New York Knicks Rumors: Derrick Rose Draws Interest From Minnesota Timberwolves
The New York Knicks rumors are in overdrive regarding New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose as the Minnesota Timberwolves have emerged as a possible destination.
The trade deadline of Feb. 23 is quickly approaching and considering the events that transpired with the Sacramento Kings dealing All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans minutes after the exhibition, anything can happen. Are New York Knicks dealing?
The latest name possibly facing the same fate is Derrick Rose of the Knicks, currently on a one-year deal, is garnering plenty of league attention.
Rose is averaging 17 points per game while appearing in 48 contests, so far this season making it a bounce back season of sorts with his injury history. The explosiveness has shown flashes throughout the season and has turned heads on quite a few plays this season.
The Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly among a few teams interested in trading for the former league MVP. According to ESPN the T’Wolves are interested in dealing Ricky Rubio and getting from under his multi-year contract.
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While multiple teams are interested in both point guards, it could be the relationship between T’Wolves head coach Tom Thibodeau and Rose that has brought these teams together.
Thibodeau, who coached Rose for five seasons as a member of the Chicago Bulls, also serves as the team’s president.
Rubio is averaging eight points and eight assists per game and has been effective this season, but not as explosive as rookie Kris Dunn, who is expected to be the new starter.
Rubio’s pass-first, shoot-second mentality is key for teams featuring scorers and the idea of matching Rubio with Kristaps Porzingis every night in Madison Square Garden could be too good to resist.
Rose is probably not going to be in the Timberwolves long-term plans and is only a hot commodity because this year is his contract year. Dunn could learn a few things during the Rose rental process considering the duo share explosive scoring talent.
Thibodeau can still bring the best out of Rose and possibly lead his rental contract year into a playoff berth, building confidence for the young Timberwolves.
The rumors are nothing new to Rose, who spoke with reporters earlier in the month about his status moving forward in the season and a possible full Knicks rebuild.
"“Im on a one-year deal so I can’t talk that much about it. The rebuild could be me going, too. I don’t know, My job is to focus whenever I’m on the court, just try to win games, try to be positive, try to get better. Like I said from the beginning, I’m chasing something. I’m trying to get back to myself and I’m trying to play consistent games.”"
Knicks president Phil Jackson has been focused on moving All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony for months but it would be in his best interest to make the Rose deal soon.
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The addition of Rubio and possibly draft picks, if available, are big moves for New York as the roster is beginning to take a more international turn. Willy Hernangomez, Mindaugas Kuzminskas along with Porzingis would fit the style of Rubio and lead to exciting basketball in New York.