Derrick Rose Trade Rumors: Pistons Want 'Lottery-Level' Draft Pick for PG

The Detroit Pistons are open to trading Derrick Rose before next Thursday's deadline, but it appears the asking price is high.

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported the Pistons are looking for a "lottery-level" pick in exchange for Rose, who is in the midst of an excellent season in Detroit. Rose is averaging 18.9 points and 6.0 assists while knocking down a career-high 49.8 percent from the field.

"I haven't really thought about it. Me and [agent] B.J. [Armstrong] haven't talked about it," Rose told NBC Sports Chicago's K.C. Johnson of the trade rumors. "When we have talked, it was more about All-Star and what appearances I have for adidas. It wasn't anything else as far as like what teams are calling, this and that. We were pretty straightforward. We talk about how I play."

It seems unlikely any team will part with a lottery pick in exchange for Rose despite his Sixth Man of the Year candidacy. Teams interested in the 2011 NBA MVP are title hopefuls looking for a boost off their bench; that alone essentially takes their picks out of the lottery level. While some middling teams may express interest with Rose under contract for just $7.7 million next season, the asking price appears high.

The Chicago Bulls could use help at the point guard spot, are currently a lottery team and would represent a homecoming for Rose. However, it's hard to see how Rose fits with a rebuilding roster filled with young talent—many of whom need the ball in their hands to be effective.

If the Pistons start their asking price with a lottery pick and settle for a late first, they'll likely be able to get a deal done by Thursday. If not, Rose will continue putting up numbers for a Detroit team that's looking primed for a rebuild itself.