Derrick Rose: Pursue
Derrick Rose is someone who was tied to the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA Trade Deadline. While nothing ultimately happened then, Rose should still be on the Lakers’ radar during the offseason and a trade for the former MVP point guard would be a great move for the team.
Rose is a much better version of Rajon Rondo and would not only give the team their secondary ball-handler and facilitator but would give the team its third star as well. Whether as a super-sub sixth man or in the starting lineup, Rose is someone who could swing an entire playoff series with his athleticism and talent.
Rose’s contract is easier to work out as well. The Lakers could include a package along the lines of Kyle Kuzma, Quinn Cook and Alex Caruso for Derrick Rose. The team would probably have to agree to throw a future second or even the 29th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, but it would be worth it.
MUST-READ: How to build a super team for the 2020-21 season
Some fans might be hesistant to the idea of trading Kuzma for Rose as the team would, in theory, be trading the future away with Kuzma. That is not the case. Kuzma is a restricted free agent after the 2020 season and chances are that the Lakers will not even be able to match any offers that Kuzma gets from other teams.
Thus, the Lakers would be trading one year of Kuzma, some depth guards and draft capital for someone who would be the third star and swing a playoff series.
If not Caruso, the team could try and work out a sign-and-trade deal with Rajon Rondo where he accepts his player option under the pretense that Detroit will buy him out and he would be free to sign wherever he wants on a veteran minimum deal as he will still get his 2020 salary.
Regardless, Derrick Rose would be a really fun fit on the Los Angeles Lakers.