The LA Clippers and New York Knicks both reportedly have an interest in Derrick Rose. This news comes via Shams Charania of The Athletic (subscription required) in his most recent trade rumor piece that focuses on the New Orleans Pelicans’ Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick.
While the comment is just a brief note in a piece, it’s still notable seeing as how the Clippers are contending this season.
The LA Clippers should not pursue a trade for Derrick Rose.
I want you to sit there and think of what Derrick Rose would add to this team. Go on. Take a second…
Done? What did you come up with?
I have to assume you thought something along the lines of, “Well, he can still score and playmake a little bit”. You know what? That’s totally fair.
But as far as bench guards go, don’t we already have that? And yes, he would most likely be a bench guard. The Clippers’ current starting lineup has the best net rating in the NBA and it wouldn’t make sense to change from that. Both Luke Kennard and Lou Williams can come off the bench for the Clippers and score and playmake. Hell, Reggie Jackson even can in spurts. What does Rose really add?
At 32 years old he is averaging 14.8 points on 43% shooting, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 rebounds. That’s all well and good but given the rest of the roster in Detroit isn’t particularly good, someone has to have decent stats, right? Rose is still a poor defender and is already missing time this season due to a knee injury.
We haven’t even gotten to the money.
Rose is making a little over $7.6 million this season. For the Clippers to trade for him (assuming no third parties are involved), they would have to match salary. The list of players in that range includes Lou Williams, Ivica Zubac, or Patrick Beverley (who would require some filler back from Detroit). Are you really giving up any of them to bring in Rose?
No.
This isn’t to say I don’t think there is a trade out there to be made. As Shams notes, Lonzo Ball will be a popular figure in trade talks. There is a fit there for the Clippers. There are other players, like George Hill, who could add to this roster. Derrick Rose isn’t the right move.