Philadelphia 76ers: 3 trade deadline predictions for 2020

1. Derrick Rose, Sixer

The trade that will end Mike Scott’s Sixers tenure? Derrick Rose. Of all the notable names attached to Philadelphia, Rose feels most plausible. Bogdan Bogdanovic seems tethered to Sacramento. Danilo Gallinari is too lofty a goal. Robert Covington will have ardent bidders. D-Rose is the logical conclusion.

Rose has already been tied to Philadelphia in rumors. He fills a clear need — twitchy, dynamic shot creation in the halfcourt — and he’s a well-traveled veteran who can live up to the moment in big games. It’s mostly logical for the front office to have interest.

There are valid reservations about Rose the person, reservations I myself hold. It could be difficult for some to root for Rose after allegations of sexual misconduct, which he hasn’t offered a proper apology for. It’s clear NBA teams still value Rose, however, and it’s a bit optimistic to expect the Sixers front office to avoid Rose on moral grounds.

As a player, Rose would have a definite impact — a very positive one. He can finish games over Al Horford depending on the matchup, and his slippery pick-and-roll scoring would pair nicely with both Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons. Above all else, the Sixers need more players who can get buckets, a skill Rose has in spades.

The trade would involve Mike Scott, perhaps another minimum contract, and either an amalgamation of second-round picks for a future first-round pick. The Sixers have enough to tempt Detroit into a trade here. Don’t be surprised if the former MVP is wearing a different red and blue after Feb. 6.