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Pistons: Derrick Rose is perfect for the Los Angeles Lakers

By Bob Heyrman

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 11: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Little Caesars Arena on November 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 11: Derrick Rose #25 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Little Caesars Arena on November 11, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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This is currently the highest Derrick Rose’s trade value has been since the year after his MVP season with the Chicago Bulls.  Should the Detroit Pistons trade the star point guard?

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores claims he’s open to an extensive rebuild if that’s what needs to take place for the franchise to return to the promised land.  With center Andre Drummond being the first order of business, Detroit should also have plenty of offers for a rejuvenated Derrick Rose.

Here’s the problem. Fans love watching Rose in a Pistons uniform.  He’s producing much more than his $7.3 million/year contract suggests.  I’m convinced Rose can score two any time he wants.  The 31-year old is playing exceptionally well for Dwane Casey of late, and Casey has rewarded the former league MVP with the starting job.

It seems laughable that Rose hasn’t been starting all season long.  Besides Andre, he’s been Detroit’s most reliable player all season long.  The logic is if Rose comes off the bench he provides a boost.  With Rose starting, Detroit hasn’t been able to find a punch off the bench.

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It pains me to say this, but Detroit needs to move Rose while he’s healthy, while his trade stock remains sky-high.  With his extensive injury history, managing his minutes have been critical, but it’s time to unleash the star, showcasing Rose to the league, maximizing the most substantial return as possible.

Rose’s contract is also favorable for interested teams because he’s under contract for next year.  While there are plenty of clubs interested in his services, with the February 6th trade deadline vastly approaching, perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers are a perfect fit.

The Los Angeles Lakers have a bunch of talent surrounding LeBron James and Anthony Davis, but imagine adding Derrick Rose to the backcourt?  If L.A wants to continue using James as the primary ball-handler, that’s fine; Rose is active off the ball.  Also, Rose could provide a significant boost to the Lakers bench.

LeBron James calls the shots; I don’t see Rob Pelinka making a deal without James’ consent.  James is familiar with Derrick Rose as the two crossed paths with the Cleveland Cavaliers.  Rose isn’t that spot-up shooter LeBron loves to surround himself with. Still, with the way Rose is playing this season, he’d really benefit the Lakers come playoff time as they try to navigate their way through the highly competitive Western Conference.

Derrick Rose is enjoying a tremendous stretch, having scored 20 or more points in eight straight games for the Detroit Pistons.  Detroit is just trailing the Nets by three games for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

Rose is averaging 18 PPG/game for the second straight year.  He’s shooting 50% from the field, and has chipped in with 2.5 boards and 6 assists in 2019/20.

The ideal situation for the Pistons would be to land a first-round pick in exchange for Rose’s services.  But making a deal with the Lakers, it won’t be an option.  But Detroit may still be able to land a young talented player that could play a role in the teams’ future.

Perhaps 24-year old Kyle Kuzma could be the centerpiece of a deal?

Kuzma is averaging 25 minutes/night, scoring a career-low 13.2/PPG.  He’s under contract for a couple of more seasons at a very team-friendly $1.9 million this season and $3.5 next with a qualifying offer in 21-22.

In Detroit, he’d play a significant role, rather than being an afterthought coming off of the bench in L.A.  To make the money work, Detroit would be forced to absorb the likes of Rajon Rondo and DeMarcus Cousins.

The Lakers have plenty of other options to replace Kuzma.  With JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard anchoring the middle of the frontcourt, James, Davis, and Dudley can all play the four.  L.A likes to play small with Danny Green and KCP knocking down outside shots.

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Adding Rose to the mix off the bench behind Avery Bradley or Alex Caruso provides LeBron James with a trusted scoring ball handler to close out games or while he catches his breath.

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