Three-time All-Star Derrick Rose won’t be taking part in the festivities this weekend in New Orleans. Instead, the New York Knicks guard will be sitting back and resting while waiting to hear if he’ll actually be in New York for the remainder of the season.
Rose has been rumored to be on the trading block. And with the deadline for deals looming next week, suggestions that New York might try to move the impending free agent are heating up.
According to ESPN’s Ian Begley, multiple teams around the Association view Rose as a possible trade target should the Knicks decide to move him.
This shouldn’t necessarily be considered too much of a surprise. While Rose isn’t playing at his former MVP level, he is still averaging 17.7 points and shooting at a solid 46 percent from the field. He’s also proven himself to be somewhat healthy over the past two seasons, which is a great sign considering Rose’s laundry list of injury issues in the past.
It’s most definitely an interesting dynamic to look at. Boasting a 23-34 record, New York is pretty much out of the Eastern Conference Playoff race. It also seems somewhat unlikely that Rose would choose to re-sign with the team once he hits free agency this upcoming summer. Thinking long term, the Knicks should consider getting something for their starting point guard right now.
For his part, Rose is potentially looking to increase the market for his services on the trade block. After initially looking like he wanted a max contract this upcoming summer, Rose has backed off that a bit recently.
“See it here and there but it doesn’t drive me anymore,” Rose said about the possibility of being paid, via the NY Daily News. “Like I always been driven by playing basketball and wanting to be the best. Like (money) numbers, of course you got to know it because of how I grew up. I grew up around the streets. Hustling. You see numbers, you can’t look over them. But I’m just happy that I have an opportunity for them to see how I perform and let them see what I’m worth.”
Any team giving up assets for Rose might want to know where he stands in terms of getting paid following the season. If he’s out there looking specifically for a max deal, that might limit the veteran’s suitors.
As it relates to contending teams that might be interested in Rose, the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz could potentially use upgrades at point guard. Though, that’s pure conjecture.
It will be interesting to see how this all plays out between now and the February 23rd trade deadline.