The New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons are gaining traction with a potential trade involving veteran point guard Derrick Rose. Rose is currently on a two-year, $15 million deal that expires after the current season, which makes the idea of New York trading away a young player very interesting.
With Elfrid Payton playing well and Immanuel Quickley making an instant impact on offense, trading for Rose could be tumultuous for the young point guard’s development and disrupt Payton’s run of consistency.
However, you could also view Rose as a mentor for Quickley, who has the potential to be one of the next big players at the position in the NBA. This season, Rose is averaging 14.2 points over 22.8 minutes. He has yet to start a game, having played in 15 at 32 years old.
The New York Knicks have a long-lasting relationship with D-Rose because of Tom Thibodeau:
Rose and head coach Tom Thibodeau have a fantastic relationship, which is likely why the two are connected. Reports have indicated that the two teams are close to striking a deal, and Detroit is reportedly eyeing Frank Ntilikina and Kevin Knox as two players they would like to acquire. I highly doubt the Knicks let both of them go, so Detroit will have to pick one or the other.
Frank offers an elite defensive presents that but has failed to realize his offensive abilities. He’s averaging just 4.5 points per game this year over four contests, while Kevin Knox is averaging 6.1 points over 18.2 minutes. Neither player is making a significant impact, which is likely why President Leon Rose is OK sending them on their way.
With the Pistons looking to utilize more youth on the court, this deal makes sense for them. Adding younger players who they can develop and with untapped potential is a positive move, especially for a player like Rose, who’s on the last year of a deal and isn’t seen as a future benefactor.
Rose would join Thibodeau in New York, with 2015 being the last time they played together. Thibodeau is credited for the rise of Rose, but there’s also a belief that he overworked him, which led to injuries.
The obvious connection between the two must have some sort of meaning, and Detroit desperately needs more point guard help, with Killian Hayes dealing with a hip injury. Adding Frank Ntilikina would be a good move for them and give them some defensive proficiency at the position.