The Derrick Rose Trade Rumors are Heating Up!

According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons could be working on a deal that sees Derrick Rose of the Pistons, reunite with one-time teammate, LeBron James in L.A. 

The trade is believed to be 'much more likely now' as these two teams were connected to a deal before the pandemic hit. With Rajon Rondo now a free-agent, there's a hole at point guard for the Lakers and Rose would give the team a versatile guard who can score and distribute. There's also still a chance Rondo returns, to perhaps come off the bench as the Lakers will try and repeat as champs. A Rose-Rondo duo is certainly not the worst set up in the world. Here's what one GM told Deveney:

'I think both sides were reluctant when they went into in January, February, I don’t think the Lakers wanted to make a major move because they thought they could do something on the buyout market. And I don’t think the Pistons wanted to make a major move because Derrick was happy there. You know, the Lakers wanted to be involved in case the Clippers got involved or someone else, the Bucks or the Nuggets, whoever. So there was interest but not too serious. Now, everything has shifted a little. Now, they’re both in a position to where a deal is much more likely now.'

Rose mostly came off the bench last year for Detroit, but was productive as ever, averaging 18.6 points and 5.6 assists. In a slightly bigger role, on a much better team, perhaps we could see shades of the 'old' Derrick Rose who was battling for MVP's each and every year. 

Rose to the Lakers is heating up!

Photo credit:  Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire