New York Knicks: 3 players that could earn a big payday in the playoffs
By Dalton Sell
Derrick Rose could earn a payday in the playoffs with the New York Knicks
Although there were undoubtedly some initial concerns when the team traded for him back in February, Derrick Rose has been a fantastic fit with the New York Knicks.
In 35 games with the club, the three-time All-Star has averaged 14.9 points on highly efficient .487/.411/.883 shooting splits, 2.9 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. Along with his statistical contributions, Rose has been a veteran voice for this rather young New York team as they are set to make the leap into the playoffs.
If Rose can piece together a stellar run in the postseason, he will be a hot commodity when he becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. While he might not be the former league MVP he once was, the guard has rejuvenated his career by adapting a sixth-man role, and there is no shortage of teams that could use a player like that on their roster.
It is no secret that the guard had been highly pursued around the league via the trade market over the past few seasons by teams looking to bolster their bench. New York remains the likeliest destination because of the team’s cap space and Rose’s sturdy relationship with head coach Tom Thibodeau, but nothing is set in stone just yet. Much more will be clear after the team’s postseason run and whether Rose can translate this regular-season success over to the big stage.