Tom Thibodeau’s favorite point guard Derrick Rose may soon find his way back to New York.
The Detroit Pistons and Rose have agreed to mutually part ways with the New York Knicks as one of the possible destinations, according to a report from The Athletic.
SNY’s Ian Begley added that Knicks’ French guard Frank Ntilikina is one of the players discussed in a possible swap with Rose. Ntilikina has fallen off the Knicks’ rotation this season.
Frank Ntilikina is one player who has come up in discussions between Pistons and Knicks about a potential Derrick Rose trade, per SNY sources. The Athletic first reported that Knicks are in talks with Pistons about a trade for Rose, who has a long history with Tom Thibodeau.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 7, 2021
Rose, 32, has enjoyed a career renaissance after reuniting with Thibodeau in Minnesota in 2018.
But after the Timberwolves axed Thibodeau, Rose signed with the Pistons in 2019 as a free agent.
This season, Rose is averaging 14.2 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals in 15 games. But the Pistons’ slow start (5-17) pivoted the team’s priorities to develop their younger players. Rose has been inactive since January 30 against the Golden State Warriors.
Under Thibodeau in Chicago, Rose became the league’s youngest MVP before injuries, and off-court issues derailed his career.
A trade to the Knicks will not only reunite him with Thibodeau but will give Rose a chance to make up for his controversy-marred stint in New York in the 2016-17 season.
The Los Angeles Clippers are also interested in Rose’s services, according to The Athletic report.
Rose is expected to boost the Knicks’ offense, which ranks last in the league scoring (102.4) entering Saturday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Elfrid Payton was a catalyst in the Knicks’ last two wins.
Payton averaged 20.5 points, and four assists in those twin win.
A trade for Rose means the Knicks will push hard for playoff contention this season. They are currently sixth in the East with an 11-13 record.
Rose and Payton play a similar style. So it’s going to be interesting to watch how Thibodeau will manage their minutes along with fast-rising rookie Immanuel Quickley, who has become a fan-favorite, if a deal is made.
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