Exploring pros and cons of the Milwaukee Bucks trading for Derrick Rose

With the NBA Trade Deadline being a mere 24 hours away, the Milwaukee Bucks have appeared in trade talks with the New York Knicks regarding former NBA MVP Derrick Rose. Insider Marc Stein has reported that the Bucks have an interest in the veteran guard ahead of Thursday’s deadline. With that said, here are the pros and cons of the Bucks trading for the three-time All-Star.

The pros of the Milwaukee Bucks adding Derrick Rose via trade

The addition of Rose would add a much-needed veteran ball handler off the bench that really hindered the Bucks during last season’s playoff run resulting in a Game 7 loss to the Boston Celtics. With no Khris Middleton during that series, the lack of a secondary ball handler to run the offense was greatly noticed.

In his 10 Playoff appearances, Rose has averaged 6.5 assists per game. In his last playoff appearance with the Knicks in 2020-21, he averaged five assists per contest. Playing alongside a bench unit that would include Bobby Portis and also Pat Connaughton, it’s more than possible Rose could duplicate that number as a reserve.

Another positive point about trading for Derrick Rose would be a steady veteran off the bench who is comfortable playing his role. Bucks fans like myself may have some ugly flashbacks of Jeff Teague in the championship playoff run (Minus Game 6 vs. Atlanta). There were numerous times when Teague seemed to be trying to do too much instead of just playing his role.

Based on his tenure in Detroit, Minnesota, and New York, I do not see that concern with Rose. Rose’s experience in high-leverage playoff games is something that has huge value for the Bucks or really any contender, as it goes beyond the stat sheet. The lure of adding the missing piece to his career, an NBA Championship, should also be very motivating for Derrick Rose.