Cavaliers Make Tristan Thompson Available
The Cavaliers have made veteran center Tristan Thompson available in trade talks, with the February 6 deadline around the corner, league sources tell Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports.
Thompson has been viewed as a possible trade candidate for most of the season, given his expiring contract and Cleveland’s place near the bottom of the NBA’s standings. However, fellow veteran big man Kevin Love has been the more frequent subject of trade rumors, while other vets on expiring contracts – such as Brandon Knight, John Henson, and Matthew Dellavedova – have been considered more expendable.
There were rumblings earlier in the season that the Cavs may prefer to hang onto Thompson and extend him beyond the season. Haynes’ report today doesn’t necessarily mean that desire has waned — it could still be something the two sides explore if no trade materializes this week.
Cleveland’s renewed interest in gauging the trade market for Thompson could also signal that the team is unsure about the 28-year-old’s interest in a long-term deal. A December report indicated that agent Rich Paul would likely prefer to see his client reach free agency.
The Cavaliers are in “asset accumulation mode,” sources tell Haynes, who suggests that Thompson could be an ideal acquisition for a contending team looking for a defensive and rebounding presence to bolster its frontcourt.
Thompson’s $18.5MM cap hit could be tricky for some teams to match, but he’s having a strong season with unrestricted free agency around the corner, averaging career-best marks in PPG (11.9), RPG (10.4), and APG (2.1).
Wolves, Warriors Remain Engaged On Russell; Knicks Also Interested
With three days left until the 2020 trade deadline, the possibility of a D’Angelo Russell trade shouldn’t be ruled out. The general belief has been that the Warriors will probably wait until the offseason to seriously consider a move involving D-Lo, but a handful of reporters have indicated today that a deal this week remains possible.
Marc Stein of The New York Times reported last last night (via Twitter) that the Warriors are “listening to pitches” for Russell, noting that it’s no secret the Timberwolves covet the point guard. ESPN’s Zach Lowe followed up by reporting this morning that Minnesota remains “in hot pursuit” of Russell and isn’t necessarily resigned to waiting until the summer to make a push for him.
Finally, Shams Charania and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic wrote this morning that the Warriors and Timberwolves continue to engage in trade talks involving Russell. League sources tell The Athletic’s duo that Golden State will only consider a deal that features “significant” draft pick compensation, which the Wolves may be reluctant to do, since they’re still in the midst of a rebuild.
Finding an in-season match for the two teams will be a challenge. As Lowe points out, matching Russell’s $27MM+ cap hit would likely have to involve either Andrew Wiggins‘ or Gorgui Dieng‘s contract, neither of which is particularly team-friendly. The Warriors may also be looking to sneak under the tax line, while the Wolves might be thinking about trading Robert Covington and flipping the assets from that deal to Golden State.
Meanwhile, Charania and Krawczynski suggest that the Wolves appear unwilling to include their unprotected 2020 first-round pick in an offer for D-Lo. One source tells The Athletic that there’s a deal to be had between Minnesota and Golden State, but “something would have to give” on one or both sides.
Here’s more on the Warriors, including another Russell-related note:
- The Knicks have also registered interest in Russell and discussed possible packages, league sources tell Charania and Krawcznyski. It’s not clear what New York would be willing to offer, but Ian Begley of SNY.tv hears that Bobby Portis and Frank Ntilikina have both come up in discussions with the Warriors. Presumably, Golden State’s request for significant draft compensation from Minnesota would also apply to any deal with the Knicks.
- Even if the Knicks and Warriors don’t make a Russell trade, they could find common ground on another deal. Begley writes in a separate story that Golden State is looking for trades that would take the team out of the tax this season or reduce its projected tax bill going forward.
- The Warriors are “widely expected” to trade at least one of Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson III this week, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link). Both players are on minimum-salary deals, so they shouldn’t be difficult to move, assuming Golden State’s asking price is realistic.
Lowe’s Latest: Redick, Bertans, Collins, Drummond, OKC, More
A number of players who have been mentioned as trade candidates this season may not be moved – or may not be available at all – at Thursday’s deadline, ESPN’s Zach Lowe writes in an article jam-packed with trade-related rumors and speculation.
For instance, teams who have called the Pelicans asking about J.J. Redick have been “shooed away,” sources tell Lowe. The Wizards have taken a similar approach to clubs inquiring on Davis Bertans, though Lowe notes that could change if Washington is offered something concrete that moves the needle more than a future first-round pick.
