NBA Trade Rumors: The Detroit Pistons reportedly are asking for a ‘lottery pick’ level first-round pick for Derrick Rose as the trade deadline approaches
Currently sitting 4.5 games out of the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference and with the NBA Trade Deadline less than a week away, the Detroit Pistons are in a place where they could theoretically be sellers.
However, from the sound of it, it appears that they’re going to be conscious sellers. While they may be open to the idea of trading Derrick Rose, perhaps one of their most valuable veteran assets on the roster, it doesn’t look like the Pistons are willing to simply give him away at this point in the season.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania (subscription required) and Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, the Pistons are seeking a high draft pick, or lottery pick, in exchange for Rose.
Multiple sources have told the Free Press that it's unlikely Derrick Rose is moved - unless a high first-round pick is offered. That tidbit is here.#Pistons would prefer to keep him. Good money and short money. Also a good presence for a young team, which they will be. https://t.co/aJSZWsppJP
— VinceEllis (@AlabamaScribe56) January 31, 2020
Rose is having somewhat of a career rejuvenation this season, averaging 19 points and six assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field. He’d be a great addition to any playoff team in need of help in the backcourt and would make a ton of sense for teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, among others.
However, it appears that the Pistons would be happy with bringing Rose back next season.
Rose is under contract for next season for under $8 million which, with the way that Rose has performed this season, would be considered a huge bargain. Even though Rose’s trade value might not grow any higher than it is now, the Pistons shouldn’t completely just trade Rose just for the fact of trading him.
Detroit should stand their ground if they feel like Rose is worth a high draft pick. At the same time, they shouldn’t be foolish either. Detroit needs to take a hard look at their situation and where they are as a franchise. Do they really believe that they’ll be able to bounce back in the second half of the season this year, or even with a fully healthy team next season?
If so, keeping Derrick Rose does make sense for the Pistons. However, a part of me can’t help but think that keeping him beyond this year’s NBA Trade Deadline is a disservice to themselves and Rose.