Derrick Rose can meet with trainer Tom Thibodeau. Again.
Thibodeau’s New York Knicks are in active negotiations with the Detroit Pistons to acquire Rose in an exchange, reports Shams Charania and James Edwards III of The Athletic.
The New York Knicks are involved in active negotiations to acquire custody of the Pistons, a move that would bring the former league MVP together with coach Tom Thibodeau, sources said. The Athletic.
The Pistons and Rose mutually agreed that a negotiation would be better for both sides, according to the sources. While there is a great deal of mutual respect, the reconstruction Pistons plan to increase the use of young players as the season progresses, according to these sources. Rose, for her part, continued to show on the ground that he could improve a team that is in contention for the title or the playoff.
Sources say the Pistons have received interest from several teams in Rose.
Rose was listed as out of the Pistons on Saturday night for “personal reasons”.
While teams can call, with Rose being a free agent after this season – and many teams looking to keep a cap on expenses – there will not be a robust commercial market for Rose. The report says the Clippers have expressed interest, and they have a strong need for a reserve guard (Lou Williams is in this role this season, but has taken a step back with the departure of pick-and-roll partner Montrezl Harrell).
The Knicks would likely send a veteran shipowner back to Detroit in trade. New York starts Elfrid Payton on the spot, with impressive newcomer Immanuel Quickley and Austin Rivers behind him (although Rivers plays more like two and takes down RJ Barrett most nights). Payton, Rivers, Frank Ntilikina or Dennis Smith Jr. – or some combination of that group – would probably be part of the deal.
From Detroit’s point of view, Ntilikina may make more sense because he defends well and they could have a look at him before he became a free agent in this off-season, in addition to which the Pistons would save a little money.
The Knicks are 11-13 – one of the biggest surprises of the youth season – they are currently among the six seedlings in the East and are eyeing a playoff spot, or at least play-in series. Bringing Rose would give them a solid scorer and veteran kick maker to add to the mix. And it’s someone that Thibodeau trusts.
Rose averages 14.2 points in 22 minutes per game this season, shooting 33.3% in three. Rose’s efficiency has taken a step back this season from the level that left him in seventh place in the Sixth Man of the Year vote last season (and sixth the previous season), but he is still a valuable off-the-bench veteran who could help multiple teams.
Including the Knicks in an attempt to reach the playoff.