As Shams Charania of The Athletic reported last week, teams have been monitoring John Collins in case the Hawks think about trading him, but there’s no indication Atlanta has interest in moving Collins “on any of the general terms being bandied about,” Lowe writes.
The Pistons‘ talks involving Andre Drummond aren’t entirely dormant, but it’s “far from a sure thing” that he’ll be moved, according to Lowe, who suggests that even if Detroit does make a deal, the return will likely be less than the team envisioned.
Meanwhile, the Thunder have been mentioned all season long as a potential seller, given their offseason moves and their veteran trade candidates. But the safest bet is that they stand pat with guys like Danilo Gallinari, Dennis Schroder, and Steven Adams, per Lowe.
As Lowe points out, the Thunder could still have leverage to make deals after the season, when Schroder and Adams will be entering contract years and Gallinari will be a prime sign-and-trade candidate. The Heat are among the teams to inquire on Gallinari this season, sources tell Lowe.
As noted above, Lowe’s latest ESPN piece is filled with many more trade rumors and notes. Here are several of the highlights:
- Lowe confirms a previous report that the Nuggets and Heat are among the teams to express interest in Jrue Holiday. Lowe also names the Raptors as a club that would be an ideal fit for the Pelicans guard, but he has a hard time envisioning a deal involving any of those teams unless they’re willing to part with young players like Michael Porter Jr., Tyler Herro, or OG Anunoby, which seems unlikely.
- The Pacers could probably net a first-round pick for backup guard Aaron Holiday, but haven’t shown any real interest in moving him, says Lowe.
- The chatter about the Trail Blazers making a major win-now move has died down, sources tell Lowe.
- According to Lowe, the Lakers have explored the Kyle Kuzma market and are eyeing several ball-handlers, including Kings swingman Bogdan Bogdanovic, who has also received interest from the Hornets.
- The Sixers don’t intend to include Matisse Thybulle in any deal and seem most likely to “tinker” around the edges of their roster, per Lowe.
- The Grizzlies have asked for a first-round pick from teams inquiring on Jae Crowder, according to Lowe. However, he’d “bet heavily” against any potential trade partner meeting that price.
- Lowe provides updates on both Morris brothers, suggesting that the Knicks “seem hell-bent” on keeping and re-signing Marcus Morris, and citing sources who say the Pistons could probably get a second-round pick for Markieff Morris.
- A lot of teams have asked the Bucks about Sterling Brown, while Pistons youngsters Christian Wood and Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk have also generated interest, according to Lowe, who thinks that Detroit is more likely to engage in talks on Wood than Mykhailiuk. Lowe also hears that a few clubs have “poked around” on Kings big man Harry Giles, and identifies Denzel Valentine (Bulls), Jakob Poeltl (Spurs), Marvin Williams (Hornets), and Malik Monk (Hornets) as other under-the-radar trade candidates to watch.
Wolves Have Sought Two First-Rounders For Covington
The Timberwolves have set a high asking price for swingman Robert Covington, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times, who reports (via Twitter) that Minnesota has sought two first-round picks in any deal for Covington.
Covington, 29, has averaged 12.8 PPG and 5.9 RPG on .437/.347/.798 shooting in 47 games (29.4 MPG) for Minnesota this season. While those are fairly modest numbers, he’s viewed as an intriguing trade target for contenders due to his ability to slot in on virtually any roster as an above-average three-and-D wing. His team-friendly contract, which runs through 2021/22 and is worth just over $12MM annually, is also a plus.
Still, two first-rounders is a significant ask, and this isn’t the first time in recent days that a report has indicated the Wolves are aiming high in talks for Covington. Anthony Slater of The Athletic suggested the team was seeking Matisse Thybulle and a first-rounder from the Sixers, which Slater referred to as a “hang-up worthy offer.”
According to Stein, the 76ers and Rockets are “at the front of the line” for Covington. Houston has its own 2020 first-round pick available to include in a trade offer and is said to be shopping center Clint Capela as well. It’s not clear if Capela would appeal to the Wolves, but a three-team trade is a possibility to reroute another valuable asset to Minnesota.
