NBA Rumors: Derrick Rose dilemma creates opportunity for Philadelphia 76ers?
By Bret Stuter
Why Nik Stauskas to the Cavaliers will work
The deal is so simple, it’s obvious. The Cleveland Cavaliers need a young man who can handle a starting role at the point guard position today, and can assume a backup role on the team when Isaiah Thomas returns to health in six-eight weeks. That is a very specific need, and with teams on the hunt for post season, there will be all too few teams willing to talk with Cleveland.
Fortunately, I believe Philadelphia will. Right now, the team is sitting on the expiring contracts of both Nik Stauskas and Jahlil Okafor. The dynamics of the Okafor matter is complex. Bryan Colangelo does not want to reinforce any competing team with the offense Jahlil Okafor is capable of this season. In short, Okafor sits in Philly so that no other team gets his hot hand down the stretch.
Straight up Win Win Deal
Stauskas for Rose straight up is too simple. The Cavaliers get a young man who fills an immediate need, adds future growth and value, and infuses versatility into a rather rigid lineup. In short, the Cavaliers get the benefit of two roles in one player.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have moved on from Nik Stauskas. He doesn’t offer anything new to this team this season that they do not have elsewhere on the roster. But Derrick Rose, even a battered injured shell of his former self? Yes, he does. Even if he only plays minutes in one of ten games, he is worth the chance. This Philadelphia 76ers have a state-of-the-art in training facilities and in recuperating player injuries. If any NBA team can get Derrick Rose functional, it’s the 76ers. But Rose brings more than a rehabilitation-project. He has veteran leadership, and has played at a light’s out level in the NBA. Who better to talk to young guard Markelle Fultz about the life of an elite NBA player?