Derrick Rose has been connected to the Los Angeles Lakers for months. Is a trade still possible?
It has been rumored for almost a year now that the Los Angeles Lakers would be trading for Derrick Rose. The package that the Lakers would have reportedly have to put together to obtain the former first overall pick has changed throughout the year. At one time, it was even said that Rose would not be traded and wanted to stay in Detroit.
It appears that despite reports, Rose is on the table for the Lakers to trade for and his trade value is at an all-time low. It seems that a package of Kyle Kuzma and a smaller piece would be enough to get a player that averaged 18.1 points and 5.6 assists a game. That smaller piece may be one or two deep bench players, a future first-round pick, or two second-round picks.
This seems like the perfect time to make the deal for the Lakers in terms of what they would have to give up to get Rose on the roster. However, when looking at the additions they have made over the offseason, would it still make sense to trade for Rose?
The Lakers will likely have a two-player rotation at point guard. Those two players being Dennis Scröder and Alex Caruso. Recent reports have said that Schröder expects to be the starter for the Lakers and does not want to be a bench player anymore.
However, Alex Caruso really proved himself time and time again throughout the season and deep in the Lakers’ championship run. With those two players likely taking up all of the point guard minutes, it would be difficult to fit Rose into the rotation.
While it is unlikely that Caruso will be the starter, he has made a case for himself on why he should be either the starter or one of the first players off of the bench for the Lakers.
Along with this, there would have to be a decision made on who would start at the point guard position between Schröder and Rose. Rose has taken a step back once he left the New York Knicks in terms of games started compared to games played.
It is possible that Rose would be willing to come off of the bench and Lakers fans would be able to see an incredible pick and roll duo between Rose and Montrezl Harrell.
If the Lakers were able to acquire Derrick Rose for just Kyle Kuzma and a smaller piece, this would be the perfect time to add him to an already loaded roster. With Rose likely not looking for a big extension once his contract expires, the Lakers would be able to keep him on the roster and still be a big player in 2021 free agency.
This would not be possible if they were to keep Kuzma on the roster and give him the big extension that he has demanded.