As for Philadelphia, the club is extremely unlikely to move Thybulle and has traded away its own 2020 first-round pick, which could complicate trade discussions with Minnesota. But the Sixers do have a handful of interesting draft assets, including the Thunder’s top-20 protected 2020 first-round pick, multiple second-round selections (such as Atlanta’s and New York’s ’20 second-rounders), and their own first-rounders starting in 2022.
Unless the Rockets move Capela, neither Philadelphia nor Houston has an ideal mid-level salary-matching piece for a Covington trade, but both teams would have paths to get there with multiple lower-salary players. We’ll see if the Wolves are willing to hang onto Covington if their lofty asking price isn’t met or if the team lowers its expectations later this week.
Luka Doncic Diagnosed With Moderate Ankle Sprain
4:21pm: Coach Rick Carlisle said in an ESPN 103.3-FM interview that Doncic will miss at least six games, frequent ESPN contributor Tim Cowlishaw tweets.
12:17pm: Following an MRI today, Mavericks star Luka Doncic has been diagnosed with a moderate right ankle sprain, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic (via Twitter). Charania and Marc Stein of The New York Times (Twitter link) each cite a source who describes the injury as “manageable.”
As we relayed on Thursday, Doncic turned the ankle in a practice, and there was a belief that it was similar to the injury he suffered earlier in the season, which sidelined him for four games. A source confirms to Tim MacMahon of ESPN (Twitter link) that today’s MRI confirmed this is in fact a similar sprain.
According to Brad Townsend of The Dallas Morning News (Twitter links), the Mavs are relieved the injury isn’t any more serious, viewing the diagnosis as a best-case scenario. One source estimates to Townsend that Doncic could miss about two weeks, “give or take.”
With Doncic expected to miss some time, Dallas will lean more heavily on the likes of Jalen Brunson, J.J. Barea, and Delon Wright for ball-handling and play-making purposes. The Mavs have a firm hold on a playoff position but will want to get Doncic back soon to help them jockey for seeding.
The injury may also jeopardize Doncic’s availability for All-Star weekend. He was voted an All-Star starter and named to the Rising Stars game, but with the festivities in Chicago set to get underway two weeks from tonight, the second-year star may end up playing it safe and pulling out. That’s yet to be determined.
Knicks Notes: Morris, Dolan, Front Office, Ntilikina
At least one team that has recently been in touch with the Knicks came away with the impression that Marcus Morris and New York have “strong mutual interest” in working out a new contract in the summer, sources tell Ian Begley of SNY.tv.
This isn’t the first time that we’ve heard the Knicks might prefer to keep Morris through the deadline and retain him long-term. As Begley notes, the team likes the influence the 30-year-old has had on the younger Knicks players and believe he’s the sort of veteran who can handle the scrutiny that comes with playing in New York.
Begley also rightly points out that if Morris strongly reciprocates the Knicks’ interest, it might not make sense for potential suitors to pursue a trade for him. New York’s asking price would likely be pretty high, and if Morris’ preference is to be a Knick, he could simply return to his old team in free agency at season’s end. A potential trade partner would presumably be more inclined to offer New York a first-round pick if that team believes it has decent odds to re-sign the veteran forward.
Here’s more on the Knicks:
- For as much as the Knicks like Morris, they weren’t fans of the comments he made this week about Jae Crowder, when he referred to the Grizzlies forward as having “female tendencies” on the court. As Marc Berman of The New York Post relays, the Knicks said in a statement that Morris’ comments were “offensive and unacceptable” and “cannot be tolerated.” Morris apologized again for his remarks, per Peter Botte of The New York Post.
- Within an article about Knicks owner James Dolan, Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News briefly addressed the team’s front office situation, noting that president Steve Mills and Scott Perry each have mutual options for 2020/21, meaning both the executive and the team would have to opt in. When listing possible front office candidates for the Knicks, Bondy mentioned in passing that he believes Rockets GM Daryl Morey will become a free agent due to the China controversy.
- ESPN analyst Paul Pierce suggested during a Thursday appearance on The Jump that a change in ownership would help turn things around in New York. “I truly believe once they get new ownership you’ll see change,” Pierce said, per Greg Joyce of The New York Post. “You saw it with the Clippers. Look what happened with the Clippers. Now they’re a perennial playoff team, they got better ownership and they’re a championship-contending team now.”
- After missing Wednesday’s game due to a groin injury, Frank Ntilikina will be listed as probable for Saturday’s game vs. Indiana, head coach Mike Miller said today (Twitter link via Mike Vornukov of The Athletic). Point guard Elfrid Payton will be suspended for that game, opening the door for a larger role for Ntilikina.
