The decision about Derrick Rose’s long-term future with the Knicks has been made

February 14, 2023

The decision about Derrick Rose's long-term future with the Knicks has been made

After the NBA trade deadline passed this season, the New York Knicks still had several players on their roster that had been widely speculated to be dealt away. Derrick Rose was the most talked-about of these players.

With the Knicks, Derrick Rose Has Made His Decision

Reports suggested that the front staff was trying to “do right” by their senior guard by exploring for a midseason trade for the former MVP prior to February 9.

Rose has been spoken about as a potential buyout candidate, but as of this writing he is still a member of the Knicks roster and looks to be staying with the team for the rest of the season.

Even though it would be reasonable to expect the 34-year-old to be somewhat downhearted about his current predicament, Rose struck a surprisingly optimistic tone in an interview with Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, exuding a “making the most of things” vibe with his words.

As for me, I’m still here,” Rose affirmed. This means that I must accept the reality that “OK, I’m going to remain here.”

Rose has been a model professional throughout the 2022-23 season, despite playing zero minutes in the rotation and missing 21 consecutive games. He has instead focused on being a vocal leader on the bench.

Knicks “Wouldn’t Completely Dismiss a Buyout”

Bondy said that rumors persist that the Knicks may explore buying out Rose in the near future, despite the fact that Rose is committed to being in New York City in the foreseeable future.

“Still, a source close to the situation wouldn’t totally dismiss a buyout after the dust settled on the new rosters after a crazy trade deadline. It figures to be a very crowded buyout market — especially for point guards — which theoretically diminishes Rose’s chances of finding another team. Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Patrick Beverly and Reggie Jackson are all expected to agree to buyouts, if they haven’t already, with their respective teams,” Bondy wrote.

The veteran guard had been connected to a number of teams leading up to the deadline, with title contender Milwaukee Bucks being the most major suitor.

Several of the teams that the Knicks considered trading for Rose are likely to pursue a free agent signing with him if the Knicks decide to let him go through a buyout.

The point guard is averaging 5.8 points, 1.8 assists, and 1.5 rebounds per game in the second season of a three-year, $43.5 million contract.

Concerns Raise Their Heads Over Knicks’ Deadline Deal

On February 9, the New York Knicks completed a trade with the Portland Trail Blazers, acquiring veteran wing Josh Hart.

However, Bleacher Report’s Dan Favale has doubts about the deal, questioning Hart’s fit with this current rotation in an article published on February 9. This is despite the fact that many have praised the front office for the transaction, with Magic Johnson and Richard Jefferson going so far as to make boisterous claims and predictions about what his impact on the club could be.

“He remains All First Team Shoots Worse From Three Than You Think; he arrives in New York hitting under 31 percent of his triples on the season. His impending free agency (player option), meanwhile, is either part of the appeal or a possible hangup.

On the one hand, the Knicks just landed a player they couldn’t afford to sign outright, who played with Jalen Brunson at Villanova. On the other hand, Hart could leave for nothing or cost an exorbitant amount the front office feels compelled to bankroll after shipping out a first-round pick to get him.

This isn’t a move you make for a rental—rationally speaking, anyway. Hart may very well provide a two-way jolt, and New York created a pair of roster spots with this three-for-one swap. But having multiple first-round picks and an organizational propensity for devaluing rookie rotation slots isn’t license to reorient assets without materially moving the needle. And immediately, it isn’t clear how much of a needle-mover Hart will be,” Favale wrote.

Hart’s first game with the Knicks was on February 11 at home against the Utah Jazz, and despite Favale’s worries, it was quite the debut: Hart finished with 11 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals on 66.7% shooting from the field, and he was a crucial part of the team’s 31st win of the season.