New Orleans Pelicans: 3 trade targets to bolster the second unit
By Dalton Sell
New Orleans Pelicans trade target No. 3 – Derrick Rose, Detroit Pistons
Not only do the New Orleans Pelicans rank last in points per game off the bench, but they are also tied for 30th in assists with just five per contest. New Orleans needs a combination of scoring and playmaking in the second unit, something Derrick Rose could provide.
Rose was one of the hottest names on the trade market last season, and the league-wide interest in him is justifiable. Primarily playing as a sixth man for the past two seasons, the former league MVP has been fantastic, averaging 18 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.
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Numbers like that could undoubtedly spark some life into New Orleans’ bench, giving them an experienced floor general that helps patch several of their lingering issues. One of Rose’s downsides is his subpar 3-point shooting, as he shot just 33.8 percent from deep over the past two seasons. The Pelicans rank 30th in 3-point percentage at 32.5 percent, a problem that the guard complicates further alongside the likes of Steven Adams or Zion Williamson.
Still, Rose has a largely affordable contract, set to make just $7.7 million for the remainder of this season before becoming a free agent. The Pelicans undoubtedly have that asset capital to make a compelling offer towards the Detroit Pistons, and they certainly should. Detroit has not outright said that they would trade the guard, but as the franchise trends towards a rebuild, the 32-year-old is among their most valuable assets with the trade deadline slowly inching closer.