As the NBA trade deadline nears, the market for Derrick Rose is heating up.
The Lakers and 76ers are among 'multiple teams with championship aspirations' that have expressed interest in Rose, according to Yahoo! Sports. The former MVP is enjoying a comeback season at age 31.
Can Rose net a first-round pick? That's likely the determining factor for the Pistons in a potential trade. Between his strong numbers and his affordable contract -- he's signed through next season with a cap hit of about $7.5 million -- there's a good chance he will.
If a first-rounder isn't on the table, Detroit may opt to hold onto Rose. The team isn't inclined to trade him, and Rose, according to Yahoo! Sports, is happy where he is.
Per Bleacher Report earlier this month, "His relationship with Arn Tellem, the team's vice chairman and Rose's former agent, was an important reason he signed in Detroit, and the Pistons won't ship him out unless it's something he asks for."
Rose has averaged 18.4 points and 5.6 assists over 38 games, while the Pistons have limited his minutes to keep him healthy. His numbers per 36 minutes are the best of his career.
The Pistons, three games behind the Nets for the eighth playoff spot in the East, are prepared to be sellers at the Feb. 6 deadline.
