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The NBA trade deadline is approaching and few players are more sought after than Detroit Pistons guard Derrick Rose right now. The 11th-year veteran has bounced back in a big way this season and is impressed several teams while putting together an uncharacteristically healthy year. Rose is averaging 18.6 points and six rebounds per game while shooting a career high 49.7% from the field. We broke down what teams could be the best fit for Rose should he me moved before the deadline.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have been seeking out point guard depth for some time, and Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes has reported that Rose is in their sights. LeBron James has taken over as Los Angeles’ starting point guard, but the options behind him are shaky. Rajon Rondo has often been injured and inconsistent. Alex Caruso has played well in short stints, but isn’t who you want running your second unit on a team looking to contend for a championship. Rose is a better scorer than both and can also create for others. He’ll get a chance to reconnect with LeBron after only playing in 16 games with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2017-18.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers also have a big man running point in Ben Simmons. Behind him there’s Raul Neto, Trey Burke and Shake Milton have been subpar. Not one of them has proved they can be consistent scorers or playmakers. Adding Rose would give Philadelphia more offensive versatility, as Simmons could move off the ball more and operate on the post as a scorer and rebounder. At the same time, it would help the 76ers stretch the floor with 3-point shooting off the dribble. Rose isn’t the most efficient when it comes to this, but teams know he can and will make big shots from deep if left alone.
Orlando Magic
The Magic are looking thin at point guard. An injury to D.J. Augustin has left them with two primary ball handlers — Markelle Fultz and Michael Carter-Williams — on their roster. Augustin will be back at some point, but Orlando could be pushed out the playoff picture if it doesn’t make a move soon. Two point guards won’t get you far in the playoffs, and Rose could play alongside Fultz as a combo guard or run the second unit. The Magic are a team looking to build its young core rather than compete for a championship now though, which makes this scenario more unlikely than the previous two.