Former NBA MVP Derrick Rose has reportedly been traded to the New York Knicks in the first blockbuster of the NBA offseason.
The Bulls are sending Derrick Rose, Justin Holiday and a 2017 2nd-round pick for Robin Lopez, Jerian Grant and Jose Calderon, per source.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) June 22, 2016
While this is a big trade, it’s not a shocker. The Knicks had reportedly expressed interest in Rose last week.
Rose is certainly not the player that he once was. Ever since his 2012 injury, Rose has lacked the ability to stay on the court. Even when playing, he hasn’t had anywhere near the burst that Bulls fans saw prior to that injury.
Still, he is an effective player. In the 2015-16 season, Rose played 66 games and averaged 16.4 points and 4.7 assists a night. While Rose will control the ball in New York, he won’t be the focal point of the offense. Carmelo Anthony still figures to take the majority of the Knicks’ shots, along with Kristaps Porzingis.
If New York moves well on offense and creates space, that will open up more room for Rose to be a star player again.
Rose will be a cap hit of just over $24.5 million for the Knicks. The upcoming season is also the final one in his current contract.