New York Knicks: 3 impending free agents likeliest to return next season

By Dalton Sell | Jun 7, 2021

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 23: New York Knicks' Derrick Rose, left, fouls Atlanta Hawks' Trae Young (11) as he drives to the basket during the second half of Game 1 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series on May 23, 2021 in New York City. The Hawks defeated the Knicks 107-105. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Seth Wenig - Pool/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Derrick Rose appears eager to return to the New York Knicks next season

One of the few bright spots in this disappointing playoff run for the Knicks was the electric play from Derrick Rose.

The former league MVP did his part to keep the series competitive by averaging 19.4 points on 47.6 percent shooting from the floor while dishing out five assists per game. In fact, Rose was placed into the starting lineup by Thibodeau for the final three games in this series, benching typical starter Elfrid Payton in the process.

It was not a hard move to debate, considering Rose was producing at a much higher level, but also that he is another player with an established relationship with Thibodeau. The two go back to their days with the Bulls, and that relationship will likely have Thibodeau clamoring for Rose to come back next season. It appears that Rose would also like to stick around, as he made it abundantly clear in his media availability following the team’s playoff exit.

Derrick Rose on his potential future with the Knicks:

"I would love to come back, who wouldn't want to play for the Knicks or be in New York?" pic.twitter.com/7d8wHTnWtB
— Knicks Videos (@sny_knicks) June 3, 2021

Bringing Rose back should be an easy sell for the Knicks. He was an essential part of their playoff run after the team traded for him during the season, providing on-court production along with a veteran presence for the younger players to feed off of as the season went on. Having a player like that in the locker room is a massive boost, and the team should ensure that he does not even get a foot out the door this summer.

The 32-year-old will undoubtedly have a large handful of suitors looking to utilize his services next season once free agency opens, but it seems like his heart is in the Big Apple for now.

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