- In case you missed it, RJ Barrett was named to the World Team’s Rising Stars roster earlier today.
2020 NBA Free Agent Power Rankings 2.0
Since we published the first installment of our 2020 free agent power rankings in November, there haven’t been a ton of injuries, contract extensions, or other developments that will shake up our list in our major way. However, with a handful of free-agents-to-be enjoying breakout years and others struggling, it’s time for an update.
The biggest change this time around is the fact that Mike Conley and Otto Porter no longer show up in our top-20 list. That doesn’t mean that Conley or Porter wouldn’t be one of the top 20 players on the open market this summer if they reach free agency. But due to injuries – and up-and-down play when they’ve been on the court – I no longer feel confident projecting them to even become free agents.
As our full list of potential 2020 free agents shows, Conley has an early termination option worth approximately $34.5MM for next season, while Porter has a player option worth nearly $28.5MM. Unless they make very strong second-half comebacks, I’d be surprised if either player opts out of his contract at season’s end, since they seem highly unlikely to match those 2020/21 salaries on new deals. As such, they’ve been removed from our list of 2020’s top free agents for the time being.
As usual, our list reflects each player’s current expected value on the 2020 free agent market, rather than a their present-day on-court contributions. For instance, older players like Marc Gasol and Paul Millsap have strong short-term value, but didn’t crack our top 20 because they’ll be 35 next summer and are unlikely to sign huge, long-term deals. In other words, age and long-term value are important.
With all that in mind, here’s the second installment of our 2020 free agent power rankings:
Anthony Davis, F/C, Lakers (player option): The No. 1 player on our board is the only legit superstar on track to reach unrestricted free agency this summer. If anything, Davis’ position atop this list is even more secure than it was at the start of the season, since he has posted MVP-type numbers (26.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 2.5 BPG) for a Lakers team that leads the Western Conference.- Brandon Ingram, F, Pelicans (RFA): While waiting seemed like the safe bet at the time, the Pelicans may be wishing they’d locked up Ingram to a long-term extension during the preseason. The 22-year-old has exceeded all expectations so far in New Orleans, combining strong scoring numbers (25.0 PPG on .471/.404/.856 shooting) with improving play-making (4.3 APG) and earning his first All-Star nod.
- Andre Drummond, C, Pistons (player option): Although Drummond continues to hold the No. 3 spot on our list thanks to his elite rebounding (15.6 RPG) and defensive ability (2.1 SPG, 1.8 RPG), I’d be a little nervous about giving him a long-term, maximum-salary contract this offseason. It sounds like NBA teams share that concern, considering the Pistons are willing to move him and the Hawks reportedly backed off their pursuit due to his asking price.
- Gordon Hayward, F, Celtics (player option): It won’t be a simple decision for Hayward to turn down his $34MM+ player option for 2020/21. However, that scenario seems increasingly likely as long as he stays healthy and keeps playing like he has. He has essentially posted a 50/40/90 shooting line for the month of January and his overall numbers match up favorably with those from his All-Star 2016/17 season in Utah.
- Fred VanVleet, G, Raptors: In our first 2020 free agent power rankings, I expressed some trepidation about making VanVleet the top point guard in my board. That looks like a much safer bet now, as the 25-year-old has been a key cog driving the success of the second-seeded Raptors. A rebuilding team with cap room and a hole at point guard – such as the Knicks – could drive up the price on VanVleet this offseason.
- DeMar DeRozan, G/F, Spurs (player option): DeRozan will turn 31 this summer and his ongoing resistance to expanding his shooting range may limit his appeal in free agency. Still, it’s hard to move the four-time All-Star much further down this list when he continues to produce like he has lately. DeRozan is generating rebounds and assists at a career-high rate since joining the Spurs and his .535 FG% this season blows away his previous career high — he may not shoot three-pointers, but he’s certainly an efficient scorer.
- Bogdan Bogdanovic, G/F, Kings (RFA): Bogdanovic’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but his contributions go beyond his somewhat pedestrian box score. He’s capable of running an offense, playing on or off the ball, spacing the floor, and holding his own on defense, making him the sort of all-around contributor who would fit perfectly on any roster.
