NBA Trade Rumors: Thibodeau Closer Than Ever To Reuniting With Derrick Rose, Report Says

Derrick Rose and the Detroit Pistons have reportedly come to an understanding, which could see the former NBA MVP moving to a new home soon. Rose may return to a team he previously played for but under different conditions, a report says.

Rose and the Pistons have agreed to part ways and those discussions with the Knicks are now ongoing, The Athletic reported, citing unnamed sources. The 32-year-old has missed the last three games for New York allegedly due to personal reasons. This sent signals that a divorce could be happening soon.

Rose played for the Knicks from 2016 to 2017 but struggled due to injuries. He went on to play for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, before recalling his old form with the Detroit Pistons during the 2019-20 season.

His rejuvenated run caught the eye of several teams, the Knicks being one of them. But for this season, it makes more sense since the three-time NBA All-Star would rejoin old mentor Tom Thibodeau. Both worked together with the Chicago Bulls and the Timberwolves in the past.

It would be best to note that Thibodeau is perhaps the person who knows best how to utilize the 6-foot-2 player. It would also make sense since the Knicks need a veteran guard to man the point – something they have been targeting since the offseason.

At the moment, the Knicks are relying on Elfrid Payton and Immanuel Quickley for playmaking duties. Adding Rose could give the backcourt the needed experience while not costing the Knicks that much. The Chicago native is due $7.6 million for the current NBA season.

In exchange, the names of Frank Ntilikina and Dennis Smith Jr. were singled out as the possible players who would be dealt in exchange for the 2011 NBA MVP. Kevin Knox was mentioned, but the chances of him being included are not that high.

For the current season, Rose saw a dip in his production. In 15 games, the 2009 NBA Rookie of the year has averaged 14.2 points, 4.2 assists and 1.9 rebounds in 22.8 minutes of action.

Worth noting here is that Rose has been struggling to keep himself healthy. Thibodeau and company will have to manage his minutes wisely to make sure that the investment pays off – assuming that a deal is sealed soon.