Derrick Rose Reportedly Wants to Stay in Detroit

The Detroit Piston’s season is not going the way that they had hoped. Injuries to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson and Luke Kennard derailed their season. Many analysts had predicted that Detroit’s season would go this way because they had three of the most injury-prone players in the league. They had Blake Griffin and Reggie Jackson, whom both had relatively healthy 2018-2019 seasons. They also signed Derrick Rose to a two-year deal on a very team-friendly contract. Rose had missed the end of the 2018-2019 season with an injury to his elbow. When he signed with Detroit, many people expected Rose to be the one to get injured. Reggie and Blake both got injured relatively early into the season, but Rose had not shared the same fate. Rose did miss about two weeks with a sore knee early in the season, but has had a relatively healthy 2019-2020 campaign.

His health isn’t the only thing drawing the attention of the NBA. He has been playing one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 18.9 points per game on 49.9% shooting. His incredible performance, which includes 14 straight games with 20 points or more, has drawn the attention of many contending teams. 

The 76ers and Lakers appear to be the most interested in Rose. The 76ers could really use a backup point guard who is capable of creating his own shot and the Lakers could use a point guard, period.  Both teams are very interested in Rose and his services would be very valuable to the team.

His contract and his stellar play, along with the interests from two of the most exciting teams in the league, means that there’s going to be a lot of trade rumors in the media. Detroit has reportedly asked for a lottery-pick at the very least for the impressive Point Guard. Even though they have reportedly asked for that, they also said that they aren’t going to be looking for any trades with Derrick Rose unless he told them that he wanted to be traded.

Reports have come out that Rose has no interest in going anywhere. According to Vince Ellis of the Detroit Free Press, Rose said that he told his agent Arn Tellem: “I want to stay here,” but it’s not up to him and that he knows how it works. 

Rose wants to stay in Detroit. Despite the losing, they’re letting Rose be Rose. He has been fantastic for Detroit and is a great leader for the surprisingly young team that they have built. Rose has been a great veteran for the team and he enjoys working with the young players. He has a special connection with Luke Kennard. Him and Luke Kennard worked out a lot in the offseason and Kennard is noticeably better when he is playing with Rose.

Whether or not Rose will be traded is still unknown. He likely won’t go anywhere until the offseason at the earliest, but many teams are going to try to get him anyways. The Detroit Pistons will likely prove their loyalty for at least a season and wait to trade him, or maybe not deal him at all.