs ramping up preparations for the postseason wars.
According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers are among the teams interested in getting Rose from the Detroit Pistons. This hardly comes as a surprise with the teams mentioned shoring up their backcourt heading into the crucial stages of the 2019-20 NBA season.
Given the choice, Rose prefers to stay in Detroit. Apparently, he is enjoying it there but knows that the decision to trade him will depend on the Detroit Pistons management. A look at Basketball-Reference.com shows the 2009 NBA Rookie of the Year averaging 18.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 37 games. He is norming 25.8 minutes per contest.
The decision to trade away Rose will be a tricky one for the Detroit Pistons. As of this writing, they are sporting a 16-28 win-loss record and sit at 9th spot of the NBA Eastern Conference standings. They have a chance at making the NBA playoffs, although going deep is another matter.
The past weeks have seen the names of Andre Drummond and Blake Griffin in NBA trade talks, most believing that Detroit is pretty disappointed with where they are right now. Drummond is also drawing interest, so dealing away Rose clearly means the Motor City squad is selling key players.
Derrick Rose owns a two-year deal with the Detroit Pistons worth $15 million. If he remains with the Pistons, his next contract is questionable. Should he be traded, he could go all out and help any team help win the NBA title. Looking at his basketball resume, it is perhaps the only thing missing for the top pick of the 2008 NBA Draft.
The LA Lakers, Philadephia 76ers, and the LA Clippers would benefit from someone like Rose. If he performs well, it would not come as a surprise for him to log extended minutes. Should this happen, his overall durability comes to mind. Rose has had a history of incurring injuries in crucial stretches – mostly season-ending instances that accounts for some abrupt season endings. The most games D-Rose has played is 81. This was during his rookie year (2008-09) and in his junior year (2010-11).
