Knicks continue insanity by reported interest in Derrick Rose
The New York Knicks love to make their fans pull their hair out of their head. Throughout the leadup to the NBA Draft, there were rampant rumors that team president Phil Jackson was trying to trade Kristaps Porzingis to a team who could give New York a big return of assets. This entire saga included Jackson doing an on-camera interview with MSG Network, in which he told Al Trautwig that he would consider trading Porzingis for the “future.”
Of course, Porzingis is 21 years old, so it is tougher to get much younger than that. Ultimately, the Knicks ended up holding onto one of the best players in the game before drafting point guard Frank Ntilikina, a teenager out of France. With that selection, it seemed New York would be moving on from veteran guard Derrick Rose, who saw his one season with the Knicks marred by him going AWOL for a contest, while playing laughable defense.
However, New York is reportedly intrigued with bringing Rose back into the fold, according to Ian Begley of ESPN. Rose, 28, has been hurt throughout much of his career, including multiple ACL tears since being named the NBA MVP with the Chicago Bulls back in 2011.
Signing Rose would fly in the face of everything we know about building a team. The Knicks actually have a young core of talented players in Porzingis, Willy Hernangomez (who was named to the All-NBA Rookie First Team) and Ntilikina. Carmelo Anthony could be getting a buyout soon, freeing up another spot for young talent to flourish. Rose would represent a veteran with a long injury history who no longer can play at a high level. It also means more cap space being eaten up.
If there is any good news for the Knicks faithful, Rose has stated he wants to win above all else. If that is the case, he has not business playing in New York next year. Per ESPN:
“Not even thinking money. I’ve got more than enough money saved. If I stopped playing basketball now, I’ll be all right,” he said. “I want to win. I want to be happy and feel at peace with myself wherever I’m at. But being at the negotiating table, you never know. I’m not going to negotiate with people where money is the No. 1 thing I’m asking for. I want to win.”
The Knicks have not been a factor in the championship conversation for decades, and they won’t be this upcoming season regardless of where Rose plays. The best option is to get as young as possible, save cap space and continue building. Let’s hope for all of New York that Jackson goes that route.
