Tom Thibodeau’s favorite point guard Derrick Rose may be making his way back to New York soon.
The Detroit Pistons and Rose have agreed to mutually separate with the New York Knicks as one of the possible destinations, according to a report by The Athletic.
SNY’s Ian Begley added that Knicks French security guard Frank Ntilikina is one of the players discussed in a possible trade with Rose. Ntilikina has fallen from the Knicks rotation this season.
Frank Ntilikina is a player who has gotten into discussions between Pistons and Knicks about a possible Derrick Rose trade, according to SNY sources. The Athletic first reported that Knicks is in talks with Pistons about an exchange for Rose, who has a long history with Tom Thibodeau.
– Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 7, 2021
Rose, 32, had 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 has averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 15 games. But the slow start to the Pistons (5-17) turned the team’s priorities to develop their younger players. Rose has been inactive against the Golden State Warriors since January 30.
Rose became the league’s youngest MVP under Thibodeau in Chicago before getting injured, and problems out of court derailed his career.
A trade for the Knicks will not only reunite him with Thibodeau, but will also give Rose a chance to make up for his controversial stint in New York in the 2016-17 season.
The Los Angeles Clippers are also interested in Rose’s services, The Athletic’s report said.
Rose is expected to bolster the offense from Knicks, who scores last place in the league (102.4) in 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 that double win.
A trade for Rose means the Knicks will be pushing hard for playoffs this season. They are currently sixth in the East with a record of 11-13.
Rose and Payton play a similar style. So it will be interesting to see how Thibodeau will manage his minutes, along with fast-rising rookie Immanuel Quickley, who has become a fan favorite when a deal is struck.
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