Tom Thibodeau’s favorite point guard Derrick Rose may soon find his way back to New York.
The Detroit Pistons and Rose have agreed to separate from 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 guard Frank Ntilikina is one of the players discussed in a possible exchange with Rose. Ntilikina has fallen off the Knicks’ rotation this season.
Frank Ntilikina is one player who, according to SNY sources, came into talks between Pistons and Knicks over a possible Derrick Rose deal. The Athletic first reported that the Knicks are in talks with the Pistons about a deal for Rose, who has a long history with Tom Thibodeau.
– Ian Begley (@IanBegley) 7 February 2021
Rose, 32, enjoyed a career renaissance after reuniting with Thibodeau in Minnesota in 2018.
But after the Timberwolves assisted Thibodeau, Rose signed as a free agent with the Pistons in 2019.
This season, Rose averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists and 1.2 steals in 14 games. But the slow start of the Pistons (5-17) turned the team’s priorities to developing their younger players. Rose has been inactive against the Golden State Warriors since Jan. 30.
Rose became the league’s youngest MVP under Thibodeau in Chicago before injuries, and out-of-court issues derailed his career.
A deal with the Knicks will not only reunite him with Thibodeau, but also give Rose the chance to make up for his controversy in New York in the 2016-17 season.
The Los Angeles Clippers are also interested in Rose’s services, according to The Athletic report.
Rose is expected to increase the Knicks’ offense, which finished last in the league score (102.4) that will play in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday.
Elfrid Payton has been a catalyst in the Knicks’ last two wins.
Payton averaged 20.5 points, and four assistants in the twin victory.
An action for Rose means the Knicks will push hard for the playoffs this season. They are currently sixth in the East with a record of 11-13.
Rose and Payton play a similar style. It will therefore be interesting to see how Thibodeau manages their minutes with fast-rising rookie Immanuel Quickley, who has become a favorite for fans when a deal is signed.
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