NBA Trade Rumors: LA Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers Interested in Derrick Rose

In what’s been a resurgent season, Derrick Rose is now being linked with contending teams. The Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers are said to be interested in the former MVP. Currently, Rose is averaging 18.3 points, 5.9 assists a game on 50% field goal accuracy.

The Pistons find themselves at a crossroads. They are only 3 games behind the 8th seed in the East. Yet they are actively shopping their star player Andre Drummond. Rose is an attractive asset for contending teams in need of a scoring guard. It’s why the Lakers and 76ers might come calling.

The Pistons could re-tool themselves around Drummond and Rose. However, that represents a short term solution, which might not appeal to the management.

Derrick Rose in the Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are the dominant force in the Western Conference. The team boast the second-best record in the NBA. However, the Lakers are still looking to re-tool their roster. They are overly dependent on LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers have suggested that only James and Davis are not going to be traded this season. It raises the prospects of others leaving the team. Rose can come in as a proven scorer and ball-handler. It could be a potential swap for Rajon Rondo, a pass-first guard.  Rose is averaging more assists a night while scoring more than double the points.

A major advantage Derrick Rose brings to the team is his familiarity with James. The King is known to be very strict with regards to who is on the team. A player who has played with James before, and is on good terms will benefit immensely.

Given rumours that are floating around, a swap between Rose and Kuzma may be possible.

Rose in the Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers possess a strong starting five. The problem is their second unit. They lack a secondary playmaker behind Ben Simmons. Their bench is in need of consistent scoring. This is where Rose can thrive for the team. He’s played as a sixth man during the last three seasons. He’s currently having the best season since his MVP.

Rose is in the midst of an 8 game streak of scoring at least 20 points. It’s the best mark of his career. It will boost the scoring of the 76ers. The team ranks 22nd in points per game in the NBA this season. The only reason for possessing a winning record is thanks to their tough defence.

However, he won’t solve another glaring Philadelphia Problem. The 76ers are a horrible 3-point shooting team. Rose is a mid-range shooter. He won’t necessarily improve the spacing, as the opposition can crowd out the paint.

The 76ers have multiple first-round draft picks in the coming few years. A mix of draft picks should be more than enough to tempt the Pistons to trade Rose.

Despite the interest, it will be in the hands of the Pistons if they want to move him. Rose is owned only $15 million between this and the next season. It’s not a difficult contract to move. If he is moved it signals that the Pistons will head for a rebuild.