- Montrezl Harrell, C, Clippers: The fact that so many of Harrell’s minutes come against bench units may make suitors wary of his production. Still, that production (19.3 PPG and 7.2 RPG in 28.7 MPG) is hard to deny, and his underlying rim-protection numbers are pretty solid too. It’ll be fascinating to see how big a raise the 26-year-old gets on this year’s $6MM salary in July.
- Danilo Gallinari, F, Thunder: Gallinari’s numbers have dipped ever so slightly this season in Oklahoma City, but it’s still been an encouraging year for the Thunder forward, who has maintained a scoring average of 19+ PPG and – most importantly – stayed healthy. He’d rank higher on this list if he were a few years younger. Since he’ll be entering his age-32 season later this year and has a history of injury issues, teams may be reluctant to invest major long-term money.
- Evan Fournier, G/F, Magic (player option): Fournier is enjoying a career year in Orlando, with 18.8 PPG on .464/.396/.816 shooting. His ability to knock down outside looks and create his own shot is valuable, and he’s still just 27 years old.
Davis Bertans, F, Wizards: Bertans narrowly missed a spot on the top 20 in the previous installment of our power rankings. It’s impossible to keep him off the list now, amid ongoing chatter that he could be looking at $15MM per year on his next deal. Incredibly, Bertans has nearly doubled his rate of three-point attempts per game this year – from 4.4 to 8.5 – while still ranking among the league leaders in 3PT% (.422).- Dillon Brooks, F, Grizzlies (RFA): Like Bertans, Brooks may not have looked like a top 2020 free agent last fall, but a career year has significantly raised his stock. Besides averaging 16.3 PPG with a .404 3PT%, Brooks has played tough, physical defense and hasn’t missed a game, helping lead the overachieving Grizzlies to a .500 record and the No. 8 seed. His frequent foul trouble is a bit concerning, but Brooks is a three-and-D wing who just turned 24 years old — he’s headed for a nice payday.
- Serge Ibaka, F/C, Raptors: After playing an important role in the Raptors’ championship run in the spring, Ibaka is having his arguably best year yet in Toronto. While many of his per-game averages are nearly identical to last season’s, his .381 3PT% represents a major step up on last year’s .290 mark and has helped the Raps’ offense remain dangerous without Kawhi Leonard.
- Marcus Morris, F, Knicks: Having averaged between 13.6 and 14.1 PPG for four consecutive seasons, Morris is blowing away his previous career highs with 19.2 PPG and a .439 3PT%. Are those numbers an aberration? A byproduct of becoming the de facto No. 1 option in New York? Some combination of both? Teams will have to answer those questions as they weigh whether to pursue the 30-year-old this summer.
- Jerami Grant, F, Nuggets (player option): Following a very slow start to the season in Denver, Grant has righted the ship, particularly since entering the starting lineup on January 8. In the 12 games since then, he has averaged 15.5 PPG on .474/.432/.780 shooting while being his usual versatile self on defense. This is the version of Grant the Nuggets were expecting when they gave up a first-round pick for him last July.
- Derrick Favors, C, Pelicans: Favors has been limited by injuries this season and his role has been somewhat complicated by Zion Williamson‘s return. But he’s averaging 10.0 RPG in part-time minutes and his on/off-court numbers reflect his value. New Orleans has a +2.2 net rating when he plays (-4.5 when he sits) and is nearly a .500 team (13-14) when he’s in the starting lineup. The club is just 6-13 in the games he has missed.
- Joe Harris, G/F, Nets: Harris’ name may have been left out when Kyrie Irving provided the media with his impromptu list of Nets building blocks earlier this month, but the swingman’s ability to score and spread the floor has been crucial again this season. Brooklyn’s offense has cratered – from a 108.4 rating to just 98.2 – when he’s on the bench.
- Tristan Thompson, C, Cavaliers: With a double-double average (12.0 PPG, 10.4 RPG) for the second consecutive year, Thompson has been one of the few bright spots in an otherwise dreadful Cavaliers season. When he reaches free agency as a 29-year-old this summer, it’ll be interesting to see whether he sticks out Cleveland’s rebuilding project or jumps ship to a contender.
- Tim Hardaway Jr., G/F, Mavericks (player option): If Hardaway weren’t earning $20MM, he’d be considered underrated. He’s connecting on 39.5% of 6.7 three-point attempts per game and has developed into a reliable member of Luka Doncic‘s supporting cast in Dallas.
