Engaged in a process of assertive rebuilding, the Pistons still have veteran Derrick Rose in their ranks. One year from the end of his contract, the leader could serve as a bargaining chip, and thus land… for the Warriors. A trade could satisfy both teams.
With an alloy Derrick Rose – Blake Griffin – Andre Drummond, the Detroit squad had some serious assets heading into the 2019-20 season. Surrounded by young players with interesting potential, including the young Frenchman Sekou Doumbouya, the 3 stars foreshadowed a good year. The mayonnaise, however, did not take as they would have liked.
Injured at the start of the season, Griffin made only a temporary return, before joining the infirmary again after 18 small games played. Andre Drummond, frustrated with his team’s results, was subsequently sacrificed as part of the start of a rebuilding process. Only D-Rose remains among the faces of the franchise.
The future of the 32-year-old leader promises to be interesting to follow, as he delivered an exciting exercise out of the bench (18.1 points, 5.6 assists on average). His contractual situation – he will be a free agent next summer – could also prove to be disruptive for the Detroit front office, which may have every interest in taking advantage of his current market value.
As mentioned above, Motor City has just started a long-term project, in which a profile like Rose’s does not necessarily fit. The former Bulls is indeed entering the home stretch of his career, and still does not have a champion’s ring to his list. A transfer to a title contender would therefore make sense for him.
The vacant leadership positions for teams aiming for the title next season are very rare in the league, and do not leave much room for him. There is nevertheless a track which would have something to be explored by the General Manager of the Pistons Troy Weaver, and which would send the MVP 2011… in the Bay of San Francisco.
The Warriors receive: Derrick Rose (MJ)
The Pistons receive: Jordan Poole (MJ/A) ; Kevon Looney (P)
Let’s first take a look at what interest the Warriors might have in this exchange. The Dubs are looking for a backup leader in rotation of Stephen Curry for several months, and seemed so far to seek their happiness in the Draft to come. Nevertheless, it is hard to see them refuse the opportunity to attract a 6th man from Derrick Rose’s pedigree.
It is in this precise role that Pooh has excelled for two seasons, and even manages to post decent percentages at 3 points (37% in 2018-19). His place in the 2nd unit of Golden State would be found, and his arrival would not require huge sacrifices on the part of Bob Myers and his deputies.
As for the Pistons, Jordan Poole and his potential would be a perfect digital replacement for the former Bulls, while Kevon Looney would complete a rather meager lineup chart in the racket. Latest indiscretions regarding his performance in Warriors training could only plead his case.
Detroit recovers the youth and raw talent that responds to their project; the Warriors a backup to the lead of experience just begging to win a title. Suffice to say that Derrick Rose’s trade in Golden State is like a win-win deal.
