The Pistons are in position to make some major moves at the trade deadline.
They're said to be in talks with numerous teams about Andre Drummond. And Derrick Rose, making a case for Sixth Man of the Year, will appeal to multiple contenders as a scorer off the bench. Both players would likely fetch first-round picks.
But in regard to Rose, the Pistons aren't looking to make a move.
"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," according to Bleacher Report.
Rose said he signed with the Pistons for the opportunity to win. It hasn't worked out. While the former MVP is enjoying a renaissance season, Detroit is 14-24 and falling out of the playoff race. And Blake Griffin is likely done for the year after undergoing knee surgery this week.
So a trade to a contender might be in Rose's interests. As Bleacher Report points out, the Lakers, 76ers, Rockets, Trail Blazers, Jazz, Celtics and Magic are all playoff-caliber teams in sore need of bench scoring.
Rose, 31, is averaging 17.5 points and and 5.8 assists per game over limited minutes. His numbers per 36 minutes exceed those from his 2010-11 MVP season. He has the third best player efficiency rating of his career.
The Pistons are clearly a better team with Rose than without him. But if they're prepared to tank the rest of the season, a trade behooves both parties. Question is, will Rose request it?
