The NBA season ended a few days ago, but the trade market is active. So active that what’s going to come down as one of the biggest trades of the entire summer was completed during Wednesday. The New York Knicks have landed Derrick Rose, in exchange for Jose Calderón, Robin Lopez and Jerian Grant.
Knicks’ president Phil Jackson announced the deal, and the move puts an end to Rose’s tenure with the Bulls. The team selected him with the first overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, and won the MVP award after a stellar 2010-11 season. Injuries have limited him, though, and the 66 games he played last year were the most since that MVP campaign.
The Bulls had already hinted at parting ways with the former MVP due to his problems with Jimmy Butler. The shooting guard became the alpha dog in the team in Rose’s absence, and it was clear there wasn’t enough space for both players in Chicago. Rose will get a fresh start with the Knicks, and perhaps that’s what he needs to turn his career around.
In New York, Rose will be the starting point guard and absolute leader in the backcourt as Aaron Afflalo is likely to opt-out of his current contract. He won’t be the first option on offense with Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis in the roster, but that’s okay; Rose is not ready to be the team’s primary scorer at this point in his career. Can the trio of Rose, Anthony and Porzingis be the next big three? There’s enough talent in those three players to fight for a playoff berth in the East.
There’s talk of the Knicks being interested in several players in free agency. Dwight Howard has also said he would consider joining New York after opting-out of his contract with Houston. Rose’s arrival gives the Knicks a clear upgrade over Calderón, too. His sole presence will make the Knicks a more respectable team in the Eastern Conference.
Phil Jackson got the high-profile player he wanted to pair with Anthony and Porzngis. He might not be the best option, but what if Rose only needed a change of scenery? The former MVP, after all, is only 27, and he’s recently entering into his prime. Injuries might have slowed him down, but he hasn’t forgotten how to play basketball.
Rose, in the end, is a huge gamble for the Knicks. If it pays off, then New York will likely battle for a playoff spot in the East. It it doesn’t, however, then the franchise will dig itself into a deeper hole, as they keep trying to return respectability in a crowded Eastern Conference that doesn’t have a clear favorite behind the Cleveland Cavaliers.