- Hassan Whiteside, C, Trail Blazers: It’s hard to know how to properly rate Whiteside’s value. He’s a maximum-salary player who continues to put up some of the NBA’s best rebounding (14.0 RPG) and block (3.1 BPG) numbers. But the Heat have thrived after jettisoning Whiteside and the Trail Blazers have struggled since he became their starting center. Potential suitors will have to assess just how much value Whiteside’s individual stats actually provide.
Disagree strongly with any of our rankings? Feel like we omitted any players that should be in the top 20? Weigh in below in the comments section to let us know!
Photos courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
All-Star Teams To Wear Nos. 2, 24 In Honor Of Gianna, Kobe Bryant
The 2020 All-Star Game will feature Team LeBron (James) wearing No. 2 jerseys and Team Giannis (Antetokounmpo) wearing No. 24 jerseys, according to a press release issued by the NBA in partnership with the players’ union and Nike. No. 2 was the number worn by Kobe Bryant‘s daughter Gianna, while No. 24 was, of course, worn by Kobe during the second half of his career.
Kobe and Gianna were two of the nine people who died in a helicopter crash in California on Sunday. According to the league’s announcement, both All-Star teams will also wear jersey patches which display nine stars, representing those nine people who lost their lives in the crash.
For Friday’s Rising Stars game and Saturday night’s events – including the dunk contest – the participants will wear jersey patches featuring the Nos. 2 and 24 in the center, surrounded by nine stars.
The uniform changes are one of multiple tributes planned to the late NBA superstar for the 2020 All-Star weekend in Chicago. The league announced on Thursday that it’s tweaking the All-Star format to add a target score in the fourth quarter. That target score will be determined by adding 24 to the total number of points scored through three quarters by the leading team.
Jrue Holiday Drawing Trade Interest, Committed To Pelicans
If he’s available at this year’s deadline, Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday would be the most intriguing trade candidate on the market. However, sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic that Holiday has made it clear he’s happy in New Orleans and is committed to the franchise.
According to Charania, Holiday’s preference is to take the rest of the season to see how the Pelicans perform with a healthy roster. Given that he has no desire to be traded and head of basketball operations David Griffin has suggested the Pels don’t plan to move key players, it seems likely that Holiday will stay put next week.
Still, that doesn’t mean the front office won’t receive inquiries on the standout guard. Charania reports that the Nuggets and Heat are among the clubs with interest in Holiday, and others are expected to emerge. Multiple teams tell Charania that the Pelicans are open to listening to any and all trade calls, but their asking price for Holiday is very high.
While New Orleans has fallen shy of preseason expectations so far, with a 19-29 record that places them 12th in the Western Conference, the team has rebounded to some extent following a disastrous start. The Pelicans have won 12 of their last 18 games and aren’t totally out of the hunt for a playoff spot. The eighth-seeded Grizzlies hold a five-game lead on New Orleans.
With much-hyped rookie Zion Williamson back in the lineup and the rest of the roster relatively healthy, the Pels should have a good opportunity to evaluate the current group for the rest of the second half before potentially making major roster decisions in the offseason.
Pistons Seeking Lottery Pick For Derrick Rose?
The Pistons are open to discussing possible trades involving Derrick Rose, but their asking price is high, according to a pair of reports.
Sources tell Shams Charania of The Athletic that Detroit is seeking a “lottery-level first-round pick” in exchange for Rose. Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press hears essentially the same thing, tweeting that Rose is unlikely to be moved unless a “high” first-round pick is on the table.
The former MVP is having an impressive year in Detroit after signing a two-year deal with the team last summer, averaging 18.9 points with a .498 FG% and 6.0 assists in just 26.7 minutes per contest (42 games). Those PPG and APG rates represent Rose’s best numbers since his last All-Star season in 2011/12.
Throw in Rose’s team-friendly contract – $7.3MM this season and $7.7MM for 2020/21 – and it’s easy to see why the Pistons’ asking price is high. According to Ellis, Detroit’s preference is to hang onto the veteran guard for next season due to his affordable contract and his influence on what will be a young roster.
Unless the Pistons lower their asking price for Rose within the next few days, a deadline deal seems unlikely. The teams that could use him most are contenders who may not even have a first-round pick at all this season, let alone a lottery selection. As such, it’ll be difficult for them to put together a package that meets Detroit’s criteria.