SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Derrick Rose # 25 of the Detroit Pistons drips the ball … [+]
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The Knicks are closing in on a deal to get Derrick Rose, a veteran point guard from the Detroit Pistons in a move that would bring him back with his former coach Tom Thibodeau, according to a report.
The athlete said the Knicks will send Dennis Smith Jr. and a compensation version to the Pistons in exchange for Rose, 32, who gets an average of 14.2 points and 4.2 assists. Smith Jr., out of the Thibodeau circuit, recently called for a move to the Knicks’ G League franchise for the Orlando Bubble starting this week.
Rose played for Thibodeau early in his career when he won the MVP with the Chicago Bulls and also with the Minnesota Timberwolves. The three-time NBA All-Star and 2011 NBA MVP player played for the Knicks in 2016-17 under Jeff Hornacek.
Tommy Beer of Forbes SportsMoney said the trade would make more sense if the Knicks look to deal with former point guard Elfrid Payton while making sure they don’t cut into rookie playtime Immanuel Quickley out of Kentucky.
Payton, however, can suspend trading, which can make matters difficult. He has started all 24 games for the Knicks and averages 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists.
Quickley, the No. 25 pick in last year’s draft, gets an average of 12.4 points, 2.7 assists and 2.3 rebounds while favoring Thibodeau.
The Knicks also have old Austin rivers with an average of 8.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists.